RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-03-01	What Is The Household of Faith? (Ga.6:10)
		Gal 6:10  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. The Christian church is regarded as a family. The body of Christ shares a mutual obligation to treat its members with particular care. This obligation can be seen as our familial responsibility. The basic social structure in ancient life was built around the household. In New Testament times households included immediate family members, but also a broad range of relatives and kinship affiliations. Paul called the early Christian church community the “household of faith.” This was a personal term of endearment. Believers understand the household of faith to be those related by shared faith (2Pe.1:1, “like precious faith”). They are brothers and sisters in Christ, and members of God's family. Paul identified the “household of God” as “the church of the living God” (1Tm.3:15). Paul also said you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of “the household of God” (Ep.2:19). The early church met together as a family, breaking bread in each other's homes (Ac.2:46; 5:42). With first-century life centered on the household, it was not unusual for an entire family to be converted at the same time. Cornelius and all his household feared God and were saved through Peter's ministry (Ac.10:1-11:18). Lydia, a business woman from Philippi, believed along with “her household” (Ac.16:15). The Philippian jailer along “with all his household” believed in Jesus and were saved (Ac.16:31-34). Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth, believed on the Lord along “with all his household” (Ac.18:8). Paul instructed Timothy to respect older men in the church as he would his own father (1Tm.6:1-2). Peter says we are to “love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1Pe.1:22). John taught that graciousness and hospitality are essential for the family of God (3Jn.1:10). The household of faith must protect its members from false teachers, to whom hospitality and support should not be extended (2Jn.1:10-11). As children imitate their parents, we should follow God's example (Ep.5:1). As obedient children we are submissive toward one another by releasing our rights to spiritual family members (Ep.5:21). We are to treat one another in God's household in a manner worthy of our calling (Ep.4:1). Paul challenges us to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. Gal 6:10  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. After all, we are family! Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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