Embracing Community: Living Out God's Design Together

Devotional

Day 1: The Necessity of Community

Living in community is essential for every one of us, as it aligns with how God designed us. We all need help at times, just like when a lawnmower died at the bottom of the hill and a neighbor offered assistance. This story illustrates the importance of community and how we are not meant to live in isolation. Living in community allows us to support each other and fulfill God's design for our lives. When we live in isolation, we miss out on the blessings and support that come from being part of a community.

In 1 Peter 4:7-11, Peter emphasizes living in intentional community and loving one another earnestly. This passage reminds us that our ultimate destination is secure through Christ's sacrifice, but our conduct still matters. We are called to live self-controlled and sober-minded lives, aligning our hearts and minds with God's will. By doing so, we can better support and love one another, fulfilling God's design for our lives. [01:12]

1 Peter 4:8-9 (ESV): "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."

Reflection: Think of a time when you needed help and someone in your community stepped in. How can you be that person for someone else today?

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Day 2: Assurance in Christ's Ultimate Goal

Christ's ultimate goal has been achieved through His sacrifice and resurrection. Our redemption was part of God's divine plan even before creation. This assurance should guide how we live our lives, even though our ultimate destination is secure. Knowing that Jesus paid the price for our sins gives us hope and confidence in our daily walk with God.

Despite our imperfections and sins, we are called to live self-controlled and sober-minded lives. This means aligning our hearts and minds with God's will, allowing His assurance to guide our actions and decisions. By doing so, we can live in a way that reflects our secure hope in Christ and brings glory to God. [05:45]

1 Peter 1:18-20 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you."

Reflection: How does the assurance of your redemption through Christ's sacrifice influence your daily decisions and actions?

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Day 3: The Challenge of Loving Earnestly

Loving one another earnestly is crucial, even when it is difficult. Our culture often encourages us to walk away from challenging relationships, but as followers of Jesus, we are called to love deeply and persistently. Love covers a multitude of sins, allowing us to look past each other's flaws and imperfections.

This kind of love requires effort and intentionality. It means choosing to forgive, to show grace, and to extend kindness even when it is not easy. By loving earnestly, we reflect the love of Christ to those around us and build stronger, more meaningful relationships within our community. [10:26]

Colossians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life with whom you have a challenging relationship. How can you show them earnest love and forgiveness today?

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Day 4: Embracing and Using Our Unique Gifts

Each of us has been given unique gifts by God, and we are called to use these gifts to serve one another. Comparing our gifts to others only steals our joy; instead, we should embrace the diversity of our gifts and use them in the context God has placed us. Whether we speak, serve, or use any other gift, our ultimate goal is to glorify God.

By focusing on our unique gifts and how we can use them to serve others, we can find joy and fulfillment in our service. Embracing our gifts allows us to contribute to the community in meaningful ways and to glorify God through our actions. [19:46]

Romans 12:6-8 (ESV): "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you? How can you use these gifts to serve others and glorify God today?

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Day 5: Practical Steps to Build Community

Building community takes time and effort. We need to get to know each other, share our lives, and support one another. Initiatives like supper clubs and directories can help us connect and build relationships. If you feel alone or isolated, know that you are loved by God and that there are people here who care about you.

Living in community allows us to support each other and fulfill God's design for our lives. By taking practical steps to build community, we can create a supportive and loving environment where everyone feels valued and connected. [30:14]

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: What practical steps can you take this week to build stronger relationships within your community? How can you reach out to someone who may feel isolated or alone?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Living in community is essential for every one of us, as it aligns with how God designed us. We all need help at times, just like I did when my lawnmower died at the bottom of the hill and a neighbor offered assistance. This story illustrates the importance of community and how we are not meant to live in isolation. Today, we explored 1 Peter 4:7-11, which emphasizes living in intentional community and loving one another earnestly.

