Identity in Community: Embrace, Repent, and Restore
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share a journey that our church has been on, wrestling with the question of identity. This question is not just for the church but for the world as well. We often think of identity as an individual pursuit, but I believe it is meant to be formed in community. This is counter-cultural because we live in a world that values individual expression. However, the Bible teaches us that our identity is deeply connected to our community.
Paul's letter to the Corinthians addresses a case of sexual immorality and the church's response to it. The issue is not just the individual's sin but the church's tolerance and complacency. Paul uses strong language, urging the church to excommunicate the unrepentant individual to preserve the holiness of the community. This may seem harsh, but it is rooted in love and a desire for the individual's restoration.
We live in a time where inclusion is highly valued, but Paul challenges us to think critically about it. Inclusion without boundaries can lead to moral relativism, where there is no absolute truth. This is dangerous because it compromises the values of the church. Paul reminds us that our identity and holiness are interdependent on one another. We are called to be a community that embraces, repents, and mourns over each other's brokenness.
Jesus is our ultimate example. He included everyone but also demanded repentance and offered forgiveness. The gospel is both inclusive and exclusive. All are welcome to come as they are, but the call of Christ is to surrender and not stay as you are. This is true freedom, where we can be who we were created to be.
To do this well, we must become a community of embrace and repentance. We need to embrace outsiders without compromising our beliefs and learn to mourn over each other's brokenness. We must also repent of our indifference and strive for holiness. This is the legacy of our city, a place where revival can happen through our pursuit of holiness and love for one another.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity in Community: Our identity is not an individual pursuit but is meant to be formed in community. This is counter-cultural but deeply biblical. We are interconnected, and our individual pursuit of holiness is interdependent on one another. [43:03]
2. Holiness and Tolerance: Paul challenges the church to not be complacent or tolerant of sin within the community. This is not about judgment but about preserving the holiness of the church and the spiritual health of its members. [47:51]
3. Inclusive Yet Exclusive: The gospel is the most inclusive and yet exclusive community. All are welcome to come as they are, but the call of Christ is to surrender and not stay as you are. This transforms us into who we were created to be. [01:03:43]
4. Community of Embrace and Repentance: We must become a community that embraces outsiders and fellow believers without compromising our beliefs. We also need to repent of our indifference and strive for holiness. [01:05:31]
5. Mourning Over Brokenness: We should learn to mourn over each other's brokenness rather than judge or criticize. This genuine desire for restoration reflects the heart of Christ and fosters a loving, transformative community. [01:09:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:59] - Introduction and Family
[40:36] - AMI Churches and Tapestry
[41:26] - Identity in Community
[42:02] - The Question of Inclusion
[43:03] - Identity and Community
[44:05] - Grace and Truth
[45:00] - Paul's Letter to the Corinthians
[45:54] - DIY Christianity vs. Die-to-Yourself Christianity
[46:50] - The Church's Response
[47:51] - Holiness and Tolerance
[49:20] - Inclusion and Boundaries
[50:12] - Moral Relativism
[51:09] - Intelligent Struggle Against Exclusion
[52:13] - The Need for Boundaries
[53:15] - The Role of the Church
[54:02] - Self-Righteousness and Community
[55:21] - The Impact of Sin on the Church
[56:06] - Religious Relativism
[57:17] - Rejoicing and Suffering Together
[58:44] - The Analogy of Leaven
[01:00:03] - The Passover and Christ
[01:01:34] - Jesus as the Moral Framework
[01:02:53] - The Inclusive and Exclusive Gospel
[01:03:43] - The Call to Surrender
[01:04:57] - Becoming a Community of Embrace
[01:05:31] - Embracing Outsiders
[01:06:30] - Embracing Fellow Believers
[01:07:16] - The Purpose of Excommunication
[01:07:43] - True Compassion and Rebuke
[01:08:36] - Mourning Over Brokenness
[01:09:12] - Paul's Genuine Desire for Restoration
[01:10:23] - Personal Reflection on Mourning
[01:12:04] - Praying for Restoration
[01:12:34] - Reaffirming Love
[01:13:07] - Learning to Mourn and Grieve
[01:13:42] - Community of Repentance
[01:14:13] - Repenting of Indifference
[01:14:44] - The Role of Repentance in Revival
[01:15:14] - Invitation to Engage
[01:15:44] - The Legacy of Revival
[01:16:15] - William Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival
[01:17:18] - The Legacy of Los Angeles
[01:17:48] - The Call to Holiness
[01:18:19] - Prayer and Repentance
[01:19:39] - Sins of Omission
[01:20:13] - Indifference to God's Heart
[01:21:17] - Washing Each Other's Feet
[01:22:21] - Mourning and Grieving Together
[01:22:55] - Jesus Washing the Disciples' Feet
[01:23:23] - Praying for Others
[01:23:55] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 5:1-13 (ESV)
> "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. 'Purge the evil person from among you.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific issue does Paul address in his letter to the Corinthians, and how does he suggest the church respond? ([45:00])
2. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between individual sin and the community's holiness? ([45:54])
3. How does Paul describe the church's attitude towards the sin in their community, and what does he suggest they should feel instead? ([47:51])
