Embracing Our Role in the Body of Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of being a "fitly joined body" as described in Ephesians 4:16. This passage challenges us to move beyond merely attending church to truly being the church—a community that embodies Christ's love and mission. We began by reflecting on the importance of belonging, emphasizing that as members of the body of Christ, we are interconnected and interdependent. This sense of belonging shifts our perspective from a self-centered "me" mindset to a communal "we" mindset, where we recognize our need for one another.
We delved into the idea of connection, using the metaphor of a symbiotic relationship to illustrate how we are meant to be in step with one another, much like dancers moving in harmony. This connection is vital for the body of Christ to function effectively, as it ensures that we are not isolated but rather engaged in a shared rhythm and purpose.
Contribution was another key theme, highlighting that each member of the body has unique gifts and talents to offer. When we contribute, we energize and activate the community, fostering growth and spiritual development. This contribution is not just about what we receive but also about what we give, as we are called to invest in the growth of others.
We also discussed the concept of augmentation, or growth, which occurs when we engage in one another's spiritual journeys. This growth is facilitated through both large gatherings and smaller community groups, where deeper relationships and spiritual development can flourish.
Finally, we considered the importance of edification, or building one another up. Drawing on the analogy of redwood trees, we learned that our strength lies not in individual depth but in the interconnectedness of our roots. By supporting and encouraging one another, we help each other succeed and thrive in our faith journeys.
Key Takeaways:
1. Belonging in the Body of Christ: As members of Christ's body, we are called to belong to one another, shifting from a "me" mindset to a "we" mindset. This sense of belonging fosters unity and interdependence, reminding us that we are not alone in our faith journey. [06:44]
2. The Power of Connection: Being fitly joined means being in step with one another, much like dancers moving in harmony. This connection ensures that we are engaged and interdependent, allowing us to function effectively as the body of Christ. [12:57]
3. Contributing Our Gifts: Each member of the body has unique gifts to offer, and when we contribute, we energize and activate the community. This contribution is essential for spiritual growth and development, both for ourselves and for others. [19:20]
4. Augmentation Through Community: Growth occurs when we engage in one another's spiritual journeys, facilitated by both large gatherings and smaller community groups. This dual approach allows for deeper relationships and spiritual development. [24:25]
5. Edification and Strength: Our strength lies in our interconnectedness, much like the roots of redwood trees. By supporting and encouraging one another, we help each other succeed and thrive in our faith journeys, building a strong and resilient community. [29:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:57] - Introduction to Be the Church Series
- [02:57] - Reading Ephesians 4:16
- [05:23] - The Power of Belonging
- [06:44] - From Me to We Mindset
- [09:06] - Walking in the Light Together
- [11:11] - The Concept of Connection
- [12:57] - Symbiotic Relationships
- [16:08] - The Importance of Teamwork
- [19:20] - Contribution and Energy
- [21:30] - Encouragement Through Meeting
- [24:25] - Growth and Augmentation
- [26:22] - The Impact of Community Groups
- [29:50] - Edification and Strength
- [32:46] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:16
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "fitly joined body" mean in the context of Ephesians 4:16, and how does it relate to the church community? [02:57]
2. How does the sermon describe the transition from a "me" mindset to a "we" mindset, and what biblical support is provided for this shift? [06:44]
3. What metaphor is used in the sermon to illustrate the concept of connection within the body of Christ, and how does it help us understand our role in the church? [12:57]
4. According to the sermon, what role does contribution play in the spiritual growth and development of the church community? [19:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "fitly joined" challenge the idea of individualism within the church, and what implications does this have for personal spiritual growth? [09:06]
2. In what ways does the metaphor of a symbiotic relationship deepen our understanding of interdependence among church members? [12:57]
3. How does the sermon suggest that contribution and engagement in the church community lead to spiritual augmentation and growth? [24:25]
4. What does the analogy of redwood trees teach us about the importance of interconnectedness and support within the church body? [29:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current mindset: Do you find yourself operating more from a "me" or "we" perspective in your church involvement? How can you shift towards a more communal mindset? [06:44]
2. Consider your connections within the church. Are there relationships you need to strengthen to be more in step with others? What practical steps can you take to foster these connections? [12:57]
3. Identify the unique gifts and talents you possess. How can you contribute these to energize and activate your church community? [19:20]
4. Think about your participation in both large gatherings and smaller community groups. How can you engage more deeply in these settings to facilitate spiritual growth for yourself and others? [24:25]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt supported and encouraged by your church community. How can you offer similar support to others, helping them succeed in their faith journey? [29:50]
6. What specific actions can you take this week to build up and edify someone in your church community, much like the interconnected roots of redwood trees? [29:50]
7. How can you invite others into your life beyond Sunday services to create a more vibrant and transformative community experience? [26:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Belonging Transforms Isolation into Unity
As members of the body of Christ, we are called to belong to one another, shifting from a "me" mindset to a "we" mindset. This sense of belonging fosters unity and interdependence, reminding us that we are not alone in our faith journey. The idea of belonging is not just about being part of a group but about being an integral part of a living, breathing community that reflects Christ's love and mission. When we embrace this belonging, we move beyond mere attendance at church services to actively participating in the life of the church, supporting and being supported by others. [06:44]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to strengthen your sense of belonging and unity?