Peter reminds us that Christ's ultimate goal has been achieved, and our redemption was part of God's divine plan even before creation. Despite our imperfections and sins, Jesus paid the price for us, and our hope is found in Him. This assurance should guide how we live our lives, even though our ultimate destination is secure. We are called to live self-controlled and sober-minded lives, which align our hearts and minds with God's will.

Loving one another earnestly is crucial, even when it is difficult. Our culture often encourages us to walk away from challenging relationships, but as followers of Jesus, we are called to love deeply and persistently. Love covers a multitude of sins, allowing us to look past each other's flaws and imperfections. We are also called to show hospitality without grumbling, sharing our time, gifts, and possessions with others.

Each of us has been given unique gifts by God, and we are called to use these gifts to serve one another. Comparing our gifts to others only steals our joy; instead, we should embrace the diversity of our gifts and use them in the context God has placed us. Whether we speak, serve, or use any other gift, our ultimate goal is to glorify God.

In practical terms, building community takes time and effort. We need to get to know each other, share our lives, and support one another. Initiatives like supper clubs and directories can help us connect and build relationships. If you feel alone or isolated, know that you are loved by God and that there are people here who care about you. Living in community allows us to support each other and fulfill God's design for our lives.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Community: We are designed to live in community, not isolation. Just as I needed help with my lawnmower, we all need help at times. Living in community allows us to support each other and fulfill God's design for our lives. [01:12]
2. Christ's Ultimate Goal: Christ's ultimate goal has been achieved through His sacrifice and resurrection. Our redemption was part of God's divine plan even before creation. This assurance should guide how we live our lives, even though our ultimate destination is secure. [05:45]
3. Loving Earnestly: Loving one another earnestly is crucial, even when it is difficult. Our culture often encourages us to walk away from challenging relationships, but as followers of Jesus, we are called to love deeply and persistently. Love covers a multitude of sins, allowing us to look past each other's flaws and imperfections. [10:26]
4. Using Our Gifts: Each of us has been given unique gifts by God, and we are called to use these gifts to serve one another. Comparing our gifts to others only steals our joy; instead, we should embrace the diversity of our gifts and use them in the context God has placed us. [19:46]
5. Practical Steps to Build Community: Building community takes time and effort. We need to get to know each other, share our lives, and support one another. Initiatives like supper clubs and directories can help us connect and build relationships. If you feel alone or isolated, know that you are loved by God and that there are people here who care about you. [30:14]
### [30:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:12] - The Lawn Mower Story
[02:13] - Introduction to 1 Peter 4
[03:14] - Our Goals at Lakeside
[04:11] - Christ's Ultimate Goal
[05:01] - God's Divine Plan
[05:45] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Resurrection
[06:35] - Living in the In-Between Time
[07:18] - The Cleveland Indians Analogy
[08:27] - Our Conduct Still Matters
[09:36] - Self-Control and Sober-Mindedness
[10:26] - Loving One Another Earnestly
[11:07] - The Challenge of Love
[12:21] - Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
[13:02] - The Recliner Story
[14:06] - We Are All Flawed
[15:29] - Show Hospitality Without Grumbling
[16:02] - Sharing with Others
[17:42] - Teaching Kids to Share
[19:05] - Using Our Gifts to Serve
[20:19] - The Bon Jovi and Dave Matthews Analogy
[21:49] - Stop Comparing Your Gifts
[23:08] - Embrace Your Unique Gifts
[24:08] - Glorifying God Through Our Gifts
[24:47] - Practical Ways to Build Community
[25:23] - The Directory Issue
[27:06] - Rebuilding the Directory
[29:09] - Supper Clubs
[30:14] - Building Relationships
[32:17] - The Comment Card
[33:56] - The Importance of Living in Community
[34:41] - The Dead Mower Story
[35:41] - Prayer for Community

