The Family of Believers

Welcome to Worship!

• Our mission — Glorify God, love others, and make disciples.

Today’s Message: The Family of Believers

• Main passages: 1 Timothy 4:11-12, Psalm 78:1-8.
• Today’s Main Idea: As a family of believers, we are called to encourage and motivate one another in our walk with Christ across the generations.

The Church is a Family.

• The Bible talks about the church in a variety of ways: Chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, Temple of God, Body of Christ.
• The Bible also describes the church as the “family of believers” (e.g. Galatians 6:10)
• See also Romans 8:15; Ephesians 1:5; and Hebrews 2:10-11. 
• “Family” emphasizes the communal aspect of following Jesus.
• “The Christian life is not a solo act. We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves.” – Rick Warren
  • The Bible’s vision for the church family is a community that encourages people to connect with each other, grow closer to God, and live out their faith.

Encouraging Each Other in a Multigenerational Church

• Sometimes older Christians train and mentor younger ones (like Paul and Timothy).
• Other times, the younger Christians are called to lead by example.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:11-12

• Paul offers fatherly guidance to the younger Timothy, but he also expects the younger Timothy to set an example for older Christians.
• Encouragement is flowing across the generations, not just in a straight line from older to younger.
• Even though Timothy still has a lot to learn, he also has a lot to offer.

In a multigenerational family of believers, we all have something to offer and something to learn.

Today’s Main Passage: Psalm 78:1-8

Passing the Baton of Faith (Psalm 78:1-3)

• The people of Israel received an inheritance of faith from previous generations.
• Passed down through teaching the Word, telling stories of God’s faithfulness, and a commitment to worship.
• Each generation that receives this faith must also pass it along to others.

The Multiplication Factor (Psalm 78:4-6)

• The people of Israel were commanded to talk about their faith with the next generation.
• Not just one generation in view, but multiple!
• Israel’s Ancestors (1) teach the next generation (2) who will share it with children yet to be born (3) who will be able to tell it to their kids (4).
• Our goal as a family, whether it’s a physical family or a spiritual family, is to make disciples who will make disciples (who will make disciples.)

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2 — Paul (1), Timothy (2) Reliable Men (3), Others (4). 

• Paul’s vision was bigger than helping Timothy get saved… it involved the ripple effect of faith that happens when we share the Gospel across the generations.

Three Goals for a Growing Family of Faith (Psalm 78:7-8)

• They will grow in their knowledge
• They will deepen their faith
• They will obey God’s commands

In the church family, there are people who can help you grow in all these areas. And there are people who need your help.

• Remember: We all have something to offer, and we all have something to learn.

Application

How can we put this into practice? 

• • By embracing our calling as a multigenerational family of believers and encouraging each other to follow Jesus faithfully across the generations.

Practical Steps:

• Join or start a small group.
• Start serving in a ministry.
• Start a new ministry that aligns with your spiritual gifts — we will help you get it going!
• Open up about how your church family can help you.
• Make the decision to trust in Jesus, put on Christ in baptism, and be adopted into the family of faith.

Study & Reflection

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” -Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

Let’s read Hebrews 10:19-25 which talks about our devotion to God as individuals and our commitment to helping each other grow as a family of faith.

• The passage begins by talking about entering the Most Holy Place. How has Jesus allowed us to enter into a closer relationship with God?
• What does it mean to you that Jesus is our priest? How does a priest help others in their relationship with God?
• One of the things this passage talks about is holding tight to our faith. What are some of the way we can do that as individuals? 
• Another aspect of this passage is about our relationships with other Christians. According to these verses, what should those relationships be like?
• This verse emphasizes gathering together with other believers. In order for that gathering to be productive for a person’s walk with God, what would need to happen?
• How has the community of faith (or maybe specific individuals) helped you in your walk with God over the years?
• What do you think it means to “encourage” one another, the way this passage talks about?
• Bryan mentioned in the sermon that everyone has something to offer, and everyone has something to learn. Do you agree or disagree with that statement? Why?
• What is something you’d like to discuss, look into, or pray about further after hearing this sermon and discussing this passage?