Spurring One Another On: The Power of Community

 

Summary

In our journey through life, the power of community and the influence of those we choose to surround ourselves with cannot be overstated. Today, we delve into the concept of "spurring one another on," as highlighted in Hebrews 10:24, which encourages us to consider how we can motivate each other towards love and good deeds. The Greek roots of the word "spur" suggest a need for closeness and a bit of agitation, much like a spur prods a horse to move forward. This agitation is not meant to be negative but rather a catalyst for growth and movement towards greater things.

Reflecting on personal experiences, such as my son's journey in track and field, we see how being surrounded by those who challenge us can lead to remarkable growth. Initially, he was content with his performance, but joining a group of elite athletes pushed him beyond his comfort zone, leading to achievements he never imagined. This mirrors our spiritual journey, where the right community can propel us to fulfill our God-given potential.

Acts 20 provides a profound example of this dynamic through the relationship between Paul and the Ephesian elders. Paul, having allowed these individuals to come close, spurred them on with his life and teachings. He reminded them of their purpose and the importance of living a life dedicated to God's will. His words were not just encouragements but a call to action, urging them to rise above mediocrity and embrace their roles as leaders and shepherds of the church.

The essence of spurring one another on lies in choosing the right people to run with. Surrounding ourselves with those who are committed, faithful, and passionate about their faith can transform our lives. It requires vulnerability and a willingness to be prodded, even when it feels uncomfortable. This is how we grow, how we become the people God intended us to be.

In our daily lives, we must seek out those who will challenge us, inspire us, and hold us accountable. Whether it's in our marriages, parenting, or personal faith journeys, having a community that pushes us towards excellence is invaluable. Let us pray for and actively seek out these relationships, allowing them to spur us on to greater heights in our walk with God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Community: Surrounding ourselves with the right people can significantly impact our spiritual growth. Just as my son improved by running with elite athletes, we too can achieve more when we are part of a community that challenges and supports us. [05:35]

2. Embrace the Agitation: The concept of spurring involves a bit of discomfort, much like a spur on a horse. This agitation is necessary for growth, pushing us out of our comfort zones and towards our full potential in Christ. [10:33]

3. Paul's Example: In Acts 20, Paul exemplifies how allowing others to come close and spur us on can lead to profound spiritual growth. His relationship with the Ephesian elders shows the importance of mutual encouragement and accountability in our faith journeys. [05:35]

4. Choosing the Right People: Who we choose to run with matters. Surrounding ourselves with committed, faithful individuals can transform our lives, pushing us towards excellence in our walk with God. [10:33]

5. Prayer and Intentionality: Seeking out relationships that spur us on requires prayer and intentionality. By asking God to bring the right people into our lives, we open ourselves to the growth and transformation He desires for us. [10:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to "Spurring One Another On"
- [01:15] - Understanding the Greek Meaning of "Spur"
- [02:30] - Personal Story: My Son's Track Experience
- [04:45] - The Role of Agitation in Growth
- [05:35] - Acts 20: Paul's Example of Spurring On
- [07:00] - The Importance of Choosing the Right People
- [08:15] - Personal Reflection: Seeking Accountability
- [09:30] - The Power of Prayer in Building Community
- [10:33] - Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge
- [11:45] - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 10:24
- Acts 20:18-38

