The Vital Role of Community in the Church
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of the local church in the life of a believer. The church is not merely a building or a place we visit on Sundays; it is the living body of Christ, a community where we are called to gather, support, and uplift one another. We are reminded of the importance of holding fast to our hope and the necessity of assembling together, as isolation can make us vulnerable to spiritual attacks. The local church is where we learn to live a holy and righteous life, where we are prepared as the bride for the bridegroom, and where our gifts and talents are used to serve God's purpose.
The church is described in scripture as the body of Christ, the household of God, the temple of God, and the kingdom of Christ. Each of these descriptions highlights the church's role as a community of believers united in purpose and mission. We are not part of the church by accident; God has drawn us together for a reason. Our presence, participation, and contributions are vital to the church's mission and to the advancement of God's kingdom.
We also discussed the dangers of division and the enemy's tactics to separate us from the community. Unity in the church provokes power and authority, and it is through our collective efforts that we can overcome the common enemy. We are encouraged to look beyond our differences and find commonality in Christ, working together to fulfill the purpose God has for us.
Finally, we are reminded that the church is not just a Sunday gathering but a daily commitment to think about and support one another. We are called to be active participants in the church, using our gifts and resources to build up the body of Christ. Let us not fall into the trap of criticism and complacency but strive to be a blessing to others, fulfilling the purpose of God in our lives and in the church.
Key Takeaways:
- Hold Fast to Hope: We are encouraged to hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for God who promised is faithful. This steadfastness is essential in our walk with Christ and is strengthened through our fellowship with one another. [29:58]
- The Importance of Assembly: The local church is where we gather to support and uplift each other. It is in this assembly that we learn to live a holy life, submit to God, and prepare as the bride for the bridegroom. Isolation makes us vulnerable, but unity brings strength and authority. [37:09]
- The Church as the Body of Christ: The church is described as the body of Christ, the household of God, and the temple of God. Each believer is a vital part of this body, and our collective efforts are necessary for the church to fulfill its mission. [41:38]
- Unity Against a Common Enemy: We face a common enemy, and it is crucial to remain united in purpose. The enemy seeks to divide us, but by standing together, we can overcome and fulfill God's purpose for the church. [49:19]
- Active Participation in the Church: Being part of the church is not passive; it requires active participation and contribution. We are called to use our gifts and resources to build up the church and advance God's kingdom. [01:12:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [29:58] - Hold Fast to Hope
- [33:52] - The Necessity of Assembly
- [37:09] - Unity Provokes Power
- [40:00] - The Church as the Body of Christ
- [41:38] - The Church as the Household of God
- [43:23] - The Church as the Temple of God
- [45:14] - The Church as the Kingdom of Christ
- [46:42] - Our Duty in the Church
- [49:19] - Unity Against a Common Enemy
- [49:57] - The Purpose of the Church
- [50:32] - Daily Commitment to the Church
- [51:35] - The Importance of Responsibility
- [53:06] - Standing Together in Unity
- [54:28] - Avoiding Isolation
- [56:51] - Building Together as One
- [01:02:33] - Fighting the Common Enemy
- [01:07:52] - The Role of Each Member
- [01:12:46] - Active Participation in the Church
- [01:17:21] - The Vision of the Church
- [01:21:32] - Preparing for the Future
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 10:23-25
2. Ephesians 1:21-23
3. 1 Corinthians 12:27
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Hebrews 10:23-25, what are believers encouraged to do, and why is it important not to forsake assembling together? [29:58]
2. How does Ephesians 1:21-23 describe the church, and what significance does this have for believers? [41:38]
3. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the dangers of isolation from the church community? [49:19]
4. What roles and responsibilities are highlighted in the sermon for members of the local church? [01:12:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "hold fast to the confession of our hope" in the context of a church community, and how does this relate to God's faithfulness? [29:58]
2. How does the concept of the church as the "body of Christ" influence the way believers should view their participation in the church? [41:38]
3. The sermon mentions the enemy's tactics to divide the church. How can unity within the church be maintained despite differences among members? [49:19]
4. What are the implications of being an "active participant" in the church, and how does this align with the sermon’s message about using one's gifts and resources? [01:12:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in your local church. Are there areas where you feel you could contribute more actively? What steps can you take to become more engaged? [01:12:46]
2. Consider a time when you felt isolated from your church community. What were the circumstances, and how did it affect your spiritual life? How can you prevent this from happening again? [49:19]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity against a common enemy. How can you personally work towards fostering unity in your church, especially with those who may have different views or backgrounds? [49:19]
4. Think about the gifts and talents you possess. How can you use them to serve God's purpose within your church? Are there specific ministries or areas where you feel called to serve? [01:12:46]
5. The sermon warns against falling into criticism and complacency. How can you cultivate a positive and supportive attitude towards your church and its members? [56:51]
6. How can you make the church a daily commitment in your life, beyond just attending Sunday services? What practical steps can you take to support and uplift fellow believers throughout the week? [50:32]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the church being the bride of Christ. How does this imagery impact your understanding of your role and responsibility within the church community? [45:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Steadfast Hope in Community
Holding fast to hope is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and it is through our fellowship with one another that this hope is strengthened. In a world filled with uncertainties, believers are encouraged to remain unwavering in their confession of hope, trusting in the faithfulness of God who has promised to be with them. The local church plays a crucial role in this journey, providing a supportive community where individuals can encourage and uplift each other. By gathering together, believers are reminded of the promises of God and are equipped to face life's challenges with renewed strength and confidence. [29:58]
Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 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: Think of a time when you felt your hope wavering. How can you reach out to your church community this week to find encouragement and strength in your faith journey?
