Strength in Community: Embracing Faith Together
Summary
Summary:
Today, I want to emphasize the importance of community and teamwork within the church. As we navigate through life, it's crucial to have a support system—a team of like-minded individuals who can encourage, challenge, and uplift us. The story of Paul in Acts 14 serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community. Despite facing severe opposition and even being stoned, Paul was able to rise again because he was surrounded by disciples who supported him. This illustrates the necessity of having people around us who can stand with us in times of trial.
In our church, we have various groups and teams that cater to different needs and interests, from Bible studies to sports teams. These groups are not just for socializing but are vital for spiritual growth and accountability. They provide a safe space to discuss our thoughts, share revelations from the Word, and even challenge each other to grow in our faith. It's in these settings that we can practice our faith, refine our gifts, and encourage one another to pursue the callings God has placed on our lives.
Moreover, I want to stress the importance of having a physical Bible. In a world where digital information can be easily altered, having a tangible copy of God's unchanging Word is invaluable. It serves as a constant reminder of His promises and truths.
Lastly, we must be wary of the dangers of complaining and negativity, which can hinder our spiritual growth. Instead, let's focus on working out our salvation with fear and trembling, striving to be faithful servants who use our gifts for God's glory. By being part of a community, we can hold each other accountable, break the lies that the enemy tries to plant in our minds, and encourage one another to keep moving forward in faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Community: Just as Paul was supported by his disciples, we too need a community to stand with us in times of trial. Being part of a team provides strength, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to rise above challenges and grow in our faith. [01:01:32]
2. The Importance of Physical Scripture: In a digital age where information can be manipulated, having a physical Bible is crucial. It serves as a constant, unchanging source of truth and guidance, reminding us of God's promises and helping us stay grounded in our faith. [01:11:00]
3. Avoiding the Trap of Complaining: Complaining can lead us down a path of negativity and hinder our spiritual growth. Instead, we should focus on gratitude and working out our salvation with fear and trembling, striving to be faithful servants who use our gifts for God's glory. [01:36:17]
4. The Role of Accountability: Being part of a group allows us to hold each other accountable, ensuring that we are on the right path and not falling into complacency. It's through these relationships that we can refine our gifts, share our visions, and encourage one another to pursue God's calling. [01:22:15]
5. Breaking the Lies of the Enemy: In a supportive community, we can break the lies that the enemy tries to plant in our minds. By speaking truth into each other's lives, we can overcome fear and doubt, and be reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit within us. [01:32:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:58] - Introduction to Teamwork
- [01:00:05] - Paul's Story of Community Support
- [01:01:32] - The Power of "However"
- [01:03:26] - Strengthening the Disciples
- [01:06:28] - The Need for Friends and Community
- [01:07:27] - Processing Information Together
- [01:08:44] - The Role of Church in Community
- [01:10:19] - The Importance of a Physical Bible
- [01:11:50] - The Dangers of AI and Digital Manipulation
- [01:14:17] - Encouragement to Obtain a Bible
- [01:17:50] - The Parable of the Wedding Feast
- [01:22:15] - Accountability in Community
- [01:32:18] - Breaking Lies Through Community
- [01:39:10] - Working Out Salvation with Fear and Trembling
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 14:19-22
2. Philippians 2:12-14
3. Matthew 22:12-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What happened to Paul in Acts 14:19, and how did the disciples respond to his situation? [01:01:32]
2. According to Philippians 2:12-14, what are believers encouraged to do without complaining?
3. In the parable from Matthew 22, what was the consequence for the man who did not have a wedding garment? [01:20:23]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community in Paul's recovery after being stoned? [01:01:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Paul in Acts 14 illustrate the power of community in overcoming trials? [01:01:32]
2. What might be the significance of having a physical Bible in today's digital age, as discussed in the sermon? [01:11:00]
3. How can complaining hinder spiritual growth, according to the sermon and Philippians 2:12-14? [01:36:17]
4. What does the parable in Matthew 22 suggest about the expectations God has for those who are called into His kingdom? [01:20:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge. How did having a supportive community help you, or how might it have helped you if you didn't have one? [01:01:32]
2. Do you own a physical Bible? If not, what steps can you take to obtain one, and how might it impact your spiritual journey? [01:11:00]
3. Identify an area in your life where you tend to complain. How can you shift your focus to gratitude and growth instead? [01:36:17]
4. In what ways can you contribute to the accountability and encouragement of your small group or church community? [01:22:15]
5. Consider a lie or doubt that you have struggled with. How can your community help you break free from it and remind you of the truth? [01:32:59]
6. How can you actively work out your salvation with fear and trembling in your daily life, as encouraged in Philippians 2:12-14? [01:39:10]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to ensure you are wearing the "wedding garment" of readiness and obedience in God's kingdom? [01:20:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Strength of Community in Trials
In life, we often face challenges that can feel overwhelming. The story of Paul in Acts 14 reminds us of the power of community during such times. Despite facing severe opposition and even being stoned, Paul was able to rise again because he was surrounded by disciples who supported him. This illustrates the necessity of having people around us who can stand with us in times of trial. Being part of a community provides strength, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to rise above challenges and grow in our faith. [01:01:32]
Acts 14:19-20 (ESV): "But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe."
