Growing in Christ: Encouragement and Service in Community
Summary
In our journey through life and faith, we are called to grow into the full stature of Christ. This growth is not merely a physical one, but a spiritual maturation that aligns our character, our actions, and our very being with that of Jesus Christ. As we stand next to Jesus, we must ask ourselves how we measure up to His example of love, selflessness, humility, service, faith, courage, and generosity. It is clear that we are not meant to remain spiritual infants, tossed about by every new teaching or deceitful scheme. Instead, we are to be wise, discerning, and mature in our faith.
Our growth in Christ is facilitated by engaging in practices such as worship, prayer, solitude, silence, service, knowing God's Word, and being in community with other believers. These practices are not just individual pursuits but are meant to be experienced within the context of the church, the body of Christ. We are reminded that God has bestowed upon each of us different gifts, not for our own benefit, but for the purpose of building up the church in love. Some are called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, or pastor-teachers, each playing a unique role in the ministry.
The story of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the 19th-century English poet, serves as a poignant reminder of the power of encouragement. Rossetti's interaction with an elderly man who had given up on his artistic talent due to lack of encouragement highlights the significant impact our words and actions can have on others. We are called to speak the truth in love, to build up rather than tear down, to encourage rather than discourage.
Spiritual maturity is marked by a shift in focus from self to others. Mature believers are identified by their service to others, their willingness to encourage and build up, and their concern for the well-being of the church over their own convenience and comfort. As we grow as disciples, our attitude shifts from seeking a church that meets our needs to seeking a church where we can serve and be a blessing.
Let us pray that God works in our hearts to help us be encouragers, to be excited about doing our part, playing our position, and using our gifts to build up the body of Christ in love. As we prepare to come to the Lord's table, we are reminded of the ultimate act of love—Jesus laying down His life for us, inviting us to be part of His family, the church.
Key Takeaways:
- Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires us to align ourselves with the character of Christ. As we engage in spiritual disciplines and community, we must continually assess our growth by standing next to Jesus and measuring our maturity against His example. This is not a journey we undertake alone but in the company of fellow believers, each with unique gifts to contribute. [11:42]
- The church is a body with many parts, each with a distinct function. Just as a football team comprises players with different physical builds and roles, so too does the church consist of individuals with diverse gifts and abilities. Our unity and effectiveness as a church depend on recognizing and valuing these differences, working together to build up the church in love. [19:26]
- Encouragement is a powerful force that can shape the trajectory of a person's life. The story of Rossetti and the elderly man teaches us that our words can either inspire someone to pursue their God-given talents or discourage them from realizing their potential. We must choose to be sources of encouragement, building up others in their faith and calling. [15:51]
- True spiritual maturity is characterized by a servant's heart. A mature believer is not preoccupied with personal needs but is instead focused on serving others, encouraging them, and contributing to the unity and growth of the church. This outward focus is a hallmark of a life transformed by Christ. [22:15]
- The ultimate example of love and service is found in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for us. As we come to the Lord's table, we are reminded of His sacrifice and the call to live a life of sacrificial love, using our gifts to encourage and build up the body of Christ. Our participation in the church is not just for our own spiritual nourishment but for the edification of the entire community of believers. [23:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:11-16 (NRSV)
> "The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the different roles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, and what is their purpose? ([03:03])
2. According to Ephesians 4:13, what is the ultimate goal of spiritual growth? ([03:58])
3. How does Ephesians 4:14 describe the state of spiritual immaturity? ([03:58])
4. What does Ephesians 4:15-16 say about the importance of unity and each part working properly in the body of Christ? ([03:58])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes the need for different roles (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) within the church? How do these roles contribute to the church's growth? ([03:03])
2. What does it mean to "speak the truth in love," and how can this practice promote spiritual maturity and unity within the church? ([03:58])
3. How can the story of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and the elderly man serve as a metaphor for the importance of encouragement in the church? ([13:45])
4. In what ways does the analogy of a football team with different players and roles help us understand the diversity and unity within the church? ([19:26])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel you are still "tossed to and fro" by different teachings or influences? How can you become more discerning and mature in your faith? ([03:58])
2. Think about the spiritual disciplines mentioned in the sermon (worship, prayer, solitude, silence, service, knowing God's Word, and being in community). Which of these practices do you need to focus on more to grow spiritually? ([11:42])
3. How can you use your unique gifts to build up the body of Christ? Are there specific roles or ministries in the church where you feel called to serve? ([12:18])
4. Consider a time when someone’s encouragement made a significant impact on your life. How can you be an encourager to others in your church community? ([13:45])
5. Reflect on the shift from seeking a church that meets your needs to seeking a church where you can serve and be a blessing. How can you make this shift in your own attitude and actions? ([22:15])
6. As you prepare to come to the Lord's table, how does Jesus' ultimate act of love and sacrifice inspire you to live a life of sacrificial love and service? ([23:01])
7. Identify one person in your church or community who might need encouragement or support. What specific action can you take this week to build them up in love? ([15:51])
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with Christ's Character
Spiritual growth is an ongoing process that involves more than just outward changes; it requires a deep, inward transformation to mirror the character of Christ. This transformation is not a solitary endeavor but one that occurs in the context of community and through the practice of spiritual disciplines. As individuals engage in worship, prayer, and the study of God's Word, they begin to reflect the love, humility, and selflessness exemplified by Jesus. This journey of growth is marked by a continuous self-assessment, comparing one's life to the life of Christ and striving to embody His virtues in every action and decision. The goal is not to achieve perfection but to progress in faith and love, becoming more like Jesus each day [11:42].
