Five Privileges Of Being
A Family
First Peter 2:17 reads, "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.
Honour the king." The Greek word translated as "brotherhood"
is adelphotes and means "brotherhood, brotherly kindness, a family of brothers,
the brotherhood." Christians are members of a brotherhood or a family of
brothers. God is our father (Romans 8:14-17), Jesus is our brother (Hebrews
2:11-12), and we are a part of the household of God (1 Timothy 3:15). We should
be appreciative of this family to which we belong, and we should recognize the
privileges of being a part of this family of Christians. Here are a few for
you to consider.
First, fellowship is a privilege of the family of Christians. Philippians 1:3-5
says, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer
of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel
from the first day until now." The term "fellowship" in Philippians
1:3-5 is translated from the Greek word koinonia and means, "fellowship,
association, community, communion, or joint participation." In order for
fellowship to be a privilege, we have to share in the work and realize there
is a place for everyone. Although a congregation is made of several individual
members, the work cannot be completed by just an individual member. Each of
us has to step forward and take an active role. There would be no joy in achieving
something of importance in the kingdom of God if you did not have any part of
it. So fellowship in the work is a privilege of the Christian family.
Second, social contact is a privilege of the family of Christians. Acts 2:46
says, "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of
heart." In order for social contact to be a privilege, we need to remember
our relationship as a family. We are not small families that come together to
worship for a few hours a week. We are bound together by a common relationship
in Christ to form a household of God (Ephesians 2:19). This means that we need
to be willing to rejoice and weep with those rejoice and weep (Romans 12:10-16).
Third, discipline is a privilege of the family of Christians. Galatians 6:1-2
says, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou
also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
In order for discipline to be a privilege, we have to first care for the spiritual
nature of our brethren. But, in instances where there is a refusal to repent,
the church is obligated exercise discipline (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15). This is
a privilege in the respect that we attempt to set someone right before God.
Fourth, guidance is a privilege of the family of Christians. A preacher teaches
us what we need to know in order to live a godly life. Paul said, "These
things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long,
that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God,
which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And
without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the
flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles,
believed on in the world, received up into glory" (1 Timothy 3:14-16; cp.
4:1-11). Elders exercise oversight, making certain to feed the flock of God
(Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4). In order for guidance to be a privilege, we
listen to and follow the instructions taught from the word of God.
Fifth, benevolence is a privilege of the family of Christians. Acts 4:32-37
says, "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of
one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed
was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles
witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them
all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors
of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were
sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto
every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed
Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and
of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid
it at the apostles' feet." Often, without even meaning to, we find ourselves
in physical or financial straits. In order for benevolence to be a privilege,
we have to be willing to help each other physically and we must care for the
well-being of one another.
Before you let yourself gripe and grumble about the church and one another,
stop and reflect on the privileges of being a part of the wonderful family of
Christians. Be thankful for the privileges such as fellowship, the social contact,
discipline, guidance, and benevolence.
By Kyle Campbell
Return to the General Articles page
Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /