Embracing Grace: The Church as a Living Community
Summary
The church is not a building or an institution, but a living community of people called out by God. Each person is a story of grace, a portrait of God’s love and mercy at work in a broken world. The early church in Corinth was far from perfect—plagued by chaos, division, and moral failures—yet God’s faithfulness and grace remained steadfast. Even in the midst of their mess, Paul reminded them of their identity in Christ before addressing their shortcomings. This is a powerful model for us: to see ourselves and others first through the lens of God’s grace, not our failures.
We are all works in progress, being sanctified day by day. Salvation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing journey: we have been saved (justification), we are being saved (sanctification), and we will be saved (glorification). The process of becoming like Jesus is often slow and messy, filled with steps forward and backward, but God’s promise is to confirm us to the end, blameless in Christ. The church, therefore, is a hospital for the broken and a training ground for kingdom living, where we learn to love, serve, and grow together.
Unity is essential. Divisions arise when we elevate personalities, preferences, or secondary issues above Christ. The church has always struggled with this, as seen in the many denominations and splits throughout history. Yet, Christ is not divided—He alone is the head of the church. Our unity is found in Him, not in our traditions or leaders. The Apostles’ Creed serves as a reminder of the core truths that unite all believers across time and place, transcending denominational lines.
Ultimately, our hope is not in any person, movement, or institution, but in Jesus Christ alone. He is the shepherd, the head, and the foundation of the church. As we gather, whether in a building, a home, or a coffee shop, we are the church—called to live out the love, grace, and unity of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
Key Takeaways
- The church is a living community of people, not a building or institution. We are called out of the world’s self-centered ways into the kingdom of Jesus, learning to be others-centered and servant-hearted. Church happens wherever God’s people gather, whether in homes, workplaces, or public spaces. Our identity as the church is rooted in our relationship with Christ and one another. [12:35]
- Grace is the foundation of our life together. Before addressing failures or bringing correction, it is vital to affirm our identity in Christ and the grace that covers us. Restoration and growth begin with grace, not condemnation; grace is not a license to sin, but the power to turn from it. When we fail, God’s grace invites us back, reminding us who we are in Him. [17:38]
- The church is a work in progress, both individually and collectively. Sanctification is a lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus, marked by both progress and setbacks. We must extend patience and understanding to ourselves and others, recognizing that none of us are finished yet. “Excuse our mess” is a fitting motto for a community under construction by God’s Spirit. [23:17]
- Unity in Christ is essential, even amidst diversity and differences. Divisions often arise from elevating secondary issues or personalities, but our true unity is found in Jesus, the one head of the church. We are called to walk in humility, refusing to let non-essential matters divide us, and to pursue the oneness that Jesus prayed for. [28:44]
- Our hope and allegiance belong to Jesus Christ alone. No leader, denomination, or tradition can take His place as the head of the church. While we may have different expressions and practices, what unites us is the core truth of the gospel, beautifully summarized in the Apostles’ Creed. Our faith is anchored in Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and promised return. [33:57]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[02:08] - The Myth of the Perfect Church
[04:02] - Paul’s Mission in Corinth
[06:00] - Corinth’s Culture and Church Challenges
[07:08] - Overview of 1 Corinthians and Series Themes
[08:37] - Reading 1 Corinthians 1:1-17
[10:53] - The Church is People, Not a Building
[12:35] - Called Out of the World’s System
[14:14] - The Church as a Portrait of Grace
[16:02] - Grace Before Correction
[19:36] - The Church is a Work in Progress
[23:17] - Dealing with Divisions
[25:09] - Stories of Church Splits
[27:54] - Christ Alone is the Head
[28:44] - The History of Church Divisions
[31:51] - Denominations and Secondary Issues
[33:57] - Unity in Christ and the Apostles’ Creed
[35:08] - Reciting the Apostles’ Creed and Closing Blessing
[41:34] - Final Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Church as a Living Community of Grace
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### Bible Reading
- 1 Corinthians 1:1-17
(This was the main text for the sermon.)
