Embodying the Church: From Selfishness to Service
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the essence of what it means to be the church that God desires. We began with a personal story from my teenage years, illustrating the importance of shifting from a selfish mindset to one of service and care for others. This shift is crucial for the church as well. For too long, the American church has been more about consuming rather than contributing. We need to be a church that stands up and steps into situations, embodying God's ways rather than our own.
The term "church" comes from the Greek word "ecclesia," meaning "assembly" or "called out ones." The church is not just a building but a gathering of people united by the mission to know Jesus and make Him known. This mission began at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled the early believers, empowering them to be God's presence in the world. We are reminded that the church is a collective "y'all," not a collection of lone wolves. We are interconnected like an aspen grove, each unique but part of the same root system.
The church manifests in two ways: the global "big C" church and the local "little c" church. The local church, like our own Park Chapel, is vital for community engagement and spiritual growth. We must get plugged in through groups, giving, prayer, and volunteering. The church's mission extends beyond its walls; we are called to be God's hands and feet in our communities.
We also discussed the importance of knowing, growing with, and going with the church. Knowing the church involves building genuine relationships and understanding each other's stories. Growing with the church means continual self-improvement and sanctification, becoming more like Christ. Going with the church means being a table, not a wall, welcoming and loving everyone as Jesus did.
In conclusion, we are called to be a church that doesn't just go to church but embodies the church in every aspect of our lives. We must stay alert, challenge each other, and be active contributors to God's mission.
### Key Takeaways
1. Shift from Selfishness to Service: The story of my teenage years highlights the importance of moving from a selfish mindset to one of service. This shift is essential for the church to embody God's ways rather than our own. We must stand up and step into situations, contributing rather than consuming. [37:40]
2. Understanding 'Ecclesia': The term "church" comes from the Greek word "ecclesia," meaning "assembly" or "called out ones." The church is not just a building but a gathering of people united by the mission to know Jesus and make Him known. This collective mission began at Pentecost and continues today. [39:24]
3. Interconnected Like an Aspen Grove: The church is like an aspen grove, where each tree is unique but connected to the same root system. This analogy reminds us that while we are all unique, we are united by the same Spirit and mission. We must work together to fulfill God's purpose. [42:50]
4. Be a Table, Not a Wall: The church should be a welcoming table, not a wall that people have to climb over. Jesus exemplified this by welcoming everyone to His table, offering love, grace, and community. We are called to do the same, being a compelling and loving presence in the world. [01:03:09]
5. Stay Alert and Speak Up: Like the impala antelopes that warn their herd of danger, we must stay alert and speak up against threats to the church. This includes apathy, division, and compromising our beliefs. We must challenge each other to grow in faith and stay true to God's mission. [01:07:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:34] - Introduction and Prayer
[34:48] - Personal Story: Selfishness to Service
[38:35] - The Church's Mission
[39:24] - Understanding 'Ecclesia'
[40:24] - The Church as God's Presence
[41:49] - Big C and Little c Church
[42:50] - Aspen Grove Analogy
[43:46] - Getting Plugged In
[45:19] - The Space Race Analogy
[47:37] - Practical Steps to Be the Church
[49:10] - Connection Loop
[51:33] - Tips for Connecting
[53:31] - Growing with the Church
[55:36] - Beaman-esque Excellence
[58:46] - Encouraging Each Other
[59:28] - Being a Table
[01:03:09] - Jesus' Table Mindset
[01:07:15] - Staying Alert and Speaking Up
[01:09:14] - Closing Prayer
[01:10:18] - Communion
[01:12:21] - Final Thoughts and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 16:5 - "Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia."
2. 1 Corinthians 3:16 - "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"
3. Acts 2:42-47 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the Greek word "ecclesia" mean, and how does it redefine our understanding of the church? ([39:24])
2. How does the analogy of the aspen grove illustrate the interconnectedness of the church? ([42:50])
3. What were the three practical ways mentioned in the sermon to be the church that God desires? ([47:37])
4. According to Acts 2:42-47, what were some of the key activities and characteristics of the early church?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the shift from a selfish mindset to one of service impact the church's ability to fulfill God's mission? ([37:40])
2. In what ways does understanding the church as a collective "y'all" change our approach to community and ministry? ([40:57])
3. How can the church act as a welcoming table rather than a wall, and what are the implications of this mindset for our daily interactions? ([01:03:09])
4. What does it mean to stay alert and speak up against threats to the church, and how can we practically implement this in our community? ([01:07:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to shift from a selfish mindset to one of service. How did this change your perspective and actions? How can you apply this shift in your involvement with the church? ([37:40])
2. Considering the analogy of the aspen grove, how can you contribute to the interconnectedness and unity of your local church community? ([42:50])
3. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your church acts as a welcoming table rather than a wall? Think of specific actions you can take this week to make someone feel welcomed. ([01:03:09])
4. How can you stay alert and speak up against apathy, division, and compromising beliefs within your church? Identify one area where you can be more vigilant and proactive. ([01:07:15])
5. In what ways can you get more plugged into your local church through groups, giving, prayer, and volunteering? Choose one area to focus on and make a commitment to get involved. ([43:46])
6. How can you practice the "connection loop" in your church community? Identify one person you don't know well and plan a way to connect with them this week. ([49:46])
7. Reflect on the concept of "Beaman-esque" excellence. How can you encourage and challenge someone in your church to achieve unexpected excellence? Think of a specific person and plan an encouraging action. ([58:46])
Devotional
Day 1: From Selfishness to Service
The journey from selfishness to service is a transformative process that aligns us with God's ways. It involves a conscious decision to shift our focus from our own needs and desires to the needs of others. This shift is not just about doing good deeds but about embodying a mindset of service in every aspect of our lives. When we move from consuming to contributing, we become active participants in God's mission, standing up and stepping into situations where we can make a difference. This transformation is essential for the church to truly reflect God's love and grace in the world. [37:40]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you chose to prioritize your own needs over helping someone else. How can you approach a similar situation differently this week to embody a mindset of service?
