God gave humanity four basic institutions; the family, human government, Israel and the church. Each
of these institutions demonstrates a characteristic or attribute of God;
a. Family illustrates the unity of God (Gen. 2:24, Deut. 6:4).
b. Human government , the judgement of God (Rom. 13:1-2).
c. Israel, the election of God (Rom. 9:1-18; 11:1-5).
d. Church, the love of God (Eph. 5:22-27).
Family was the first human institution God created. Through the family, God illustrates visibly the
relationships which exist in the Godhead and the relationship which exists between Christ and His church. Through the family
God sought to bring into proper relationship the world with Himself.
God's purpose in human government is that it serve as both custodian and an enforcer of His eternal
laws. All the thousands of good and practical laws passed by legislative bodies and rulers throughout history are in reality
only amplifications of the ten commandments.
God's selection of Israel as a special nation becomes obvious through study. When God promised Abraham
that he would become the father of a great nation, He also promised that He would bless all peoples through that nation (Gen.
12:1-3). Israel was to be a channel of blessing as well as a recipient.
The church, illustrating God's love for us, is the fourth institution through which God works. The
universal church, the body of Christ, (Col. 1:18) comprises all believers since the institution of the church.
Family:
How the family began - Gen. 2:18-25.
Three essentials for a Christian home - Deut. 6:4-9.
Role of the wife - 1 Peter 3:1-6.
Role of the husband - Col. 3:19.
Role of children - Prov. 1:8.
Role of parents - Eph. 6:4.
Prescription for rearing children - Prov. 22:6.
Human Government:
Origin - Gen. 9:5.
Function - Rom. 13:1-4.
Our Responsibility - 1 Peter 2:13.
Israel:
Selection of Israel - Amos 3:2.
History - Ps. 78:4.
Purpose - Deut. 14:2.
Government - 1 Chr. 28:4.
Worship - Ps. 29:2.
The Church:
Meaning of the word church - Acts 7:38.
Origin - Matt. 16:18.
Purpose - Eph. 3:21.
Offices - 1 Tim. 3:1-13.
Relationship of the church to Christ - Eph. 5:25-29.