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:2, how does Paul describe the people who make up the church in Corinth? What does he call them?
2. In verses 4-9, what are some of the positive things Paul says about the Corinthian church before he addresses their problems?
3. What specific divisions does Paul mention in verses 11-13? What were people saying about who they followed?
4. The sermon said, “The church is people, not a building or institution.” What examples did the pastor give of where “church” can happen? [[10:53]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul starts his letter by affirming the Corinthians’ identity in Christ and God’s grace before talking about their failures? What does this teach us about how to approach people who are struggling? [[16:02]]
2. The sermon described the church as a “hospital for the broken and a training ground for kingdom living.” What does this mean in practical terms for how we treat each other? [[14:14]]
3. Paul talks about divisions in the church and people following different leaders. Why is it so easy for churches to become divided over personalities or secondary issues? [[23:17]]
4. The pastor said, “Our hope and allegiance belong to Jesus Christ alone. No leader, denomination, or tradition can take His place as the head of the church.” Why is this so important for unity? [[27:54]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “Church happens wherever God’s people gather, whether in homes, workplaces, or public spaces.” Where have you experienced “church” outside of a church building? How can you be more intentional about being the church in your daily life? [[10:53]]
2. Think about a time when you or someone you know was hurt by the church or by Christians. How did grace (or the lack of it) play a role in that situation? What would it look like to start with grace and identity in Christ when someone fails? [[17:38]]
3. The pastor said, “We are all works in progress… ‘Excuse our mess’ is a fitting motto for a community under construction by God’s Spirit.” How does remembering this help you be more patient with yourself and others? Is there someone you need to extend more patience or understanding to right now? [[23:17]]
4. Are there any “secondary issues” or personal preferences that you have let become too important in your view of church or other Christians? How can you refocus on unity in Christ instead? [[31:51]]
5. The sermon described the church as both a hospital and a training ground. Which of these do you need most right now—healing or growth? How can your small group help you in that area? [[14:14]]
6. The pastor mentioned the Apostles’ Creed as a summary of the core truths that unite all believers. Are there any parts of the Creed or the gospel that especially encourage you or challenge you right now? [[33:57]]
7. Is there a specific way you can show the love, grace, or unity of Christ to someone in your life this week? What would that look like? [[12:35]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help your group see each other through the lens of His grace, to grow in unity, and to be the church wherever you go this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Called Out to Live as God’s Distinct Community
The church is not confined to a building or institution but is a living, breathing community of people called out by God from the world’s self-centered systems. Each believer is invited into a new identity rooted in Christ and in relationship with one another. Wherever God’s people gather—whether in homes, workplaces, or public spaces—that gathering is the church. This means that church life is not limited to Sunday services but is a continuous, active participation in God’s kingdom mission, learning to live with others in humility, love, and service. Our identity as the church is deeply relational and missional, calling us to embody the values of Jesus in every sphere of life. [12:35]
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.”
—1 Corinthians 12:27-28 (ESV)
Reflection: Where in your daily routine can you intentionally practice being the church—living out Christ’s love and service—in places outside of formal gatherings? What would it look like to see your workplace, neighborhood, or home as a sacred space for kingdom living today?
Day 2: Grace as the Foundation for Restoration and Growth
Before addressing failures or calling for correction, it is essential to affirm the identity of every believer in Christ and the grace that covers them. Grace is not a license to sin but the empowering presence of God that invites us to turn away from brokenness and grow in holiness. When failure happens, grace is the safe place that welcomes us back, reminding us who we are in Christ rather than condemning us for what we have done. This foundation of grace creates a community where restoration is possible, and growth is nurtured through patience and love. It is grace that sustains the church through its messiness and imperfections, enabling transformation rather than division. [17:38]
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
—1 John 1:7 (ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have been holding onto guilt or shame? How can you embrace God’s grace today as the starting point for healing and transformation rather than condemnation?
