Embracing Unity and Service in Christ's Family

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing God and Belonging

Our primary goal is to experience God through worship and to ensure everyone feels they belong. This sense of belonging is crucial for fostering a supportive and loving community. When we gather, we should strive to make everyone feel welcome and valued. [02:04]

In our gatherings, the experience of God through worship is paramount. Worship is not just about singing songs or listening to a sermon; it is about encountering the divine presence and allowing it to transform us. When we come together, we should be intentional about creating an environment where everyone feels they belong. This means going out of our way to welcome newcomers, engaging in meaningful conversations, and showing genuine care for one another. A sense of belonging is essential for a supportive and loving community, and it is through this community that we can experience God more fully.

Belonging also means recognizing that each person has a unique role to play in the body of Christ. When we gather, we should strive to make everyone feel welcome and valued, understanding that we are all part of God's family. This sense of belonging fosters unity and strengthens our collective faith. As we worship together, let us be mindful of those around us, extending a hand of friendship and making sure no one feels left out.

Romans 12:4-5 (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."

Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who might feel left out or overlooked. How can you reach out to them this week to make them feel more included and valued?

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Day 2: Be Peacemakers

In a divided nation, we are called to be peacemakers. Jesus' Beatitudes remind us of the virtues we should embody, especially being peacemakers. We must pray for our leaders and our nation, asking God to use us as instruments of peace. [07:05]

In times of division and conflict, the call to be peacemakers is more urgent than ever. Jesus' Beatitudes highlight the virtues that should characterize our lives, and being a peacemaker is a crucial aspect of this. As followers of Christ, we are called to bridge gaps, heal wounds, and bring reconciliation wherever we go. This means actively seeking to understand different perspectives, showing empathy, and working towards solutions that promote harmony and unity.

Being a peacemaker also involves prayer. We must pray for our leaders, asking God to grant them wisdom and discernment. We should also pray for our nation, seeking God's healing and guidance. Most importantly, we should pray for ourselves, asking God to use us as instruments of His peace. This requires a heart that is willing to listen, to forgive, and to love unconditionally. Let us commit to being peacemakers in our homes, communities, and beyond.

James 3:18 (ESV): "And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Reflection: Identify a situation in your life where there is conflict or division. How can you take a step towards being a peacemaker in that situation today?

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Day 3: Serve Christ and Each Other

Phoebe is an example of serving Christ and others in every way possible. She used her resources and time to advance the gospel. We should strive to be like Phoebe, making all our resources available for God's work. [49:23]

Phoebe's example in the Bible is a powerful reminder of what it means to serve Christ and others. She was a servant and benefactor, using her resources and time to support the early church and advance the gospel. Her dedication and generosity made a significant impact on the spread of Christianity. As modern-day believers, we are called to follow in her footsteps, using whatever resources we have—be it time, money, skills, or influence—to further God's kingdom.

Serving Christ and each other means being willing to make sacrifices and put others' needs before our own. It involves a heart of humility and a willingness to serve in any capacity, whether seen or unseen. When we make our resources available for God's work, we become vessels through which His love and grace can flow to others. Let us strive to be like Phoebe, committed to serving Christ and each other in every way possible.

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: What resources (time, money, skills) do you have that you can use to serve Christ and others? How can you start using them more effectively this week?

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Day 4: Take Risks for the Gospel

Prisca and Aquila risked their lives for the gospel. We often play it too safe, fearing the loss of relationships or creating tension. We need to be willing to take risks for the sake of the gospel, trusting God to use our efforts for His glory. [56:44]

Prisca and Aquila are notable examples of individuals who took significant risks for the sake of the gospel. They were willing to put their lives on the line to support the early church and spread the message of Christ. Their courage and commitment serve as an inspiration for us today. Often, we play it too safe, fearing the loss of relationships, social standing, or even comfort. However, the gospel calls us to step out in faith and take risks, trusting that God will use our efforts for His glory.

Taking risks for the gospel means being bold in our witness, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. It involves speaking the truth in love, standing up for what is right, and being willing to face opposition or criticism. When we take these risks, we demonstrate our trust in God and our commitment to His mission. Let us be encouraged by the example of Prisca and Aquila, and be willing to take bold steps for the sake of the gospel.

