Embracing Community: The Key to Spiritual Growth

Devotional

Day 1: Every Believer Has a Unique Spiritual Gift for the Common Good

God has given each believer a unique manifestation of the Holy Spirit, not for personal benefit, but for the good of the entire community. When you withhold your gift, you are keeping something vital from others who need it. Your spiritual gift is not about making yourself the main character, but about serving and building up those around you. The church is healthiest and most vibrant when every member is actively using their God-given gifts in community, rather than living in isolation or self-focus. [18:38]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV)
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally use your spiritual gift this week to serve someone else in your church or small group, rather than keeping it to yourself?

Day 2: Spiritual Gifts Are Discovered and Flourish in Life-Giving Community

You cannot fully discover or operate in your spiritual gifting while living in isolation; it is within the context of life-giving community that your unique gifts are revealed, affirmed, and put to use. Just as physical needs like food and sleep are essential, so is your need for spiritual community—where others can speak into your life, encourage you, and help you grow. Humility is required to admit this need, but embracing it leads to deeper fulfillment and spiritual health. [23:07]

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: Who in your life can you invite into deeper community this week, or what step can you take to move from isolation into a life-giving group?

Day 3: Life-Giving Community Brings Anticipation, Friendship, Care, and Joy

Being part of a life-giving community provides anticipation for meaningful gatherings, deep friendships that support you in crisis, practical care, and shared laughter that relieves stress and brings joy. Social isolation is as detrimental to your health as other major risk factors, but community brings celebration, healthier habits, and a sense of belonging. When you participate in a small group, you experience the richness of shared life, humor, and support that God intends for you. [28:43]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (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! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can bring joy or care to someone in your community or small group this week?

Day 4: We Need the Wisdom and Discipleship of Others

God often answers our prayers and brings freedom through the wisdom, experience, and discipleship of others in our community. Vulnerability in small groups leads to the realization that you are not alone in your struggles, and authentic discipleship grows from relational equity. Sometimes, the answer you are seeking is already present in the heart or experience of someone else, waiting to be shared in the context of honest conversation and mutual support. [34:18]

Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Reflection: Who is someone you can reach out to for wisdom or discipleship this week, or how can you offer your own experience to help someone else?

Day 5: You Were Made to Be Needed and Take Spiritual Responsibility

Every person has a God-given need to be needed—to take responsibility for something in the body of Christ that won’t happen unless you show up. When you step into roles of service, even in small ways, you ignite purpose and spiritual passion within yourself and bless others. Affirmation and growth come as you faithfully serve, and your unique gifts are recognized and encouraged by those around you. [39:01]

Romans 12:4-6 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.

Reflection: What is one area—big or small—where you can take spiritual responsibility this week, trusting that your presence and service truly matter?

Sermon Summary

In the heart of every believer is a longing for deep, meaningful connection—a longing that God Himself designed us to experience within the context of life-giving community. True spiritual growth and fulfillment are not found in isolation, but in the shared journey of faith with others. Small groups are not just a program or an add-on; they are the very fabric of what it means to be the church. When we gather in smaller circles, we move beyond surface-level interactions and step into authentic relationships where we are known, loved, and challenged to grow.

The excuses that keep us from engaging in community—busyness, past experiences, or the comfort of isolation—are not only unhelpful, but they are also unbiblical. Scripture teaches that each of us has been given a unique manifestation of the Holy Spirit, not for our own benefit, but for the common good. When we withhold our gifts from the body, we deprive others of the blessing God intended to flow through us. Our spiritual gifts are discovered, affirmed, and activated in the context of community, not in solitude.

Life-giving community meets our deepest needs: the need for anticipation and joy, the need for friendship and care, the need for wisdom and guidance, and the need to be needed. Studies even show that those who are connected in meaningful relationships live longer, healthier lives. In community, we find people who will pray for us, care for us in times of crisis, and celebrate with us in moments of joy. We also find the wisdom of others—those who have walked the road before us and can offer insight, encouragement, and even correction.

Moreover, being part of a small group is a humble admission that we cannot do life alone. We need others, and others need us. Spiritual responsibility—showing up, serving, and using our gifts—ignites purpose and fulfillment in our lives. The answer to many of our prayers may already be present in the wisdom, encouragement, or support of someone sitting across the room in a small group. As we step into these relationships, we not only grow ourselves, but we become a blessing to others, fulfilling the call of Christ to be His body on earth.