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: How does your current spiritual practice help you grow into the full stature of Christ, and what changes might you need to make to align more closely with His character?
Day 2: Valuing Diversity in the Church
The church is a mosaic of talents, gifts, and callings, each essential to the health and growth of the body of Christ. Just as a football team relies on the unique skills of each player, the church thrives when every member contributes their God-given abilities. This diversity should be celebrated and harnessed for the common good, fostering unity and effectiveness in ministry. Recognizing and valuing the different roles within the church is crucial for building up the community in love. Each person's contribution, whether as an apostle, prophet, evangelist, or pastor-teacher, is vital to the church's mission and a reflection of God's multifaceted grace [19:26].
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."
Reflection: What unique gift has God given you, and how can you use it to contribute to the unity and effectiveness of your church community?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Encouragement
Encouragement is not merely a kind word; it is a catalyst for change and growth. The story of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and the elderly man illustrates how encouragement can reignite a person's passion and purpose. In the same way, believers are called to be agents of encouragement, using their words and actions to inspire others to embrace and develop their God-given talents. This act of building up one another is a profound expression of love and can have a lasting impact on the trajectory of someone's life. By choosing to be sources of encouragement, individuals can help others flourish in their faith and calling [15:51].
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 in your life could use encouragement today, and how can you intentionally speak life into their situation?
Day 4: Servanthood as a Mark of Maturity
True spiritual maturity is characterized by a shift from self-centeredness to a focus on serving others. A mature believer prioritizes the needs of the church and the well-being of others over personal convenience and comfort. This servant's heart is a clear indicator of a life transformed by Christ's love. As individuals grow in their faith, they naturally seek ways to serve, encourage, and build up the church. This outward focus is not only a hallmark of spiritual maturity but also a reflection of Jesus' own example of sacrificial love and service [22:15].
Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from your own needs to serving others within your church community this week?
Day 5: Living a Life of Sacrificial Love
The ultimate example of love and service is found in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for humanity. As believers come to the Lord's table, they are reminded of His sacrifice and the call to live a life of sacrificial love. This means using one's gifts not for personal gain but for the encouragement and edification of the church. Participation in the church is not solely for individual spiritual nourishment but for the collective strengthening of the community of believers. By living a life that echoes Christ's love, believers can make a significant impact on the church and the world [23:01].
1 John 3:16-18 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in a practical way to someone in your church or community this week?
Quotes
1) "We are to speak the truth in love because loving guidance and correction and encouragement tends to strengthen and create Unity while negativity and a lack of encouragement are appreciation harms Unity." [16:33] (Download | Download cropped video)
2) "We each have a part to play, each of us. We've been given very different gifts and very different abilities... we're joined and knit together only as each part is working properly to promote the body's growth in love." [19:26] (Download | )
3) "Imagine the power of a United Church where spiritual gifts are being deployed and utilized, where every single person is striving to grow in spiritual maturity to be more like Jesus." [03:03] (Download | )
4) "When we're mature in faith, it's much easier to spot false teaching or deceitful scheming in someone else, and we're called to mature so we reach the full stature of Christ." [09:24] (Download | )
5) "As you stand next to Jesus in that way, how tall or short do you feel? Are you comfortable that you have reached the full stature of Christ?" [10:59] (Download | )
6) "It's when you stop asking who's going to meet my needs and when you start asking whose needs can I meet, who can I serve, who can I encourage and express appreciation to today." [21:25] (Download | )
7) "As we grow in discipleship, our attitude starts to shift from looking for a church that blesses me and meets my needs to looking for a church where I can serve and be a blessing." [22:15] (Download | )
8) "We thank you that Jesus was willing to lay down his life to shed his blood on the cross that we all might be forgiven and given the opportunity for abundant joyful eternal life." [23:01] (Download | )
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