Strength in Unity: The Power of Community
Summary
In today's gathering, I had the privilege of sharing about the transformative power of community within our church family. I began by welcoming everyone, especially our first-time visitors, and expressing gratitude for the regular attendees' commitment to our church. I highlighted the importance of giving and participating in our church's activities, such as the monthly night of prayer, men's breakfast, trivia night fundraiser, and the new members dinner.
I then transitioned into the heart of today's message, which is the power of community. I shared the story of "The Boys in the Boat," a true account of the University of Washington's eight-man rowing team that won the gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This story exemplifies how individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill levels can come together to achieve greatness. Similarly, in our church, we've witnessed the strength of community through life groups supporting members in times of need, as illustrated by the stories of Jerry and Karen, and Ryan and Esther.
I emphasized that we are stronger together, drawing from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, where Solomon writes about the benefits of companionship over isolation. Two are better than one, he says, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. This passage speaks to the spiritual truth that we are designed for relationships and that there is immense power in Christian community.
I encouraged everyone to invest in relationships within our church, to be willing to be known, and to be open to the messiness that sometimes comes with Christian community. I urged everyone to be proactive in building community, to be a support, a source of comfort, and to fight for one another in the spiritual battles we face.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of "The Boys in the Boat" is not just an inspiring tale of athletic triumph but a metaphor for the church. As the rowers depended on each other to win the race, we too must rely on our brothers and sisters in Christ to navigate the waters of life. The strength of our community lies in our unity and mutual support. [27:39]
- The power of community is vividly seen in times of crisis, as with the stories of Jerry and Karen, and Ryan and Esther. These real-life examples within our church family demonstrate how life groups provide essential support, comfort, and prayer during the most challenging times. [56:38]
- Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is timeless. His observations about the benefits of companionship over solitude are a divine reminder that we are created for fellowship. In the context of the church, this means actively participating in life groups and building relationships that reflect the love of Christ. [36:23]
- Being a disciple of Jesus involves more than personal growth; it's about helping others connect to God and the community of believers. Discipleship is a relational journey where we walk alongside others, offering support and encouragement as we collectively grow in faith. [38:25]
- The analogy of a threefold cord not being easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12) speaks to the compounded strength we gain when we intertwine our lives with others and with God. This spiritual bonding creates a resilient community capable of withstanding life's tensions and challenges. [49:27]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, what are the benefits of companionship over isolation?
2. In the sermon, what story was used to illustrate the power of community, and what was the main lesson from that story? [27:39]
3. How did the life groups support Jerry and Karen, and Ryan and Esther during their times of crisis? [56:38]
4. What analogy does Solomon use in Ecclesiastes 4:12 to describe the strength of unity, and how does this relate to the church community? [49:27]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Solomon emphasize that "two are better than one" in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12? How does this principle apply to our spiritual lives and church community?
2. How does the story of "The Boys in the Boat" serve as a metaphor for the church? What does it teach us about working together in unity? [27:39]
3. Reflecting on the examples of Jerry and Karen, and Ryan and Esther, how does Christian community provide support during times of crisis? [56:38]
4. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus in the context of community, and how does this involve helping others connect to God and fellow believers? [38:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Solomon writes that "two are better than one" because they can help each other up. Can you think of a time when you needed someone to help you up, either physically or spiritually? How did that experience shape your view of community? [36:23]
2. The sermon encouraged us to be proactive in building relationships within the church. What are some practical steps you can take this week to invest in relationships within our church community? [59:04]
3. Reflect on the story of "The Boys in the Boat." How can you apply the lesson of trusting and working with others in your own life, especially within the church? [27:39]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of being willing to be known and open to the messiness of Christian community. What are some barriers that might prevent you from being vulnerable and authentic with others? How can you overcome these barriers? [59:04]
5. How can you be a source of comfort and support to someone in your life group or church who is currently going through a difficult time? Think of specific actions you can take to show your support. [56:38]
6. The analogy of a threefold cord not being easily broken was used to describe the strength of unity. How can you ensure that your relationships within the church are intertwined with God to create a resilient community? [49:27]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of fighting for one another in spiritual battles. How can you be a prayer warrior for someone in your church community this week? What specific prayers can you offer for them? [49:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Diversity Strengthens Us
The story of "The Boys in the Boat" is not just a historical account but a profound metaphor for the strength found in a diverse community. It illustrates how individuals with different backgrounds and abilities can unite to achieve a common goal. In the context of the church, this unity is even more powerful. As members of one body, the collective support and mutual reliance are akin to the rowers in a boat, each stroke propelling the vessel forward. This synergy is not just for overcoming challenges but also for celebrating victories together. The church thrives when each member contributes their unique gifts and strengths, creating a tapestry of talents that glorifies God and furthers His kingdom. [27:39]
"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all." (Colossians 3:9-11 ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute your unique gifts to strengthen the unity and diversity of your church community?
Day 2: Crisis Reveals Community Strength
The power of community becomes most evident in times of crisis. The stories of Jerry and Karen, and Ryan and Esther, are not just narratives of hardship but testimonies to the church's capacity to provide comfort, support, and prayer when it is most needed. Life groups within the church act as a network of care, demonstrating the tangible love of Christ in action. When one member suffers, the community rallies, embodying the scriptural call to bear one another's burdens. This collective response not only aids those in immediate need but also strengthens the bonds between members, forging a deeper sense of belonging and purpose. [56:38]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." (Galatians 6:2-3 ESV)
Reflection: Recall a time when you were part of a community response to someone's crisis. How did that experience impact your understanding of the church's role in individual lives?
Day 3: Created for Fellowship
Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is a divine reminder that humans are created for fellowship. This truth is foundational to understanding the church's role in fostering deep, meaningful relationships. Companionship is not merely a social convenience but a spiritual necessity. The church is called to be a place where relationships are nurtured, where members can grow together in faith and love. By actively participating in life groups and investing in one another's lives, believers reflect the love of Christ and experience the fullness of life He intended for His followers. [36:23]
"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: What steps can you take this week to deepen a relationship within your church community and encourage spiritual growth in one another?
Day 4: Discipleship is Relational
Being a disciple of Jesus is inherently relational. It involves walking alongside others, offering support, and encouragement as the community grows collectively in faith. Discipleship is not a solitary journey but one that is enriched by the diverse experiences and insights of fellow believers. As disciples, the call is to connect others to God and the community of believers, sharing life's triumphs and trials. This relational journey is a testament to the transformative power of living in a Christ-centered community. [38:25]
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community can you partner with this week to mutually encourage and sharpen each other in your walk with Christ?
Day 5: The Resilience of a Spiritual Bond
The analogy of a threefold cord not being easily broken speaks to the compounded strength found in spiritual bonding. When lives are intertwined with others and with God, the resulting community is resilient, capable of withstanding life's tensions and challenges. This spiritual bond is not just a source of strength; it is a reflection of the triune nature of God Himself. As believers weave their lives together through shared faith and commitment, they create a formidable cord that can endure the trials of life, providing stability and support for each member. [49:27]
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you strengthen your spiritual bonds with fellow believers and God to create a more resilient community?
Quotes
"The power of community that you don't go through things alone. You support each other, you comfort each other, you fight for each other." [56:38] ( | | )
"Sometimes Christian community and relationships can get a little messy. That's where we show grace to each other, but there are so many benefits and there's so much power in having Christian community in your life." [59:13] (Download clip | | )
"We're stronger together as Christians... We need other Christians and other spiritual friendships in our life because we're stronger when we're walking out the spiritual faith, when we're walking out the spiritual walk." [33:18] ( | | )
"Two are better than one... You are better when you have people around you. You are better when you have someone walking through this life with you as people of God." [36:23] ( | | )
"The power of community is being that person for someone that you're in relationship with, to support them... Pity the one who when they fall has no one there to just reach out a hand and pick them up." [43:20] ( | | )
"The power of community is having this community that we fight for each other... truly having people in your life who are standing by you shoulder to shoulder ready to fight with you." [48:01] ( | | )
"A threefold cord is not quickly or easily broken... when your life is intertwined and braided together with other people you can actually withstand more tension that life is going to bring your way." [49:27] ( | | )
"I am living out this life as a follower of Jesus Christ better when I have someone that I'm living out this Christian life in this faith with." [38:25] ( | | )
"It's this picture of having someone in your life that when you fall down or being this for someone in their life that when someone falls down you're the person that can reach down a hand and help pick them up." [39:42] ( | | )
"Can you imagine getting to be that for somebody? Can you imagine having that in your life when you're struggling?" [41:42] ( | | )
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