Key Takeaways

1. Life-giving community is essential for spiritual growth and personal well-being. Isolation may feel safe or convenient, but it deprives us of the deep friendships, care, and joy that God intends for us. True transformation happens when we share our lives with others, allowing ourselves to be known and loved in authentic relationships. [12:50]
2. Our spiritual gifts are not for ourselves, but for the common good. When we neglect to use our gifts in community, we withhold God’s blessing from others and miss out on the fulfillment that comes from serving. Discovering and operating in our spiritual gifts within a group context protects us from sin and self-centeredness, and draws us into God’s greater purpose. [18:38]
3. The wisdom and experience of others are vital for our journey. In small groups, we gain access to the stories, insights, and encouragement of fellow believers who have walked similar paths. Often, the answer to our prayers is found in the counsel and support of those God has placed around us, rather than in solitary striving. [34:18]
4. We all have a deep need to be needed and to take spiritual responsibility. When we step into roles of service and leadership, even in small ways, we experience the joy and purpose of being used by God. Spiritual responsibility is especially crucial for the next generation, as it ignites passion and a sense of belonging in the body of Christ. [39:01]
5. Humility is required to admit our need for community, wisdom, and purpose. Joining a small group is not just about what we receive, but about what we give. As we open ourselves to others, we allow God to use us to bless, encourage, and build up the church, fulfilling our calling as members of Christ’s body. [25:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:38] - Introducing Elders Gary and Paula
[02:10] - The Power of Small Groups in Our Church
[04:15] - Stories of Friendship and Care in Community
[07:30] - The Importance of Prayer and Support
[12:50] - The Danger of Isolation
[15:58] - Modern Excuses for Avoiding Community
[18:38] - Spiritual Gifts: For the Common Good
[22:07] - Decentralizing Ourselves: Living for Others
[23:07] - Discovering Gifts in Community
[25:42] - Three Needs Met in Small Groups
[27:14] - Anticipation, Friendship, and Health
[28:43] - The Gift of Humor and Shared Life
[32:14] - The Wisdom of Others and Finding Freedom
[34:18] - Life-Changing Conversations
[37:48] - The Need to Be Needed
[39:01] - Spiritual Responsibility Ignites Purpose
[40:30] - Relational Equity and Affirmation
[42:30] - Blessing and Commissioning
[44:10] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (ESV) — 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 12:7, what is the purpose of the spiritual gifts given to each person?
In the sermon, what are some of the common excuses people use to avoid joining a small group? ([15:58])
What are three needs that the pastor says are met by joining a small group? ([25:42])
How does the sermon describe the difference between living in isolation and living in life-giving community? ([12:50])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that spiritual gifts are for the “common good” and not just for the individual? How does this challenge the way people often think about their own gifts? (1 Corinthians 12:7)
The pastor says that operating in your spiritual gift helps protect you from sin and self-centeredness. How might using your gifts in community help you grow spiritually? ([18:38])
The sermon mentions that the wisdom and experience of others are vital for our journey. Why is it important to seek out the counsel and support of others rather than trying to figure things out alone? ([34:18])
The pastor talks about the need to be needed and to take spiritual responsibility. How does serving others in a small group context ignite purpose and fulfillment in a believer’s life? ([39:01])

Application Questions

The sermon says that isolation may feel safe or convenient, but it deprives us of the deep friendships, care, and joy that God intends for us. Are there any areas in your life where you are choosing isolation over community? What is one step you could take this week to move toward deeper connection? ([12:50])
Think about the spiritual gifts God has given you. Are you currently using them to serve others in community, or have you been holding back? What is one way you could begin to use your gifts for the common good in your small group or church? ([18:38])
The pastor shared that often the answer to our prayers is found in the wisdom and support of those around us. Is there a specific area where you need guidance or encouragement? How could you invite others into that part of your life this week? ([34:18])
The sermon highlights the need to be needed and to take spiritual responsibility. Is there a small way you could serve or lead in your group, even if it’s just bringing a snack or helping organize a meeting? How might this help you feel more connected and purposeful? ([39:01])
The pastor said that humility is required to admit our need for community, wisdom, and purpose. Is there any pride or fear that keeps you from opening up to others? What would it look like to take a humble step toward vulnerability in your group? ([25:42])
Studies show that meaningful relationships can lead to a longer, healthier life. How have you experienced the benefits of friendship, care, or laughter in community? If you haven’t, what would you hope to experience by joining a group? ([27:14])
The sermon mentioned that sometimes we find ourselves “bored” or “uninspired” because we aren’t operating in our spiritual gifts. Have you ever felt this way? What is one thing you could do to discover or activate your gifts in the context of community? ([22:07])

