Growing Together: The Power of Spiritual Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the final part of our foundation for a life of apprenticeship to Jesus. We began by reflecting on the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Just as Jesus had his close circle of friends—Peter, James, and John—we too need deep, meaningful relationships to grow spiritually. These relationships are not just about socializing but are essential for our spiritual formation, healing, and growth. We discussed the four layers of relationships: our closest friends, our other friends, our acquaintances, and our larger community or tribe. Each layer plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey, but the deepest transformation happens in the smaller, more intimate circles.
We also delved into the characteristics of spiritual friendships, emphasizing depth, vulnerability, and a commitment to transformation. These relationships go beyond superficial interactions and involve sharing our joys, pains, and spiritual struggles. They require us to be honest and transparent, allowing us to experience real healing and growth. We are called to be intentional in forming these relationships, as they are vital for our spiritual health and growth.
Finally, we were reminded that our journey with Jesus is not a solitary one. We are meant to follow Him together, in community. This means regularly meeting together, encouraging one another, and being committed to lifelong spiritual formation. As we come to the table for Holy Communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and are invited to live our lives in a way that reflects His love and grace.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Community in Spiritual Growth: Just as Jesus had His close circle of friends, we too need deep, meaningful relationships to grow spiritually. These relationships are essential for our spiritual formation, healing, and growth. They help us to be more like Jesus and to do as He did. [30:51]
2. Four Layers of Relationships: Our spiritual journey involves different layers of relationships: our closest friends, other friends, acquaintances, and our larger community or tribe. Each layer plays a crucial role, but the deepest transformation happens in the smaller, more intimate circles. [38:09]
3. Characteristics of Spiritual Friendships: Depth, vulnerability, and a commitment to transformation are key characteristics of spiritual friendships. These relationships go beyond superficial interactions and involve sharing our joys, pains, and spiritual struggles. They require honesty and transparency, allowing us to experience real healing and growth. [41:00]
4. Intentionality in Forming Relationships: Forming deep, meaningful relationships requires intentionality. These relationships are vital for our spiritual health and growth, and they often do not just fall into our laps. We must take steps to make them happen, being proactive in seeking out and nurturing these connections. [40:05]
5. Living in Community as Followers of Jesus: Our journey with Jesus is not a solitary one. We are meant to follow Him together, in community. This means regularly meeting together, encouraging one another, and being committed to lifelong spiritual formation. As we come to the table for Holy Communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and are invited to live our lives in a way that reflects His love and grace. [44:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:31] - Opening Prayer
[22:45] - The Power of Testimony
[24:02] - Recap of Previous Weeks
[25:39] - Introduction to Today's Topic
[26:31] - Children's Moment
[30:05] - The Final Part of Our Foundation
[31:43] - Jesus' Close Relationships
[34:24] - The Circles of Relationships
[38:09] - Importance of Community
[41:00] - Characteristics of Spiritual Friendships
[44:02] - Commitment to Transformation
[44:44] - Living in Community
[45:23] - Group Discussion Introduction
[01:01:42] - Testimonies from Transformation Group
[01:09:22] - Invitation to Live Intentionally
[01:12:38] - Holy Communion
[01:32:18] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:25 - "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
2. Matthew 17:1 - "Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone."
3. John 15:15 - "I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 10:25, what are believers encouraged to do, and why is it important?
2. In Matthew 17:1, who did Jesus take with Him to the high mountain, and what does this indicate about His relationships?
3. What does Jesus say about His relationship with His disciples in John 15:15, and how does this redefine their connection?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of meeting together? How does this relate to the concept of community discussed in the sermon? [31:43]
2. What can we learn from Jesus' choice to take Peter, James, and John to significant events like the Transfiguration and Gethsemane? How does this reflect the idea of having close, intimate relationships? [32:34]
3. How does Jesus' statement in John 15:15 about calling His disciples friends rather than slaves impact our understanding of spiritual friendships? What does this imply about the depth and transparency required in these relationships? [35:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationships. Do you have a close circle of friends similar to Jesus' relationship with Peter, James, and John? If not, what steps can you take to form such relationships? [33:28]
2. How can you be more intentional in forming and nurturing deep, meaningful relationships within your church community? What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to someone? [40:05]
3. Vulnerability is a key characteristic of spiritual friendships. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to be vulnerable? How can you begin to open up more with trusted friends? [41:45]
4. Think about a time when you experienced real healing and growth through a deep relationship. What made that relationship special, and how can you replicate that in your current friendships? [41:00]
5. Jesus emphasized the importance of community in spiritual growth. How can you contribute to fostering a sense of community in your small group or church? What specific actions can you take to encourage others? [44:44]
6. As we come to the table for Holy Communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. How can this act of remembrance inspire you to live a life that reflects His love and grace in your relationships? [01:12:38]
7. Identify one person in your life who you feel could become a close spiritual friend. What is one specific action you can take this week to deepen that relationship? [39:08]
Devotional
Day 1: The Necessity of Spiritual Community
Community is essential for spiritual growth, just as Jesus had His close circle of friends—Peter, James, and John. These deep, meaningful relationships are not merely for socializing but are crucial for our spiritual formation, healing, and growth. They help us to be more like Jesus and to do as He did. In these relationships, we find support, encouragement, and accountability, which are vital for our spiritual health. We are reminded that our journey with Jesus is not a solitary one; we are meant to follow Him together, in community. [30:51]
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 are the people in your life that you can rely on for spiritual support and encouragement? How can you be more intentional in nurturing these relationships this week?