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Peter mean when he says, "The end of all things is at hand"? How should this influence our behavior? [04:11]
According to 1 Peter 4:8, why is it important to love one another earnestly? [10:26]
How does Peter suggest we should use our gifts in 1 Peter 4:10? [19:05]
What practical steps did the pastor suggest for building community within the church? [24:47]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Peter emphasize being "self-controlled and sober-minded" in the context of prayer? How might a lack of these qualities affect our spiritual lives? [04:11]
The sermon mentioned that "love covers a multitude of sins." How does this principle apply to our relationships within the church? [12:21]
How can comparing our gifts to others "steal our joy," as mentioned in the sermon? What does this teach us about embracing our unique gifts? [21:49]
The pastor shared a story about needing help with a lawnmower. How does this story illustrate the importance of living in community? [01:12]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you needed help but were reluctant to accept it. How can you be more open to receiving help from your community in the future? [01:12]
Think of a challenging relationship in your life. How can you apply the principle of "loving earnestly" to this relationship, even when it is difficult? [11:07]
Identify a specific gift or talent you have. How can you use this gift to serve others in your church or community this week? [19:05]
The sermon emphasized showing hospitality without grumbling. What are some practical ways you can show hospitality to others in your life? [15:29]
The pastor mentioned initiatives like supper clubs and directories to build community. Are you currently involved in any church activities that help build relationships? If not, what steps can you take to get involved? [24:47]
How can you ensure that you are living a self-controlled and sober-minded life? Are there specific areas where you need to improve? [09:36]
Reflect on the idea that "love covers a multitude of sins." How can you practice forgiveness and grace in your interactions with others this week? [12:21]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Our goal in our prayer is that every person, every person that comes into Lakeside, as soon as they walk in these doors, they would know two things beyond everything else. First and foremost, they would know that they are loved and they matter to God. That is our biggest aim." [03:14] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "He knew the choices that we were going to make. He still loves us in spite of our rebellion, in spite of our sin. And so, he devised the plan to send his son to be the price, to be the payment for my imperfection, to pay the price for my sin upon the cross once and for all in a sacrifice that I could not meet and I could not make because God's standard." [05:01] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you're not dead, then God's not done with you. And so this is important for every single one of us to make the most of all of our days. And we're told here, we're told how to live because how we still live, even though our ultimate destination is secured, how we still live, our conduct still matters." [08:59] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins. So how do we respond? What do we do? We love one another earnestly. Above all, love one another earnestly. And this idea of earnestly loving somebody is a picture of hard work, of grit, of dedication." [10:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling, verse 9 says. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Welcome others. Share with them. Share your time. Share your gifts. Share your possessions with them. And open up yourselves and what you have to others. And do this without grumbling." [15:29] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And whether we realize it or not in life, every single one of us, every single one of us, whether you're the biggest introvert God has ever designed or whether you're the biggest extrovert, every single one of us needs to live in community because that is how we were ultimately designed." [01:12] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And we don't believe in coincidence. We believe that God ordains things and He designs things. And there is purpose behind things that sometimes we see purpose in and a lot of times we don't see purpose in. But we believe that God is... He's orchestrating something beautiful. And part of that is that none of us are to live in isolation." [03:14] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And three days later, he rose again, proving that he was victorious over sin, death, hell, and the grave, proving that God accepted the sacrifice, on all of our behalf, and that we have hope, and our hope is found in Jesus. He is the exclusive source of hope, and ultimately, his goal has been achieved, and the ultimate fulfillment of that goal is what? That we would be restored, and we would be redeemed, and we would live in direct community and intimacy with our creator as it was originally designed, all the way back in the garden." [05:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And as people that love and follow Jesus, what we're told is that, hey, you need to love people and you need to love them earnestly. It isn't just about love. It isn't always going to be easy. It isn't always going to be pleasant. It isn't always going to be fun. And there's going to be that one person that you really, really, really don't want to love. Love them anyway." [12:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And the call for every single one of us who is a follower of Jesus is that we don't have to compare. We don't have to try to emulate somebody else. God has wired us and designed us all uniquely. He's designed us with diversity. And this is to our benefit. It's not so that we could all try to homogenize our gifts and try to say, well, my gift needs to look like yours, and I need to approach things in the way that you approach things." [22:30] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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