Acts 20:24 (ESV): "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk for the sake of the gospel? How can you step out in faith and trust God in that area this week?

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Day 5: Treat Each Other Like Family

Paul’s greetings in Romans 16 show the importance of treating each other like family. This means ministering to each other in times of need and allowing others to minister to us. Unity within the church is essential, and we must strive to support and love one another as true brothers and sisters in Christ. [59:12]

In Romans 16, Paul’s greetings to various individuals highlight the importance of treating each other like family within the body of Christ. He commends those who have served faithfully, risked their lives, and shown hospitality. This sense of familial love and support is crucial for the health and unity of the church. Treating each other like family means being there for one another in times of need, offering support, encouragement, and practical help. It also means being willing to receive help and allowing others to minister to us.

Unity within the church is essential for our collective witness to the world. When we love and support one another as true brothers and sisters in Christ, we reflect the love of God and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. Let us strive to build strong, loving relationships within our church community, treating each other with the same care and compassion that we would show to our own family members.

Galatians 6:10 (ESV): "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show love and support to a fellow church member this week. How can you treat them like family and strengthen the unity within your church community?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather with two primary goals: to experience God through worship and to ensure that everyone feels they belong here. We have several events coming up, including a young adults' pizza gathering, a kids' outing to Strike and Spare, a members' meeting, and a fish fry.

Yesterday's violent events have shaken our nation, highlighting our deep divisions. We need peacemakers now more than ever. Jesus' Beatitudes remind us of the virtues we should embody, especially being peacemakers. We prayed for our nation's healing, for our leaders, and for ourselves to be instruments of peace.

We then turned to Romans 16, focusing on the concept of a transformed family. Paul greets many individuals, showing the power of the gospel to redefine family. He commends Phoebe, a servant and benefactor, and Prisca and Aquila, who risked their lives for the gospel. Paul also highlights Rufus' mother, who treated him like her own son. These examples teach us to serve Christ and each other, take risks for the gospel, and treat each other like family.

Jesus redefined family for Christians, emphasizing that those who do God's will are our true family. This transformed family is diverse, united by faith, and committed to serving one another. We are called to be servants, to take risks, and to strive for unity. Let us commit to living as brothers and sisters in Christ, serving and supporting each other in every way possible.

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Key Takeaways

1. Experience God and Belonging: Our primary goal is to experience God through worship and to ensure everyone feels they belong. This sense of belonging is crucial for fostering a supportive and loving community. When we gather, we should strive to make everyone feel welcome and valued. [02:04]
2. Be Peacemakers: In a divided nation, we are called to be peacemakers. Jesus' Beatitudes remind us of the virtues we should embody, especially being peacemakers. We must pray for our leaders and our nation, asking God to use us as instruments of peace. [07:05]
3. Serve Christ and Each Other: Phoebe is an example of serving Christ and others in every way possible. She used her resources and time to advance the gospel. We should strive to be like Phoebe, making all our resources available for God's work. [49:23]
4. Take Risks for the Gospel: Prisca and Aquila risked their lives for the gospel. We often play it too safe, fearing the loss of relationships or creating tension. We need to be willing to take risks for the sake of the gospel, trusting God to use our efforts for His glory. [56:44]
5. Treat Each Other Like Family: Paul’s greetings in Romans 16 show the importance of treating each other like family. This means ministering to each other in times of need and allowing others to minister to us. Unity within the church is essential, and we must strive to support and love one another as true brothers and sisters in Christ. [59:12]
### [59:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:04] - Connection Card and Announcements
[03:03] - Young Adults Pizza Gathering
[03:51] - Kids' Outing and Members' Meeting
[04:47] - Fish Fry and National Events
[06:00] - The Need for Peacemakers
[07:05] - Prayer for the Nation
[08:08] - Prayer for Leaders and Unity
[09:30] - Worship and Responsive Reading
[11:12] - Psalm Reading and Prayer
[15:35] - Worship Through Song
[32:22] - Testimony and Romans 16 Introduction
[39:16] - Greetings and Transformed Family
[49:23] - Serving Christ and Each Other
[56:44] - Taking Risks for the Gospel
[59:12] - Treating Each Other Like Family
[62:50] - Call to Repentance and Adoption into God's Family
[64:22] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 16:1-16 (ESV) — > I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

2. Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
> Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

3. Mark 3:31-35 (ESV)
> And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Observation Questions

What are the two primary goals mentioned at the beginning of the sermon? ([02:04])
Who are some of the individuals Paul greets in Romans 16, and what roles did they play in the early church? ([39:16])
According to the sermon, what is the significance of being a peacemaker in today's divided nation? ([06:00])
How did Prisca and Aquila demonstrate their commitment to the gospel, according to Romans 16? ([54:11])

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of a transformed family in Romans 16 challenge our traditional views of family? ([39:16])
In what ways can we embody the virtues of the Beatitudes, especially being peacemakers, in our daily lives? ([06:00])
What does it mean to take risks for the gospel, and why is it important for our faith journey? ([56:44])
How can we practically treat each other like family within our church community, as Paul suggests in Romans 16? ([59:12])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of belonging in a community. How can you help create that same sense of belonging for others in our church? ([02:04])
Considering the current divisions in our nation, what specific actions can you take to be a peacemaker in your community? ([06:00])
Phoebe used her resources to serve Christ and others. What resources do you have that you can use to advance the gospel and serve your church community? ([49:23])
Prisca and Aquila took significant risks for the gospel. What is one area in your life where you feel called to take a risk for your faith? ([56:44])
Paul emphasizes treating each other like family. Think of someone in our church who might need support. How can you reach out to them this week to offer help or encouragement? ([59:12])
Reflect on the diversity within our church. How can you contribute to fostering unity and inclusivity among different members of our congregation? ([01:00:29])
Jesus redefined family as those who do God's will. How can you strengthen your relationships with fellow believers to reflect this transformed understanding of family? ([45:58])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We are a nation who needs, we are a nation who needs peace makers. One of the things that I want to do is read for you the Beatitudes that Jesus left preached on the Sermon on the Mount. He said, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth." [06:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus redefined family for the Christian. In Mark chapter 5, Mark chapter 3, verses 31 through 35, he tells us that his mother and brothers came and standing outside, they sent word to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him and told him, look, your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you. And he replied to them, who are my mother and my brothers? Looking at those sitting in a circle around him, he says, here are my mother and my brothers." [45:58] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus is pointing out that as Christians, we have another family. We have that blood family that we grew up in. But we have another family. And that is our Christian family. And our Christian family has God as our father, Christ as our brother, and each other as brothers and sisters." [46:49] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Whether you choose to use the word fellowship or community or friendship, the fact is this text reminds us that so much of the Christian life revolves around relationships. One of the joys of the Christian life is being together, hanging together, laughing together, playing together, eating together, praying together, weeping together, thinking together, dreaming together, planning together, doing mission together, and worshiping together." [01:01:30] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Phoebe was a servant. Now, that word translated servant is diakonos. And if that sounds familiar, it's the same word that's translated deacon. As a matter of fact, some of you may have in the translation that you're reading, it doesn't say servant. It says deacon. It says deacon or deaconess. And it's possible that she may have held that position in that church because of the way church was done at that time." [50:05] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We should all be like Phoebe. We should all be like Phoebe. I don't know how you would like to be described. I'm not sure how you would like to be described. But I'm hoping that if you think of me, I want to be described as a servant to Christ and others. I want to be a servant to my wife and my physical family. I also want to be known as a servant to the family of God in any way I can." [52:21] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We need to risk everything for the gospel. We play it too safe. And when I say we, I'm including myself. I play it too safe. What are you willing to risk for the gospel? What are you holding back? What are you saying, this is mine? This is mine, God. I will do everything that you call me to, except for this. Because this is mine. I will give you whatever you ask of me, except for this. What is that?" [56:44] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Treating each other like family means ministering to each other when there is a need. It's good to pray for each other, but we need to add ministering to each other to that list. When's the last time shared something that they needed or a problem they were having that you asked, what can I do to help? Don't just say, I'll pray for you. Say, what can I do to help? mean it. step up." [59:12] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The beauty of this passage overall is the diversity of the people Paul is greeting. By sending his greetings, he's giving credit to these people who are from all different walks of life. Women were considered just above property in Rome. And Paul sends greetings to multiple women, calling them co-workers in the Lord and giving them the value they deserve." [01:00:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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