Day 2: Connection Creates Harmony in Diversity
Being fitly joined means being in step with one another, much like dancers moving in harmony. This connection ensures that we are engaged and interdependent, allowing us to function effectively as the body of Christ. The metaphor of a symbiotic relationship highlights the importance of being in sync with one another, recognizing that each person's unique contributions are vital to the whole. When we are connected, we can move together with purpose and grace, much like a well-rehearsed dance troupe. This connection is not just about physical presence but about being emotionally and spiritually in tune with one another. [12:57]
1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (ESV): "But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
Reflection: How can you actively seek to understand and appreciate the diverse gifts and perspectives of those in your church community this week?
Day 3: Contribution Energizes the Community
Each member of the body has unique gifts to offer, and when we contribute, we energize and activate the community. This contribution is essential for spiritual growth and development, both for ourselves and for others. The act of contributing is not just about what we receive but also about what we give, as we are called to invest in the growth of others. By sharing our gifts, we not only fulfill our own potential but also help others to do the same, creating a vibrant and dynamic community that reflects the love and mission of Christ. [19:20]
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."
Reflection: What specific gift or talent can you offer to your church community this week to help energize and activate those around you?
Day 4: Growth Flourishes in Community
Growth occurs when we engage in one another's spiritual journeys, facilitated by both large gatherings and smaller community groups. This dual approach allows for deeper relationships and spiritual development. By participating in both types of gatherings, we can experience the breadth and depth of community life, learning from one another and growing together in faith. Large gatherings provide opportunities for corporate worship and teaching, while smaller groups offer a more intimate setting for personal sharing and accountability. Together, they create a balanced environment for spiritual growth and transformation. [24:25]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you engage more deeply in both large and small group settings to foster your spiritual growth and the growth of others?
Day 5: Edification Builds a Resilient Community
Our strength lies in our interconnectedness, much like the roots of redwood trees. By supporting and encouraging one another, we help each other succeed and thrive in our faith journeys, building a strong and resilient community. The analogy of redwood trees reminds us that our individual strength is not as important as our collective strength, which comes from being deeply rooted in one another. When we edify and build each other up, we create a community that can withstand challenges and grow together in faith and love. [29:50]
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 can you encourage and support this week to help build a stronger, more resilient community of faith?
