Read for This Week’s Study: Gal. 3:26, 29; Ps. 50:10–12; 1 Chron. 29:13, 14; Phil. 4:19; 1 John 5:3; Matt. 6:19–21.

The official lesson this week begins with some reflection on the idea that those who believe in Jesus Christ, who have come to believe his teachings and claims, and who have developed an on-going deferential relationship with him, constitute the family of God on this earth. The foundational text is the well-known one, I John 3:1

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1, NKJV).

This idea ...