Day 2: Understanding 'Ecclesia'
The term "church" comes from the Greek word "ecclesia," which means "assembly" or "called out ones." This concept emphasizes that the church is not merely a building but a gathering of people united by the mission to know Jesus and make Him known. This mission began at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit empowered the early believers to be God's presence in the world. As members of the church, we are called to live out this mission collectively, supporting and encouraging one another in our faith journeys. The church is a community of believers who are interconnected and interdependent, working together to fulfill God's purpose. [39:24]
Acts 2:42-44 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the sense of community and mission in your local church? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage your fellow believers this week?
Day 3: Interconnected Like an Aspen Grove
The church is like an aspen grove, where each tree is unique but connected to the same root system. This analogy reminds us that while we are all unique individuals, we are united by the same Spirit and mission. Just as the trees in an aspen grove support and nourish each other through their interconnected roots, we as members of the church are called to support and uplift one another. Our unity in Christ enables us to work together effectively to fulfill God's purpose, and our diversity allows us to bring different gifts and perspectives to the table. [42:50]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Reflect on the unique gifts and talents you bring to your church community. How can you use these gifts to support and strengthen the unity and mission of the church?
Day 4: Be a Table, Not a Wall
The church should be a welcoming table, not a wall that people have to climb over. Jesus exemplified this by welcoming everyone to His table, offering love, grace, and community. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same, creating an inclusive and loving environment where everyone feels welcome. Being a table means extending hospitality, showing compassion, and building genuine relationships with others. It involves breaking down barriers and creating spaces where people can experience God's love and grace firsthand. [01:03:09]
Romans 15:7 (ESV): "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel excluded or unwelcome. How can you extend hospitality and create a welcoming environment for them this week?
Day 5: Stay Alert and Speak Up
Like the impala antelopes that warn their herd of danger, we must stay alert and speak up against threats to the church. This includes apathy, division, and compromising our beliefs. As members of the church, we have a responsibility to protect and nurture our community, challenging each other to grow in faith and stay true to God's mission. Staying alert means being aware of the spiritual and moral challenges we face and taking proactive steps to address them. Speaking up involves having the courage to confront issues and encourage one another to remain steadfast in our faith. [01:07:15]
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: Identify a specific area where you see a threat to the unity or mission of your church. How can you take action to address this issue and encourage others to stay true to God's mission?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "For far too long, the American church has been consumers that sit down and sit back. Instead of stand up and step into situations. For far too long, we've cared more about our ways than God's ways. And that is not the kind of church that we need to be in order to bring the change God wants in the world." [38:35] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The church, God's church is a y'all mindset. You see, there are no rambos. There are no lone wolves in God's church. It's everybody gathered together, focused on one goal, knowing Jesus and making him known. It doesn't matter if you're a staff member, a volunteer, an old convert, a new convert. We are all focused on the same goal." [41:49] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You have the blessed opportunity to be God's hand outstretched in your context, in your community, for people who may never step foot into these walls. You may be the only gospel they ever hear. You may be the only Bible they ever read. But because you are a part of this community, because you are a part of the great big C church, that Aspen Grove, you have a role and a responsibility to make things happen." [45:19] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to be a table who's compellingly different than the rest of the world. And it starts by loving Jesus, being loved by Jesus, and trying to love other people like Jesus. Now, what does that look like? Some of you guys go, I don't know, what does that apply to? James 1.27 gives Chef's Gift a great example of this. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless as this, to look after orphans and widows in the distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." [01:04:07] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We as the church have a unique opportunity to encourage each other to go beyond what we believe we can do. And it's all because of that great Aspen grove of the Spirit that lives in us. To take the challenge from one another not to stay still, but to fly." [59:28] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So the word church is an English word for us, but it comes from the Greek word ecclesia. So say ecclesia with me. Fantastic. You just learned a Greek word. You're welcome. Ecclesia is defined as assembly or called out one. So when we see. The word ecclesia, church being used in the New Testament, it's not necessarily about a place that people gather. It's instead a gathering of people, sometimes in a place." [39:24] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to be people who are world-class noticers, who pick out the good things and say the good things. If you see it, say it. It doesn't take a whole lot, but it means a whole lot. Okay, so that's the first thing. We need to know the church. Second thing we need to do is grow with the church." [53:03] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Kaizen's mindset is that every single day you live, you need to be 1% better than the person you were yesterday. You're not trying to be better than anybody. You're not comparing yourself to anybody else. But what you're doing is you're looking at yourself the day before and you're saying, have I improved in my deficits? I think the church would incredibly benefit from thinking in this mindset of self-improvement." [54:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sanctification is the idea of getting ever closer to Jesus' glory. But here's the thing. Sanctification doesn't happen in a vacuum. You can only do it in a vacuum. You can only be as good as the people challenging and encouraging you based off of the standard that you live by. So if you claim to live by Jesus' standards, surround yourself with people who are also living based off that standard, and they're going to keep you accountable and help you grow." [55:36] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to be encouraging and challenging and growing in your own faith. You need to know the church. Grow with the church. And go with the church. Only then can we be the church that doesn't just go to church, but be the church." [01:08:18] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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