Sermon Clips

A manifestation of the spirit is given to each person for the common good. That means if you're not using your spiritual gift, you are keeping something from me. You're keeping something from the person next to you. You're keeping that gift from somebody on the other side of the room.

Whatever excuse you have for not joining a small group is actually unbiblical and it's selfish and it's prideful. [00:15:22]

If you are aware of your spiritual gifting then you will be less inclined to be led astray by the distractions of your life that are anti Christ. So your spiritual gift in action keeps you from sinning. [00:18:23]

If you have a sin cycle problem in your life it might be because you've never been informed what your spiritual gifting is or you know what it is but you've self isolated and you're not using your gift and therefore we have a sin issue in our life because we're not operating in our spiritual gift. Your spiritual gift is your pathway to overcoming sin and actually living an overcoming life. [00:18:43]

What this means is that the Holy Spirit has been uniquely deposited in your life for something greater than you. Your gifting is not a gifting for you, your gifting is a gifting for others. And it makes you decentralize you as the main character of your life. [00:21:57]

Spirit-filled followers of Jesus should be actively engaged in a cause greater than themselves. And your spiritual gifting should inspire you and bring fulfillment to your life. If you're not inspired and you're not fulfilled, I would argue that you haven't been informed what your spiritual gifting is. [00:22:29]

If you want to become unbored, start the adventure of living your life through the deposit of the Holy Spirit in your life. [00:22:51]

Your spiritual gift is discovered and utilized in the context of life-giving community. So you will never discover your unique deposit of the Spirit in the context of a life of isolation. [00:23:16]

When you live your spiritual life in the context of isolation, then you're not operating for the common good. [00:24:14]

We also have a need and that is a spiritual need and that need is to understand our spiritual gifting and operate that spiritual gifting in the context of life-giving community, but it takes humility to admit that we need life-giving community. [00:25:22]

Deciding to join a small group is a humble admission of three needs. One is our need for life-giving community, number two is our need for the wisdom of others, and number three is our need to be needed. [00:25:46]

If you join a small group and that small group turns into friendship and that friendship turns into something like the Ellermans and the Matsats actually have, then you will anticipate that gathering, whether it's once a month or twice a month or however often it is, you will have something to look forward to. [00:26:37]

Studies have shown that social isolation carries a risk of mortality that's similar to that of other major risk factors such as smoking. So you're like, I have good habits and I'm healthy and all that. But you are just living an isolated life and you and the person who's smoking are living the same life. [00:27:40]

Life-giving community provides care for us. Actually, if you are caring for another individual, you will actually extend your life as well. But those who don't have the responsibility for caring for anybody else live shorter lives. [00:29:18]

We say here that small groups help us find freedom and I want everyone in our church to find freedom. And what I mean by that is if you join a small group and once you gain relational equity in that group and people share what's on their heart and what's really going on in their lives, then this is what you will hear yourself say either in your heart or audibly when somebody shares vulnerably. You will say, you too? I thought I was the only one. [00:32:38]

We think that prayers go unanswered and we've been praying for something and we think, God, why aren't you answering my prayer? And really, he's already answered your prayer through the wisdom of somebody else in a small group that you haven't yet signed up for. [00:33:55]

Authentic discipleship grows from cultivated community. Discipling actually happens in the context of relational equity. [00:35:21]

You were made to feel responsible for something that won't happen unless you show up. The best thing that we've done for our kids is we've put them on the dream team here in roles and functions where they are spiritually responsible for tasks in this church that if they don't show up, it doesn't get done or else other people are scrambling to cover for them. [00:38:33]

You have something inside of you that this world needs. This church needs. I need what's inside of you. [00:41:12]

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