4. What analogy does Paul use to explain the impact of sin on the church, and what does it signify? ([58:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for boundaries within the church community, and how does this relate to the concept of inclusion? ([49:20])
2. How does the sermon explain the balance between embracing outsiders and maintaining the church's beliefs? ([01:05:31])
3. What does it mean to mourn over each other's brokenness, and why is this important for the church community? ([01:09:12])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of repentance in achieving true freedom and holiness? ([01:04:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How do you balance the call to embrace others with the need to maintain your personal and communal holiness? ([01:05:31])
2. Think of a time when you were indifferent to someone else's spiritual struggle. How can you change your approach to be more compassionate and supportive? ([01:12:34])
3. In what ways can you actively mourn and grieve over the brokenness of others in your community? How can this change your interactions with them? ([01:09:12])
4. How can you practice repentance in your daily life, not just for your own sins but also for the ways you have been indifferent to the brokenness around you? ([01:14:13])
5. Identify a specific person in your church or community who is struggling. What steps can you take this week to support and pray for them genuinely? ([01:23:23])
6. How can you contribute to creating a community of embrace and repentance in your church? What practical actions can you take to foster this environment? ([01:05:31])
7. Reflect on the concept of true freedom as described in the sermon. How can you surrender more fully to Christ and experience the transformation He offers? ([01:04:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Identity in Community
Our identity is not an individual pursuit but is meant to be formed in community. This is counter-cultural but deeply biblical. We are interconnected, and our individual pursuit of holiness is interdependent on one another. [43:03]
In a world that often emphasizes individualism and personal expression, the concept of identity being formed within a community can seem foreign. However, the Bible teaches that our identity is deeply connected to the community we are part of. This interconnectedness means that our spiritual growth and pursuit of holiness are not just personal endeavors but communal ones. When one member of the community grows, the entire community benefits, and when one member struggles, the community is called to support and uplift them.
This communal approach to identity challenges us to rethink how we view our role within the church. It calls us to be more engaged, more supportive, and more accountable to one another. It also means that our actions and decisions impact not just ourselves but the entire community. As we strive for holiness, we do so not in isolation but as part of a larger body of believers who are all on the same journey.
1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV): "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth and well-being of your church community this week?
Day 2: Holiness and Tolerance
Paul challenges the church to not be complacent or tolerant of sin within the community. This is not about judgment but about preserving the holiness of the church and the spiritual health of its members. [47:51]
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality within the church and the community's complacency towards it. He uses strong language to urge the church to take action, not out of a desire to judge or condemn, but to preserve the holiness of the community. This call to action is rooted in love and a desire for the spiritual health of all its members.
Holiness is a communal responsibility. When sin is tolerated within the community, it can spread and affect the spiritual health of others. Paul’s message is a reminder that the church must uphold its values and standards, not out of self-righteousness, but out of a genuine concern for the well-being of its members. This involves difficult conversations and sometimes tough decisions, but it is all done with the goal of restoration and growth.
1 Corinthians 5:6-7 (ESV): "Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life or within your community where complacency towards sin has taken root? How can you address it with love and a desire for restoration?
Day 3: Inclusive Yet Exclusive
The gospel is the most inclusive and yet exclusive community. All are welcome to come as they are, but the call of Christ is to surrender and not stay as you are. This transforms us into who we were created to be. [01:03:43]
The message of the gospel is one of radical inclusion. Jesus welcomed everyone, regardless of their background, status, or past. However, this inclusivity comes with a call to transformation. Jesus invites us to come as we are, but He also calls us to surrender our old ways and be transformed into who we were created to be. This is the essence of true freedom in Christ.
This dual nature of the gospel—being both inclusive and exclusive—challenges us to embrace others while also encouraging them towards growth and change. It is a reminder that while the love of Christ is unconditional, it also calls us to a higher standard of living. This transformation is not something we do on our own but through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: Community of Embrace and Repentance
We must become a community that embraces outsiders and fellow believers without compromising our beliefs. We also need to repent of our indifference and strive for holiness. [01:05:31]
A healthy church community is one that embraces both outsiders and fellow believers with open arms, while also holding firmly to its beliefs and values. This balance is crucial for creating an environment where people feel welcomed and loved, yet also challenged to grow and change. Embracing others means showing genuine love and compassion, regardless of their background or current state.
