An Atmosphere of Family Promotes Growth

Introduction:

1. The Father desires His children to be family.

2 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV

18 “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

A. We are son’s of Abraham by faith.

Gal 3.27

Galatians 3:7 NKJV

7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.

1. This is important because the Jews claimed Abraham as their father.

John 8:39 NKJV

39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham.

A. They thought that simply because they were Abraham’s descendants they were pleasing to God.

John 8.

John 8:41 NKJV

41 You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”

John 8:

B. Though the were Abraham’s physical descendants Jesus said that they were of their father the devil.

John 8:42–44 NKJV

42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

JOhn 8.42-

2. We promote an Atmosphere of Family when we are obedient to God.

Jn 8:45-

John 8:45–47 NKJV

45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

A. Today we are going to talk about how we promote an atmosphere of family by looking to Paul as an example as to how we build an atmosphere of family.

Body:

1. Paul opens both of his letters to Timothy by calling Timothy a son.

1 Timothy 1:1 NKJV

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,

2 Timothy 2:1 NKJV

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

A. This means he views himself as a father to Timothy and acts accordingly.

1. He offers guidance to Timothy throughout 1 & 2 Timothy as a father.

1 Timothy 3:14–15 NKJV

14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

A. He tells Timothy to charge some that they teach no other doctrine.—Chapter 1

B. He give instructions on prayer and his relationship with authority.—Chapter 2

C. He give instructions on the qualifications of elders and deacons.—Chapter 3

D. He gives instructions on how to stay faithful and be a good minister of Christ.—Chapter 4

E. He gives instructions on how to treat widows, elders (older people), elders (leadership) younger members.—Chapter 5

F. He gives instructions on the slave master relationship as well as how to treat money and riches.—Chapter 6

G. He gives instructions to hold fast the pattern of sound words.—Chapter 1

H. He gives instructions to Timothy to be strong.—Chapter 2

I. He gives instructions about perilous times.—Chapter 3

J. He gives instructions to preach the word.—Chapter 4

2. He Thanks God for his relationship to Timothy.

2 Timothy 1:3 NKJV

3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,

2 Timothy

3. He greatly desires to see Timothy.

2 Timothy 1:4 NKJV

4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy,

2 Timothy

4. He is filled with joy at Timothy’s faithfulness.

2 Timothy 1:4–5 NKJV

4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

2 Timothy 1:4-

5. He reminds Timothy to stir up his gifts.

2 Timothy 1:6 NKJV

6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Conclusion:

1. This is what it means to be family.

2 Timothy 2:1–2 NKJV

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

A. If you desire the church to grow promote an atmosphere of family by being a mentor and develop sons and daughters in the faith.

B. Teach