Day 2: The Power of Gathering
The local church is more than just a place of worship; it is a vital assembly where believers come together to support and uplift one another. This gathering is essential for learning to live a holy life, submitting to God, and preparing as the bride for the bridegroom. Isolation can make individuals vulnerable to spiritual attacks, but unity within the church brings strength and authority. By assembling together, believers are equipped to face the challenges of life and are reminded of their shared purpose in advancing God's kingdom. [37:09]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your current level of involvement in your church community. What steps can you take this week to become more actively engaged in supporting and uplifting others in your congregation?
Day 3: The Church as a Living Body
The church is described in scripture as the body of Christ, the household of God, and the temple of God. Each believer is a vital part of this body, and their collective efforts are necessary for the church to fulfill its mission. This imagery highlights the interconnectedness of believers and the importance of each individual's contributions to the church's overall purpose. By recognizing their role within the body of Christ, believers are encouraged to use their gifts and talents to serve God's purpose and advance His kingdom. [41:38]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Consider the unique gifts and talents you possess. How can you use these gifts to contribute to the mission and purpose of your local church this week?
Day 4: United Against Division
Unity within the church is crucial for overcoming the common enemy that seeks to divide and separate believers. By standing together in purpose and mission, the church can provoke power and authority to fulfill God's purpose. The enemy's tactics often involve sowing seeds of division, but by focusing on their commonality in Christ, believers can work together to advance God's kingdom. This unity is not just about agreement but about a shared commitment to the mission and values of the church. [49:19]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Identify a relationship within your church where division or misunderstanding may exist. What steps can you take to promote unity and reconciliation in that relationship this week?
Day 5: Active Participation in the Church
Being part of the church is not a passive experience; it requires active participation and contribution. Believers are called to use their gifts and resources to build up the church and advance God's kingdom. This involves a daily commitment to think about and support one another, striving to be a blessing to others. By avoiding the trap of criticism and complacency, believers can fulfill the purpose of God in their lives and in the church. Active participation is about being intentional in one's involvement and seeking ways to serve and uplift the community. [01:12:46]
Romans 12:4-8 (ESV): "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on your current level of participation in your church. What is one specific way you can actively contribute to the life and mission of your church this week?