However, this embrace must be coupled with a commitment to holiness. The church must not become indifferent to sin or complacent in its pursuit of righteousness. Repentance is a key aspect of this process. It involves acknowledging our own shortcomings and striving to align our lives more closely with God's will. This dual focus on embrace and repentance creates a community that is both loving and transformative.
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: How can you show genuine love and embrace to someone in your community this week while also encouraging them towards growth and holiness?
Day 5: Mourning Over Brokenness
We should learn to mourn over each other's brokenness rather than judge or criticize. This genuine desire for restoration reflects the heart of Christ and fosters a loving, transformative community. [01:09:12]
One of the most powerful aspects of a Christ-centered community is its ability to mourn over each other's brokenness. This means feeling genuine sorrow and compassion for the struggles and failures of others, rather than judging or criticizing them. This attitude reflects the heart of Christ, who wept over the brokenness of humanity and offered His life for our restoration.
Mourning over brokenness involves a deep sense of empathy and a desire to see others restored and healed. It means walking alongside them in their struggles, offering support, and praying for their healing. This approach fosters a loving and transformative community where people feel safe to be vulnerable and are encouraged to grow and change.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is struggling or broken. How can you show them genuine compassion and support this week, reflecting the heart of Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Identity is not meant to be an individual pursuit, as the world will call it. But identity was always meant to be formed in community. Now that's a very counter-cultural statement because we pride ourselves on the ability to express and be whoever we choose to be, wherever we are." [43:03] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do it yourself. Now, I don't know about you, but that's very contrary. Do it yourself. Do what I see in the scriptures. Because what I see in the scriptures is not a do-it-yourself Christianity, but a die-to-yourself Christianity, right? But the thing is, we prefer passages like, come to me, all who are weary. And I think those are very important passages, passages that invite us into the rest of our Jesus. And we struggle with passages like, die to your flesh." [46:50] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "All are invited to Christ to come as they are, but let me be clear, but the call of Christ is to surrender and not stay as you are. All are welcome to come as they are, with all of their baggage, all of their pain, all of their brokenness. But the beauty of the gospel, brothers and sisters, is that the call of Christ, you cannot stay as you are, because his love transforms you." [01:04:19] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "This is not a removal of our freedom or threat to inclusion. But the only invitation to what I believe is true freedom, where we can be who we were created to be." [01:04:57] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The gospel, let me say it like this, is the most inclusive and yet exclusive community, the answer to unity and reconciliation we all desire. Think about this, would you? Remember the people that Jesus called. It's a fisherman, a tax collector, a zealot, women who were considered less than in that society, all gathered around a table and had a meal. You know why that was so offensive and incomprehensible? Because Jesus called them family." [01:02:53] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our individual pursuit of holiness, Paul shows, is interdependent on one another. Identity was always meant to be formed in community. And to illustrate the impact of this on a church, Paul begins to use this analogy in verses 7 through 10 of leaven or yeast to describe just how, when we allow sin, when we allow the tolerance of sin, or even the world ideas, what happens in the detrimental impact of sin, what impact it can have on the church." [58:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul's deep concern for the whole approach to the matter of immorality is altogether wrong. The problem lies not just with one individual, but with the whole community. The behavior of the one affects the entire congregation. However, their self-centered arrogance and their confidence and their spiritual status have produced a lethal combination. They have been ignoring the community as a whole, and especially the relationship between the individual and the church." [54:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you see a brother or sister, do you mourn over their brokenness? You know, I have to be honest with you. Sometimes my natural reaction is I tend to criticize or judge, but in a very passive way. I might say things like, I'll pray for you. But in my heart, sometimes I might find myself asking, why are they doing that? How can they think like that and call themselves a Christian?" [01:10:23] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes we just need to learn how to repent. And you know one way we can start is to repent of our indifference. Indifference, I like to put it, is the silent cousin of hate. It can be more damaging than hate itself. Polar sociologists said it like this, the Holocaust was accompanied not by the uproar of emotions, but the dead silence of the unconcern. Indifference is something that I think we can start repenting of." [01:13:42] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When a church repents in the ways it has tolerated or been indifferent to the brokenness and injustice of its people, I believe that is the birthing pains of revival. That's why I love what Tapestry is doing. I heard you guys had a prayer night for what's happening in Gaza. I love, gosh what is the title of that movie again? Sheep Among Wolves. In the first service I said silence the lamb. Totally wrong." [01:14:44] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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