Joining a OIKOS (Spiritual House) Hebrews 3:1-6
Have you ever taken the time to think about what it is that you are agreeing to when you join a local church? If you have ever had the experience of moving or changing churches, have you ever thought about what it is that you are joining? In Hebrews 3, the Bible describes the church as the Family of God. Literally, it is the Greek word, OIKOS. What is an OIKOS? What is a Spiritual Household or Family?
First, the word OIKOS can mean a literal house. This is not quite what the verse means because you and I aren’t turned into bricks to form a literal house.
Second, the word OIKOS can also mean a place of consistent or specific activity. In John 2:16, Jesus said the Pharisees had turned the temple into an OIKOS of commerce. This means a place where there is consistent business being transacted. In Matthew 21:13, Jesus said the purpose of the temple was to be an OIKOS of prayer, or a place of consistent prayer. A church supposed to be a place of consistent activity including:
Evangelism (sharing the gospel with people that do not yet know Christ) (Matthew 28:19-20),
Ministry (Helping to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs) (Matthew 25:35-40)
Fellowship (Enjoying and identifying with one another) (Acts 2:42)
Discipleship (Helping each other grow up into the fullness of Christ) (Ephesians 4:13)
Worship (Keeping God at the center of all that we do) (Colossians 3:17)
Third, the word OIKOS can also mean a place of God’s special presence. In Matthew 12:4, Jesus tells the story of David entering the OIKOS of God, the tabernacle. This was the meeting place where the priest went to meet with God. After Solomon built the temple, it was referred to as the OIKOS of God (Matthew 21:13). In 1 Peter 2:5, each believer is told that we are being built up into the OIKOS of God. This means that are all part of the place where God reveals Himself to His world. That is the reason behind the Great Commission. Matthew 18:20 says where two or more are gathered together in Jesus’ name, He is in their midst with them. When you join a local church, you become part of God revealing Himself to your community.
Fourth, the word OIKOS can also mean a place where spirits dwell. In Matthew 12:44, we are told this can be an evil spirit. In Romans 8:11, we are told this can be the Holy Spirit. When a person comes to Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live in them because they are a Spiritual dwelling place. Together, all believers make up a Spiritual dwelling place where the Holy Spirit can do His work. When you join a local church, you indicate you wish to be a part of the Holy Spirit’s dwelling in His Church.
Fifth, OIKOS can also mean a city or nation. Moses was faithful to lead the OIKOS of God. He led Israel as a nation. Hebrews 8:8 refers to the Nation of Judah as an OIKOS and the Nation of Israel as an OIKOS. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are all “are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” Since we are all part of this nation, when we join a local church, we indicate we are glad to be a part of this HAGIOS OIKOS.
Sixth, OIKOS can also mean all people descended from a single person. Luke 1:27 tells us Joseph was of the OIKOS of David. Romans 5:18-21 reminds us we are all descendants of Adam as the first man. It also says we all have the same sin nature that he surrendered to. It also tells us that all believers in Christ are descendants of Christ. We are part of His OIKOS. A regenerate church is an OIKOS in that we are all descended from Christ and we identify together and join together with our time, talents, and treasures to carry on the family business.
Lastly, OIKOS most often means a family. This is normally used to describe a local family that lives under the same roof. When you join a church, you are indicating you wish to be a part of a family that meets under a single roof for the purpose of serving God and carrying on the practices, customs, traditions, and beliefs of Christ’s family. God is our Father; Christ our Brother and we are each brothers and sisters of each other. (See Romans 8:14-17)
So then next time you join a church, remember what you are becoming a part of. The next time someone talks to you about joining your church, remind them what they are signing up for. The next time you think about being critical, remember. The next time you think about leaving, remember. The next time you are tempted to sit back and let others do the work, remember…you are part of an OIKOS!