Embracing Community: God's Design for Connection

Devotional

Day 1: Created for Community

God designed us to live in community, supporting and encouraging one another. From the very beginning, God declared that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). This divine design is echoed throughout the Bible, emphasizing that we are one body in Christ, each member belonging to the others. Living in community is not just a social preference but a spiritual necessity. It is through relationships that we experience the fullness of God's love and grace.

In a world that often values individualism and self-sufficiency, it can be challenging to prioritize community. However, the Bible makes it clear that we are not meant to walk this journey alone. We are called to bear one another's burdens, to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep. By living in community, we reflect the relational nature of God Himself. [28:08]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt supported by your community. How can you be that support for someone else this week?

Day 2: Addressing Loneliness

Despite living in a highly connected world, many people feel isolated. Statistics show that loneliness is prevalent, especially among young adults. This issue is not just a social problem but a spiritual one, as it goes against God's design for us to live in community. The church has a crucial role in addressing this crisis by fostering genuine relationships.

Loneliness can have severe emotional and physical consequences, but it also impacts our spiritual well-being. When we are isolated, we are more vulnerable to negative thoughts and spiritual attacks. The church is called to be a place of refuge, where people can find meaningful connections and experience the love of Christ through others. By being intentional about building relationships, we can help alleviate the loneliness that so many people feel. [25:06]

Psalm 68:6 (ESV): "God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land."

Reflection: Identify someone in your life who may be experiencing loneliness. How can you reach out to them and offer genuine companionship this week?

Day 3: Emulating the Early Church

The early church met daily, shared meals, and supported each other in every way. This model of community is something we should strive to emulate. Meeting together regularly, sharing our lives, and supporting one another are essential aspects of a healthy Christian community.

The early church's commitment to community was not just about social gatherings; it was a way of life. They understood that their faith was strengthened through their relationships with one another. By sharing their resources and caring for each other's needs, they demonstrated the love of Christ in tangible ways. This model challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions and invest deeply in the lives of those around us. [35:22]

Acts 2:46-47 (ESV): "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the principles of the early church into your daily life? What steps can you take to build deeper connections within your community?

Day 4: Iron Sharpens Iron

Proverbs 27:17 teaches us that "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This process of mutual growth and accountability is vital for our spiritual development. It involves clashing and challenging each other, which can be uncomfortable but is necessary for growth.

True community involves more than just encouragement; it also includes accountability. We need people in our lives who will challenge us, speak truth into our situations, and help us grow in our faith. This sharpening process can be difficult, but it is essential for our spiritual maturity. By embracing accountability, we allow others to help us become more like Christ. [36:38]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who in your life challenges you to grow spiritually? How can you cultivate a relationship of mutual accountability with them?

Day 5: Practical Steps to Build Community

Joining or forming small groups is a practical way to foster community. These groups provide a space for deeper connections, mutual support, and spiritual growth. By being intentional about building relationships, we can create the community that God intended for us.

Small groups offer a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships in a more intimate setting. They allow for deeper discussions, personal sharing, and mutual support. By committing to a small group, you can experience the benefits of community on a deeper level. It requires intentionality and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. [55:34]

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Reflection: Are you currently part of a small group or community within your church? If not, what steps can you take to join or form one? If you are, how can you contribute more intentionally to the group's growth and support?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Fresa Community Church! Today, we gathered to worship the King of Glory, the Lord strong and mighty, and to remind ourselves of our identity as children of God. We reflected on the importance of living in community, a theme central to our current series, "Open Hands." Last week, we discussed serving one another, and today, we delved into the necessity of community.

We explored the alarming statistics on loneliness, particularly among young adults, and how this issue is prevalent even in our highly connected society. Despite technological advancements, many people feel isolated. This loneliness is not just a social issue but a spiritual one, as God designed us for community. From Genesis to the New Testament, the Bible emphasizes that it is not good for man to be alone. We are called to form one body in Christ, supporting and encouraging one another.

We also discussed how the early church exemplified community by meeting daily, sharing meals, and supporting each other. This model of community is something we should strive to emulate. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another," highlighting the importance of mutual growth and accountability.

In our modern context, community can be challenging due to our busy lives and individualistic culture. However, we are encouraged to push past these barriers and engage in meaningful relationships. Small groups are a practical way to foster this sense of community. They provide a space for deeper connections, mutual support, and spiritual growth.

We concluded with a call to action: to join or form small groups, to be intentional about building community, and to remember that we are not meant to walk this journey alone. As we love one another, we will create the community that God intended for us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. God Designed Us for Community: From the very beginning, God declared that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). We are created to live in community, supporting and encouraging one another. This divine design is echoed throughout the Bible, emphasizing that we are one body in Christ, each member belonging to the others. [28:08]
2. Loneliness is a Spiritual and Social Crisis: Despite living in a highly connected world, many people feel isolated. Statistics show that loneliness is prevalent, especially among young adults. This issue is not just a social problem but a spiritual one, as it goes against God's design for us to live in community. The church has a crucial role in addressing this crisis by fostering genuine relationships. [25:06]
3. The Early Church as a Model for Community: The early church met daily, shared meals, and supported each other in every way. This model of community is something we should strive to emulate. Meeting together regularly, sharing our lives, and supporting one another are essential aspects of a healthy Christian community. [35:22]
4. Iron Sharpens Iron: Proverbs 27:17 teaches us that "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This process of mutual growth and accountability is vital for our spiritual development. It involves clashing and challenging each other, which can be uncomfortable but is necessary for growth. [36:38]
5. Practical Steps to Build Community: Joining or forming small groups is a practical way to foster community. These groups provide a space for deeper connections, mutual support, and spiritual growth. By being intentional about building relationships, we can create the community that God intended for us. [55:34]
### [55:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:16] - Opening Prayer and Psalm Reading
[14:23] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[17:19] - Prayer Requests and Community Concerns
[24:07] - Introduction to "Open Hands" Series
[25:06] - Loneliness Statistics and Social Crisis
[28:08] - Biblical Foundation for Community
[29:55] - The Importance of Meeting Together
[35:22] - The Early Church as a Model
[36:38] - Iron Sharpens Iron
[41:24] - Shared Burdens and Multiplied Joys
[44:02] - Carrying Each Other's Burdens
[50:00] - The Danger of Isolation
[55:34] - Practical Steps to Build Community
[62:59] - Benediction and Closing Hymn