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Hebrews 10:24 suggest about the role of community in our spiritual growth?
2. How does the Greek meaning of "spur" enhance our understanding of Hebrews 10:24? [00:10]
3. In Acts 20, what specific actions did Paul take to spur the Ephesian elders on in their faith? [05:35]
4. How did the pastor's story about his son's track experience illustrate the concept of being spurred on by others? [04:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "spurring one another on" challenge the traditional view of accountability partners? [00:10]
2. In what ways did Paul's relationship with the Ephesian elders serve as a model for mutual encouragement and accountability? [05:35]
3. How can the discomfort associated with being "spurred" lead to personal and spiritual growth? [04:45]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says, "Who you decide to run with makes all the difference"? [10:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current community. Are there individuals who challenge and inspire you to grow spiritually? How can you seek out such relationships if they are lacking? [10:33]
2. Think of a time when you felt "agitated" by someone in your life. How did that experience contribute to your growth, and how can you embrace similar situations in the future? [04:45]
3. How can you intentionally create an environment in your life that encourages mutual encouragement and accountability, similar to Paul's relationship with the Ephesian elders? [05:35]
4. Identify one area in your life where you feel comfortable but stagnant. What steps can you take to invite others to spur you on in that area? [00:10]
5. How can you pray for and intentionally seek out relationships that will spur you on towards love and good deeds? [10:33]
6. In what ways can you be a source of encouragement and accountability for others in your community? [05:35]
7. Consider a specific goal or aspiration you have. Who in your life can help you achieve it, and how can you invite them to be part of your journey? [04:45]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Community
Surrounding ourselves with the right people can significantly impact our spiritual growth. Just as an athlete improves by training with elite peers, we too can achieve more when we are part of a community that challenges and supports us. The influence of those around us can either propel us forward or hold us back. In our spiritual journey, being part of a community that encourages us to pursue love and good deeds is invaluable. This community acts as a mirror, reflecting our potential and urging us to strive for excellence. [05:35]

"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!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life challenges you to grow spiritually? How can you intentionally spend more time with them this week?


Day 2: Embrace Discomfort for Growth
The concept of spurring involves a bit of discomfort, much like a spur on a horse. This agitation is necessary for growth, pushing us out of our comfort zones and towards our full potential in Christ. Growth often requires us to face challenges and embrace the discomfort that comes with change. By allowing ourselves to be prodded, we open the door to new opportunities and experiences that can deepen our faith and expand our understanding of God's purpose for us. [10:33]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel uncomfortable or challenged? How can you view this discomfort as an opportunity for growth in your faith journey?


Day 3: Paul's Example of Mutual Encouragement
In Acts 20, Paul exemplifies how allowing others to come close and spur us on can lead to profound spiritual growth. His relationship with the Ephesian elders shows the importance of mutual encouragement and accountability in our faith journeys. Paul’s life and teachings served as a catalyst for the elders, reminding them of their purpose and urging them to rise above mediocrity. This example highlights the power of close relationships in fostering spiritual maturity and dedication to God's will. [05:35]

"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life serves as a spiritual mentor or encourager? How can you express gratitude to them and seek their guidance more intentionally?


Day 4: The Importance of Choosing the Right People
Who we choose to run with matters. Surrounding ourselves with committed, faithful individuals can transform our lives, pushing us towards excellence in our walk with God. The right community can inspire us to pursue our God-given potential and hold us accountable in our spiritual journey. It requires discernment and intentionality to build relationships with those who share our values and aspirations. By choosing wisely, we create an environment that nurtures growth and encourages us to live out our faith authentically. [10:33]

"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current circle of friends. Are there any relationships that may be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you seek out and invest in relationships that will encourage your faith?


Day 5: Prayer and Intentionality in Building Community
Seeking out relationships that spur us on requires prayer and intentionality. By asking God to bring the right people into our lives, we open ourselves to the growth and transformation He desires for us. Prayer is a powerful tool in discerning the relationships that will best support our spiritual journey. It invites God’s guidance in choosing companions who will challenge us, inspire us, and hold us accountable. Through intentional prayer and action, we can cultivate a community that reflects God’s love and purpose. [10:33]

"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." (James 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: Spend time in prayer today, asking God to reveal the people He wants you to connect with. How can you take a step towards building or strengthening these relationships this week?