Day 2: The Layers of Relationships
Our spiritual journey involves different layers of relationships: our closest friends, other friends, acquaintances, and our larger community or tribe. Each layer plays a crucial role, but the deepest transformation happens in the smaller, more intimate circles. These close relationships are where we can be most vulnerable and honest, allowing for real growth and healing. Understanding these layers helps us to see the importance of each type of relationship and to be intentional in cultivating them. [38:09]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (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!"
Reflection: Reflect on the different layers of relationships in your life. Which layer do you feel needs more attention and intentionality? What steps can you take to strengthen these relationships?
Day 3: Characteristics of Spiritual Friendships
Depth, vulnerability, and a commitment to transformation are key characteristics of spiritual friendships. These relationships go beyond superficial interactions and involve sharing our joys, pains, and spiritual struggles. They require honesty and transparency, allowing us to experience real healing and growth. In these friendships, we find a safe space to be ourselves and to be challenged to grow in our faith. These relationships are a gift from God and are vital for our spiritual health. [41:00]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think about your closest spiritual friendships. How can you cultivate more depth and vulnerability in these relationships? What is one step you can take this week to be more honest and transparent with a trusted friend?
Day 4: Intentionality in Forming Relationships
Forming deep, meaningful relationships requires intentionality. These relationships are vital for our spiritual health and growth, and they often do not just fall into our laps. We must take steps to make them happen, being proactive in seeking out and nurturing these connections. This means being willing to invest time and energy into building and maintaining these relationships, even when it is challenging. The effort we put into these relationships will be rewarded with spiritual growth and deeper connections. [40:05]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Are there people in your life you feel called to build a deeper relationship with? What specific actions can you take this week to be more intentional in forming and nurturing these relationships?
Day 5: Living in Community as Followers of Jesus
Our journey with Jesus is not a solitary one. We are meant to follow Him together, in community. This means regularly meeting together, encouraging one another, and being committed to lifelong spiritual formation. As we come to the table for Holy Communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and are invited to live our lives in a way that reflects His love and grace. Living in community helps us to stay focused on our spiritual journey and to support one another in our walk with Christ. [44:44]
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: How can you be more committed to living in community with other followers of Jesus? What practical steps can you take to regularly meet with and encourage others in your faith community?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "For centuries, teachers of the way of Jesus have likened apprenticeship to a kind of spiritual journey, a long, winding rollercoaster journey of becoming a person of love in God. And like the proverb says, it's a journey that we were designed to go on together in community." [23:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are not meant to go on this journey alone. We are meant to follow Jesus together. Now when I say that, some of you immediately think of this verse from Hebrews 10, 25. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another. And that is part of living life together. But it's only part, as Jesus shows us." [30:51] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God created us to live deeply relational lives. And it's in the first two circles of our closest community that we experience deep, lasting transformation. We all need at least one person in our lives who we can safely bear all to. Where we can be at our most vulnerable. Someone that we can tell everything to. Who will love us no matter what." [39:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need more. We need these special relationships. If we are to go deeper in transformation. And discipleship. In order to go wider in mission. Just as he did." [44:44] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "May we be formed into people who are more and more like your Son, Jesus. And when we stumble as we will, may we get back up and begin again with our eyes set over the horizon to the hope of eternity." [01:32:18] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "We started with the three driving goals of an apprentice. Can anyone tell me what they are? To be with Jesus, to become like him, and to do as he did. Then we covered spiritual formation, and we realized that we are being formed already for better or for worse. We followed that up by, realizing that following Jesus often means unlearning old habits and learning new ones." [24:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In our relationship circles, these are our closest friends. Up to five people who deeply know us as we are. Our good and our bad. Who love us as we are. And who are prepared to speak truth into our lives. The next circle is our other friends. Which can go up to about 15 people. These numbers aren't exact, but these are numbers that come through from sociologists in terms of these sort of numbers." [33:28] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're sitting there and you've got mixed emotions about developing these deep relationships. You are not alone. You're not the only one in the room that's feeling that. Part of us aches for connection to God and to others. We want to know and be known. To love and be loved. But part of us is terrified of connection. Especially deep connection. But with God's help. We can get past our concerns." [40:05] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Depth. Vulnerability. And a commitment to transformation. By his actions. Jesus taught everyone in his circles. That becoming like him. And doing as he did. Required more from them. Than just going to the synagogue on the Sabbath. We are part of his circles of relationship. We are part of his outer circle. His church. So guess what. He's teaching us also. That coming to church on Sunday. Is not enough for us either." [44:02] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our aim is to take. What you're hearing on a Sunday. And to go deeper. And apply it in our lives. So that we can work with him. As he transforms us. To be like Jesus. And be able to do as he did. And that transformation group. May be your opportunity. To get to know others better in the church. In a safe environment. To build closer relationships." [01:10:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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