Day 3: Embracing the Church as a Work in Progress
Sanctification is a lifelong journey marked by both progress and setbacks. The church, both individually and collectively, is continually being shaped and refined by God’s Spirit. This process is often slow and messy, requiring patience and understanding toward ourselves and others. Recognizing that no one is finished yet allows the community to extend grace and encouragement rather than judgment. The motto “Excuse our mess” captures the reality of a community under construction, where God’s work is ongoing and visible in the daily lives of His people. This perspective invites humility and hope as the church grows into the likeness of Jesus. [23:17]
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
—Philippians 2:12 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area in your spiritual life where you need to extend more patience and grace to yourself or others? How can you practically support someone else in their journey of growth this week?
Day 4: Unity Rooted in Christ Beyond Differences
Unity in the church is essential and must be grounded in Christ alone, not in personalities, traditions, or secondary issues. Divisions often arise when believers elevate preferences or leaders above the headship of Jesus. The church’s true unity transcends denominational lines and cultural differences, calling believers to walk humbly and pursue the oneness Jesus prayed for. This unity is not uniformity but a shared allegiance to Christ that embraces diversity without division. It requires intentional humility, forgiveness, and a focus on what truly matters—the gospel and the person of Jesus as the head of the church. [28:44]
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
—1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)
Reflection: Identify a relationship or group within the church where differences have caused tension. What is one practical step you can take to promote unity rooted in Christ rather than division this week?
Day 5: Jesus Christ Alone is Our Hope and Head
Our ultimate hope and allegiance belong solely to Jesus Christ, who is the shepherd, head, and foundation of the church. No leader, denomination, or tradition can replace His authority or unify His people. While expressions of faith may vary, the core truths of the gospel—Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and promised return—are the unshakable foundation that binds believers together. The Apostles’ Creed serves as a timeless summary of these essential beliefs, reminding the church of its shared faith across history and culture. Anchoring our identity and hope in Christ alone frees the church to live out love, grace, and unity in a fractured world. [33:57]
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
—Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your own allegiance—are there any leaders, traditions, or movements you find yourself relying on more than Christ? How can you re-center your hope and faith exclusively on Jesus today?
Quotes
Yeah, there is no such thing, right? There is no such thing as the perfect church. It's like Billy Graham said, if you find a perfect church, don't go there because you'll make it imperfect. It's so true. We are the imperfect following the perfect Savior. He is perfecting us day by day, little by little. But we're not there. [00:02:17] (22 seconds)
But not only is the church of God a hospital for the broken, it is also a training center for how to live in the kingdom of Jesus and to train in kingdom living to go back out into the world and continue to spread the great news of Jesus. [00:16:02] (20 seconds)
Grace is not a license to sin, but it is the power to turn from sin. That's grace. Paul told Titus in his short little letter in chapter 2, he says, the grace of God has appeared to all people, teaching them to say no to ungodliness. [00:19:10] (20 seconds)
So legalism doesn't work to say no to ungodliness. How many figured that out? The harder you try, the more you think about that sin or that habit. What we need is grace to turn from sin and ask God for it because we're all portraits of his grace. Third thing is this. The church of God is a work in progress. Amen? [00:19:36] (27 seconds)
Don't ever put your hope and trust in a person except for Jesus. Don't put pastors, teachers, leaders on a pedestal. They are flawed sheep just like ourselves. They're flawed. It doesn't mean God doesn't use them. He does. But our ultimate hope is not in any person. It's only Jesus. [00:28:19] (25 seconds)
Now, there's always going to be differences and different interpretations and things of that nature. But we shouldn't divide over these things. We should learn to walk in unity that is so important to Jesus. [00:34:02] (17 seconds)
The denominations that I just read off in the different branches have different expressions of how they express this thing called church. I'm okay with that. We have our own way of expressing. But the key is that we're all denominations, branches united by our head, Jesus Christ. He knows we're messy. He loves us anyway. [00:34:18] (26 seconds)
What do we learn about the church of God? He says the church of God at Corinth. What do we learn about the church of God? First thing I want you to write down is the church is people, not a building or an institution. It's not a building. It's not an institution. [00:10:47] (21 seconds)
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