1. Creating a Climate for Closeness
in the family of God
Matthew 12:46-50
Luke 18:28-30
The climate that fosters closeness in the family of God is one in which all the members of the family love and obey the Father. Disobedience drives wedges between those who obey and those who don’t, which results in alienation rather than closeness. When all the family is striving to obey the Father, assemblies will stir love, hospitality will be a joy, and members will share their lives as family.

2. Our Spiritual Family Relationship…
Is based on doing the Father’s will (Matthew 12:50; Ephesians 2:19-20)
Is demonstrated by righteousness (1 John 2:29)
Is dependent on walking in the light (1 John 1:6-7)
Is maintained by loving obedience to our Father (1 John 5:2; 2:10)

3. Disobedience fosters alienation from those who are obedient
Disobedience fosters alienation from those who are obedient! (Psalm 69:8-9)
The Father’s Will in Eph. 5 &6 Alienating Practice
Fornication not named
Uncleanness not named (2 Cor. 12:21; Col.3:5)
Covetousness not named
Not drunk with wine
Husbands love wives
Wives submit to and respect husbands
Fathers train children
Sexual Immorality
Immodesty (1 Tim. 2:9)
Ungodly TV, movies, books, Instagram (Ps.101:3)
Filthy talk (Eph. 4:29)
Worldly things put first
Social drinking (1 Pet. 4:3)
Irresponsible husbands
Unsubmissive wife
Undisciplined children

4. When Obedience to our Father fosters a Climate for Closeness…
Assembling with one another will stir love (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Hospitality will be a joy (1 Peter 4:9)
We will share our lives as family (Acts 2:46)