Quotes

"well hey friends good to be with you again week three we're just diving into this a lay loan series we're just talking about the power of living life together one another life and so today we're going to specifically talk about spurring one another on hebrews 10 24 says and let us consider like seriously let's consider this how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds and so we're going to talk about this idea of spurring one another on today what does it mean to spur one another on and now look and in my life i don't feel like i use the word" [00:00:06]

"spur and I guess we're in Kentucky and so maybe that's normal for some of you but that word spur one another on in the Greek is really two words that are put together and the one means like get really close like we need people really close if we're going to spur people on they got to be close but second of all they've got a there's an agitation piece to this like the spur is like prodding the side it's like by having this person in you know close to me I can't stay where I am it might agitate me a little bit more but the the goal is is that I want to go somewhere that I never would have went without and so that's what we want to talk about today we want to talk about what does it really mean to spur one another on and and if you grew up like me I heard of these things called accountability" [00:00:41]

"partners. You ever heard of this? And some of you have had those over the years. And what it was back then, what spurred someone on meant was we were going to sit down and I was going to tell you my deepest sins. And I was going to tell you what I didn't do and what I should do. And it was like a check -in. And I'm just being honest. Back in the day, I just remember sitting down and I was like, I just feel like a bad person. I feel like I'm not doing what I should. And it didn't have a power in my life to really move me. It just felt like it was always defeating me. And so I just want to say in our time together today, I want to do this. I want to really lean into answering the question, who are you going to allow to come close that can spur you on to do greater things than you ever, ever?" [00:01:23]

"Now, he's probably better than the people around him. But all of a sudden, he starts, you know, watching some YouTube videos and he's doing this and he starts doing pretty good. As a matter of fact, this last year, he won a state in a couple events and he thought, man, you know, this is" [00:02:36]

"and they're so, and like they stretch for like 30 minutes and I, you know, like they just had this whole different routine and he's just telling me when it was so other and it was so, it kind of made me, it made him feel a little insecure and made him feel like he was this. And here's the thing, spurring people on, as I found, is part irritation. Like there's an irritation nature to having someone around you, someone around you that's great or is that good or something. But he just, he started leaning in and he came home tired and he'd never been so beaten. But fast forward, he's gotten way more fast. He's had a blast. It's been close. And he has been able to do some things that he never thought he was gonna do. Here's what I want to say to you. Some of you were made to do more than" [00:03:29]

"to Jerusalem. He knows that he's probably never going to see them again. You can read more about the story if you want. But he knows it's been the last time with the people that I've got close. And we're just going to hear the story of their life and how they spurred one another on. So verse 18 says, so when they arrived, the elders, Paul said to them, you know how I lived the whole time when I was with you. And we're about to find out a little bit about the way Paul lived. He said, from the first day I came into the province of Asia, you know I served the Lord with great humility and with tears in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you, but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I've declared both to both Jews." [00:04:55]

"in greeks that they must turn to god in repentance and have faith in our lord jesus and now compelled by the spirit i'm going to jerusalem not knowing what's going to happen to me there i only know that in every city and the holy spirit just keeps warning me that prison and hardships are facing me however i consider my life worth nothing to me i mean my only aim is to finish the race to complete the task that the lord jesus has given me the task of testifying to the good news of god's grace now i know that none of you among whom i have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again therefore i just want to declare to you today that i am innocent of the blood of any of you for i have not hesitated" [00:05:35]

"to proclaim to you, I would say to prod you to the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves, brothers, and over all the flock which the Holy Spirit has made you overseas. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves are gonna come in among you and will not spare the flock." [00:06:17]

"Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard. Remember that for three years, I never stopped warning you day and night with tears. Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up into an inheritance among." [00:06:39]

"those who were sanctified. I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions." [00:06:59]

"In everything I did, I showed you this, that by this kind of hard work that we must help the weak, remembering the words of Lord Jesus when he said it's more blessed to give than to receive. When Paul had finished speaking, he just knelt down with all of them and he just prayed. And they wept, and they embraced, and they kissed him. And what grieved them most was the statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship." [00:07:19]

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Transcript
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