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Genesis 2:18, what did God declare about man's need for companionship?
How does Proverbs 27:17 describe the process of mutual growth and accountability?
In Acts 2:42-47, what activities did the early church engage in to foster community?
What alarming statistics about loneliness were shared in the sermon, particularly among young adults? [25:06]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that God declared it is not good for man to be alone in Genesis 2:18? How does this shape our understanding of community?
How does the metaphor of "iron sharpening iron" in Proverbs 27:17 apply to our relationships within the church? What does this suggest about the nature of Christian fellowship?
Reflecting on Acts 2:42-47, what can we learn from the early church's approach to community? How does this model challenge our modern-day practices?
The sermon mentioned that loneliness is both a social and spiritual crisis. How does this dual nature of loneliness impact the church's role in addressing it? [25:06]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Do you feel a sense of loneliness despite being connected through technology? How can you take steps to build more meaningful relationships within your church community? [27:13]
Proverbs 27:17 talks about mutual sharpening. Can you identify a person in your life who challenges you to grow spiritually? How can you intentionally invest in that relationship this week? [36:38]
The early church met daily and shared their lives deeply. What practical steps can you take to emulate this model of community in your own small group or church? [35:22]
The sermon emphasized the importance of small groups for fostering community. Are you currently part of a small group? If not, what is holding you back from joining one? How can you overcome these barriers? [55:34]
Think about a time when you felt supported by your church community. How did that experience impact your faith journey? How can you offer similar support to others in your small group or church? [41:24]
The sermon mentioned that we often avoid community because of fear of being known. What fears do you have about being part of a small group? How can you address these fears with faith and courage? [58:46]
How can you be more intentional about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in your small group to ensure that everyone feels valued and supported? [57:03]

Sermon Clips

1. "We live in a world where we're lonely. We live in a day and age where we are more connected with social media and other avenues, but yet we are alone. We feel alone. And God says that we were not created to be alone, but yet we feel it. Something is amiss. And the church has the answer. We were designed by God for community." [27:13] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We were created to be in community, but because of sin, we have been separated from both God and others. And that's kind of the rub we have, the rub we have with community. We want it so desperately, but we don't feel like if they really knew the real me, man, I don't know if they'd want to be in community with me or even the opposite. I don't know if I want to get to know that person. They're kind of weird." [33:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We learn in rows, which we are in today, but God grows us in circles. And circles meaning when we gather together and converse and challenge one another. The early church did this well. In Acts 2, 42, it says, They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. So they learned from the teaching. They heard a person speak and learned and grew. They devoted themselves to that teaching and they had fellowship, breaking of bread together and prayer." [34:20] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We were created to serve and love one another and our God, but we were called to do it together. Not just one offs. And. I know it has been gotten to this place where we live in a day and age where we may be in a crowd, but we're lonely." [30:53] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We were created to be in community, to do life together. I've told this story before where one of the baristas, she was actually the manager of the Starbucks. And we would talk a little bit here and there, and she would ask what I was doing. And then I was saying, well, I was at a church in Madison, and she asked some questions about church. And I said, come to church some Sunday. We'd love to have you there. And she showed up one day. And at that point, she started coming back to the church." [32:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "We were created to be in community, to do life together. I've told this story before where one of the baristas, she was actually the manager of the Starbucks. And we would talk a little bit here and there, and she would ask what I was doing. And then I was saying, well, I was at a church in Madison, and she asked some questions about church. And I said, come to church some Sunday. We'd love to have you there. And she showed up one day. And at that point, she started coming back to the church." [32:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We were created to be in community, to do life together. I've told this story before where one of the baristas, she was actually the manager of the Starbucks. And we would talk a little bit here and there, and she would ask what I was doing. And then I was saying, well, I was at a church in Madison, and she asked some questions about church. And I said, come to church some Sunday. We'd love to have you there. And she showed up one day. And at that point, she started coming back to the church." [32:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We were created to be in community, to do life together. I've told this story before where one of the baristas, she was actually the manager of the Starbucks. And we would talk a little bit here and there, and she would ask what I was doing. And then I was saying, well, I was at a church in Madison, and she asked some questions about church. And I said, come to church some Sunday. We'd love to have you there. And she showed up one day. And at that point, she started coming back to the church." [32:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We were created to be in community, to do life together. I've told this story before where one of the baristas, she was actually the manager of the Starbucks. And we would talk a little bit here and there, and she would ask what I was doing. And then I was saying, well, I was at a church in Madison, and she asked some questions about church. And I said, come to church some Sunday. We'd love to have you there. And she showed up one day. And at that point, she started coming back to the church." [32:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We were created to be in community, to do life together. I've told this story before where one of the baristas, she was actually the manager of the Starbucks. And we would talk a little bit here and there, and she would ask what I was doing. And then I was saying, well, I was at a church in Madison, and she asked some questions about church. And I said, come to church some Sunday. We'd love to have you there. And she showed up one day. And at that point, she started coming back to the church." [32:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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