Quotes
There's something powerful about this. There's something powerful about this. There's something powerful about this. That occurs when we recognize that we are not alone in living life in this world, that we are the body of Christ in relationship with God and one another. If we start at the beginning of this verse, we read the idea from whom the whole body fitly joined together. This idea of belonging. If you're taking notes, I want you to write this down. If you're taking notes, I want you to write this down. If you're taking notes, I want you to write this down. A fitly joined body belongs to one another. [00:05:45]
There's something unique about the idea in Scripture that the body of Christ is not just about believing, although that's important and critical. It's about belonging. In fact, Romans chapter 12, verse 5, shares this interesting idea with us. So in Christ, we, though many, form one body. And if you have this in your source for scripture, your Bible, underline it. Each member belongs to all the others. Each member belongs to all the others. In other words, we belong to one another. [00:07:03]
There's something interesting that happens when we become Christ followers that begins to shift and change our approach to life from a me mindset to a we mindset. When I was born again, when I became a Christian, God began moving in my life to change my perspective from me, myself, and I to we, ourselves, and us. Began to work. Work on me. Because my carnal nature would say, what about me? What about me? What about me? Me, me. [00:07:49]
Because God begins to shift our approach to life where now it involves we eyes and we ears and a we nose and we hands and feet and we thoughts. Because it becomes about this fitly joined body. This idea that we are connected together, that there's something powerful and unique that happens when we begin to live as a fitly joined body. But if we walk in the light, if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship we have relationship, we have community, one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his son, cleanses us from all sin. [00:09:06]
We are of the same kind. We are like Christ taking all of us, every culture, every language, every individual. And dumping us in this blender and mixing us all up together because we are one of the same kind. I think it was Pastor Des Evans who said, we're not a bag of marbles, but we are a cluster of grapes. I think we've preached on grapes before. How grateful we are, thankful we are, when we understand there are great things that we can do to make this world a better place for us. And we are grapes in the kingdom of God, that we are a cluster. [00:10:48]
Or she steps on my toes. And isn't it interesting what happens if I try to just go off and do my own thing and myself, and we're out of step, out of rhythm, out of pace. So when the Bible calls us to connection as the body, there's this interesting idea that God is saying, I want you to be a fitly joined body to the point that you're connected. You're engaged in symbibazo, interdependently connected with the same pace, as if the Apostle Paul is saying, there's going to be some in the body of Christ that will want to check out, that want to do their own thing. [00:14:09]
They'll want to do their own thing. And Paul even addresses it in 1 Corinthians chapter 12, verse 21, when he talks about, the eye cannot say to the hand, I don't need you. Isn't that intriguing? The eye cannot say to the hand, I don't need you. Nor again, the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Because we need one another. It's as if Paul's addressing this idea that sometimes Christ followers, and I know I may be entering your safe space today, but there are some Christians who almost promote the idea that God is a fitly joined body to the point that you're connected. That they don't need the body of Christ. [00:15:01]
No, because there is connection from whom the whole body fitly joined together, belonging, and compacted, connected by that which every joint supplies, connection, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part. Write this down, contribution. A fitly joined body contributes to one another. And look at that idea there, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part. According to the effectual working. I love that idea. It's the idea of energeio in the Greek. Effectual working. Energy. [00:18:05]
You can hear that in the Greek, energeio. Energy. It's the effectual energy working in the measure, metron, of every part. You're measuring the activation and the efficiency of every part. So we become a fitly joined body according to the energeio, the energy of every part that's activated and working efficiently. Contribution. Those people who say, you know, I don't need a church family. I don't need to be part of a church body. They don't understand the idea that they are missing out on contribution. [00:18:59]
I need you to help me grow. You need me to help you grow. There's something powerful that happens when we engage in one another's spiritual growth. That's why the Bible tells us that the early church that they met at the temple and they also met from house to house. Because the early Christians not only needed a wonderful, challenging message in the temple, but they needed the spiritual growth and the development, the augmentation of gathering together and meeting together with one another. Did you know there are at least 30 injunctions in Scripture that won't be able to happen unless there is growth and augmentation in gathering and meeting together one with another? [00:22:35]
We also recognize and declare that there's something significant about the smaller group because it creates something significantly beyond the larger celebration and gathering. I don't know if yet we as a community of faith really understand how important the launch of our community groups here at Bethesda is. I don't know if yet we as a community of faith really understand how important the launch of our of those things. Many of you know that the first two weeks of March, we're going to have a registration and integration time into community groups. [00:23:55]
And it was also made up of people or comprised of people from the church who would come as well that were nearby in our, in our community. And so now you have this bubbling, this vibrancy of this, this community group where people are so excited because they've been introduced to Christ. And now people who are gathering on Sunday morning are getting to know people who have never attended on Sunday morning and revival begins to happen because there is this sense of growth or augmentation from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies according to the effectual working and the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love fifth idea is a fitly joined body edifies one another edification simply means to strengthen to build up I grew up in California around redwood trees in fact I graduated from Visalia high school and our motto or our mascot I should say was the Redwood Ranger played on the Redwood Ranger basketball team and and that was the on -ramp for me to play basketball in college and loved that high school but I'm familiar with redwood trees and it's interesting because redwood trees do not withstand windstorms because their roots are deep they don't have deep roots they withstand the wind because their roots spread out and into the wind with the roots of all the redwood trees. [00:27:42]
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