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that you can rely on during difficult times? How can you actively invest in these relationships to build a stronger support system?
Day 2: The Unchanging Truth of Physical Scripture
In a digital age where information can be manipulated, having a physical Bible is crucial. It serves as a constant, unchanging source of truth and guidance, reminding us of God's promises and helping us stay grounded in our faith. A tangible copy of God's Word is invaluable, as it provides a reliable foundation in a world where digital information can be easily altered. By keeping a physical Bible, we ensure that we have a steadfast reminder of His promises and truths. [01:11:00]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: Do you have a physical Bible that you regularly read and study? If not, what steps can you take to obtain one and incorporate it into your daily routine?
Day 3: Cultivating Gratitude Over Complaining
Complaining can lead us down a path of negativity and hinder our spiritual growth. Instead, we should focus on gratitude and working out our salvation with fear and trembling, striving to be faithful servants who use our gifts for God's glory. By shifting our focus from negativity to gratitude, we can better align ourselves with God's purpose and experience spiritual growth. This mindset allows us to appreciate the blessings in our lives and encourages us to use our gifts for His glory. [01:36:17]
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV): "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself frequently complaining? How can you shift your perspective to focus on gratitude instead?
Day 4: Accountability in Spiritual Growth
Being part of a group allows us to hold each other accountable, ensuring that we are on the right path and not falling into complacency. It's through these relationships that we can refine our gifts, share our visions, and encourage one another to pursue God's calling. Accountability is a vital aspect of spiritual growth, as it helps us stay committed to our faith and avoid complacency. By engaging with others in a community, we can refine our gifts and encourage one another to pursue the callings God has placed on our lives. [01:22:15]
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 can you trust to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey? How can you initiate or strengthen this relationship?
Day 5: Overcoming Lies Through Community Support
In a supportive community, we can break the lies that the enemy tries to plant in our minds. By speaking truth into each other's lives, we can overcome fear and doubt, and be reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Community support is essential in combating the lies and doubts that the enemy tries to instill in us. By surrounding ourselves with people who speak truth into our lives, we can overcome fear and be reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit within us. [01:32:59]
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: What lies or doubts have you been struggling with recently? How can you seek support from your community to overcome these challenges?
Quotes
"However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up, went into the city, and next day departed for, with Barnabas to Derbe. Now, it's just a small little passage there, but, and it doesn't really show much emotion in what was happening. But I can tell you now, there was a bit of emotion going on." [01:01:44] (30 seconds)
"Paul wasn't a loner. Paul was not a man who, I believe that in his beginning of his ministry, the Lord dealt with him severely. He pulled him off to a side, ministered to him. And then he had disciples. Talks about that. He had people that come around him and look after him." [01:05:33] (28 seconds)
"Sometimes the words come to us just out of the media, out of friends who talk to us, people at work, stuff that comes at us, and things we may not have heard before. I mean, I was walking through the shopping center the other day and my old mate comes over and says, oh, you wouldn't believe what's happened now." [01:06:37] (24 seconds)
"Now, I know it's old-fashioned, but please bear with me. This is an old one. I believe it's really important that we get a page-turning Bible that you can sit down and read it. And, again, there's something... with me, right? But there's a reason for this." [01:10:39] (27 seconds)
"AI talks back. I know, right? At the moment, they're telling us that the AI is just a loop. So it's what you put in, that's what you get out. But they're actually trying to do something a little different. And they may have done it, they're just not telling us. They want it to make its own decisions." [01:11:56] (17 seconds)
"Your friends will help you break that lie, because that's not true. None of that's true. See, the same spirit in you is the spirit that raised Christ from the dead. I just might have to tell you that one more time. I was talking to someone yesterday. I told him four times, the same spirit that's in you raised Christ from the dead." [01:32:41] (23 seconds)
"Complaining starts out with just a little bit of upset and it actually can turn into a very, very big, deep hole where we leave our church, leave our fellowship, leave because of the things that we start to talk and think. And so that's why we are in groups. We look after each other." [01:38:46] (23 seconds)
"Get yourselves in a group. Look after each other. Strengthen us because we are not going to be picked off one by one. That is the thing I'm saying. Two things. Get in a group and you're not going to be picked off one by one. That's not going to happen this year. Just one year at a time." [01:40:50] (19 seconds)
"We're going to look after one another. Be open to direction. Encouragement. Look after one another. A little bit of pushing around. It's okay. Hurts a little bit sometimes but it's alright. It's good for you. You don't need that Mars bar. You really don't. You don't need it. You don't need it. You don't need it." [01:41:38] (27 seconds)
"Father, work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It says we're not supposed to fear, but you know what we do? We fear the Lord. We fear the Lord in a reverence fear, but not only reverence, but it's actually a fear and trembling. Lord, I want to be there." [01:39:10] (22 seconds)
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