REVIEW: This series has been all about learning to build our spiritual houses on the rock.

Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) 24Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

• Today we are talking about the roof of the house: How important is the roof of a house? What does it provide?
• The spiritual roof of our house is the family of God.

GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR US TO SEPARATE OUR CHURCH FAMILY FROM OUR HOME FAMILY.

Acts 2:42-45 (ESV) 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common.

THE FAMILY OF GOD IS ANYONE WHO HAS CONFESSED JESUS AS LORD AND SAVIOR.

Romans 8:16-17 (ESV) 16The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

• Culture has changed the way we view relationships with one another even inside the Church. What should it look like?

FRAMING (STRUCTURE)—CARRYING THE WEIGHT

• In the same way that the structure of the roof bears the weight, the family of God (The Church) is designed to help bear the weight in our homes.

Galatians 6:2 (ESV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Proverbs 17:17 (ESV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

THERPROOFING (TAR PAPER/SHINGLES)—PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS

• We are not only called to bear one another’s burdens but we are also called to PROTECT ONE ANOTHER FROM THE ELEMENTS.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

CLOSING THOUGHTS:

1. Have you been hurt by someone in the Church? How has this impacted the way you engage in relationships?
2. Who do you have in your life who you really know and who really knows you—knows your fears, struggles, etc.?
3. Do you believe that deep relationships within the Church are necessary to build a strong spiritual home?

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:

Passages to consider: Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25

• Share what was impactful from the sermon.
  1. What experiences do you have with fixing a roof or a leaky roof?
  2. Read Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25. (Bonus passage: Ephesians 5:15-21) Read them a couple of times. A) What do you see happening in the midst of relationships? B) Look for: Who is involved? What is happening? Where is it happening? When is it happening? C) What do you learn about relationships among Christ-followers?
  3. How can having spiritual friendships and a spiritual family be helpful in the journey of following Jesus? A) On a scale of 1-10, how necessary do you think these kind of relationships are?
  4. Who has modeled building a spiritual family and friendships for you? A) What has been your experience pursuing and building the relationships where you “know and are known”?
  5. What is God showing you about being in relationship with other believers? A) What are benefits? B) What could be challenges?
  6. What would it take for you to grow in this area? A) Make a commitment to what God is showing you. Who can help you? Who can you help?

Passages to prepare for next week, Built to Last (Week 4) The Doors and Windows: Mark 10:45; Matthew 28:18-20

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard