May 11, 2025
Family of God
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Mark 3:31-35
And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

We are not brought into the family of God by physical relationships, but by faith in Jesus Christ, leading to humble obedience.

I. God’s Family Is Not Defined by Biology
II. God’s Family Is Defined by Obedience
III. God’s Family Is Open to All Who Believe

Romans 10:13
Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.

Faith makes you family; obedience proves it.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I commit to seeking Scripture to know God’s will and live it out.
• I choose to carry hope to whoever God puts in my life this week.

Deep Dive

1. Read Luke 8:21 and James 1:22. How do these passages reinforce Jesus’ teaching that obedience, not just hearing, is essential in God’s family?
2. What does it look like in everyday life to “do the will of God” as Jesus described in Mark 3:35? How can we help each other grow in this?
3. In what ways does Romans 10:13 (“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”) expand the invitation to be part of God’s family? How should that shape our view of others?

Springboards

1. How can planting a garden be a picture of our faith journey?
2. Read Mark 4:1-20 and discuss the meaning of Jesus’ lesson.
3. Which soil most accurately describes your current spiritual condition?