Quotes
Verse 23 24 25 it says let us hold fast tell somebody hold fast what are you holding fast it says let us hold fast the confession of our hope without withering for he who promised is faithful our God who has promised is what faithful the next verse and let us consider one another in order to spread out love and good works consider who one another let me consider sister Carol let Carol consider me so that we can do what stir up each other that is scripture so hold fast your hope without revering is what I say and let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works love and good works I should inspire love in you and you inspire love in me I should be able to you know demonstrate good works towards you and you demonstrate good works towards me next verse it says no not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of this as the manner of some such Macabre but exulting one another and so much the more as you as you see the day approaching I mean and so much the more as you see the day approaching says let us hold fast the confession of our hope let us not forsake so in other words to hold fast your hope without revering to be able to stand for one another it is necessary for us to be together in assembly amen so we should not forsake assembling together as in as some do some are comfortable staying out and you know the truth is that when the devil wants to for someone to be a prey he will separates them from the group the [00:31:16] (154 seconds)
It is in the local church that we learn how to be with God. Be there for one another. It is in the local church that we are able to learn submission to God and authority. It is in the local church that we are prepared as a bride for the bridegroom. It is in the church that we stand with each other and support each other. It is in the church that our giftings and talents are effectively used. To serve God's purpose. Amen. Because in this day of technology and all kinds of things, we come up with all excuses. Everybody want to take a position that suits them or that makes them comfortable. You can be obeying some aspect of scripture and be disobeying other aspects of scripture. And think that you are okay. You are not. We must submit to the entirety of scripture. Very important. We have to submit to the entirety of scripture. [00:37:09] (75 seconds)
The church is characterized as the body of Christ. Amen. The church is what? The body of Christ. Ephesians chapter 1, verse 21 to 23. Ephesians 1. If you can get ready and be reading the scriptures for me. Get one of the mics. Ephesians chapter 1, verse 21 to 23. Quickly if you can read that for me. So the church is the body of Christ. Amen. He says, and he puts all things under his feet and giving him to be heard over all things to the church, which is the body. Amen. Which is what? His body. So the church is the body of Christ. The church is the body of Christ. The same thing is in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 27. You can write it and read it later. 1 Corinthians 12 verse 27. Also the church is the household of God. The church is what? The household of God. 1 Timothy chapter 2. John chapter 3 verse 15. 1 Timothy 3 verse 15. The church is the household of God. You can take your time to read that. [00:41:38] (133 seconds)
It has come in being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. So, we have been built on the foundation of the truths, ritual truths that God has given to us through scripture, through the teachings of the apostles and the prophets. He says that we have been built together, and Christ himself is the cornerstone of this building. In other words, he himself is in charge. He himself is the one that is holding this building together. He says in rule, he says in rule, the whole building being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In rule, you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the spirit. Amen. So we are being built to become a dwelling place of God in the spirit. So the church is the body of Christ. It is the household of God. It is the temple of God. We got to understand that. It is also the kingdom of Christ. [00:43:23] (75 seconds)
We need to understand that as a church we we are not ending this to ourselves but we have a common enemy praise the lord we need to understand that the church has a community sometimes the devil will make it look as if somebody hates you this person don't like to this person and if you are not careful we become enemies to ourselves and we forget or we lose sight of who the real enemy is i pray that will not be ignorant of the devices of the enemies i want you to understand today that we have a common enemy that we are fighting what is fighting you is fighting me that's right We need to understand it that way. What is fighting you is fighting me. Because, maybe it has not come to me yet. But when it finishes with you and nothing is done, it is going to come to me. [00:49:19] (59 seconds)
So you are in the church to be a blessing. When you are in the church to be a blessing. Praise the Lord. You are not in the church to fulfill your own purpose. But to fulfill the purpose of God. It is very important to understand that. You are in the church to fulfill the purpose of God. And the church goes beyond just coming on Sunday. The church is every day of your life. We need to understand that. The church is every day. Every day of your life is church. Which means throughout the week I must think about my sister. I must think about my brother. I must see whether he is doing well or not doing well. That is church. I must be able to stand and lift somebody up when they are falling. So that when they are strong and I'm also falling they can also lift me up. That is the church. [00:50:32] (60 seconds)
When people can disagree, but when it comes to fighting, they come together to fight. Amen. Go to the community. Some people have put themselves together as gangs and whatever. They have a common goal. When one is affected, all of them are planning how we can help this person. I pray that this will be heavenly ministries. Praise the Lord. We are to stand with each other. So that somebody don't think, you know, it is anybody's job or it is somebody's job. It is our job. Because the body of Christ is one. I must be there for you, you must be there for me. It is very easy to find faults with each other. And use that as a justification to do whatever you want. And that is what the devil wants. [00:53:06] (72 seconds)
We all have a duty to see the kingdom advance. We all have a duty to ensure that we are all living, loving and living a holy and righteous life. We all have a duty to make that happen. The body of Christ, if you are not doing what God called you to do, it may not get done. Amen. You know why we come together as a church? And we all hold a piece of the things that need to be done. Trust me, we finish fast and we move together. But when it is enough for selected few to do, you will be the one that is complaining and murmuring. Praise God. May God have mercy on us. Let me do this before I say this. [00:54:28] (64 seconds)
Remember the church has a common enemy and we must come together to fight that common enemy the enemy is not me and it's not you praise the lord the enemy is not me and it's not you but we have a common enemy who may be unseen but can manifest through me or through you we need to understand that we have a common enemy that can manifest through me or through you jesus had gathered with his disciples then he was talking about his crucifixion then satan began to manifest through peter jesus said satan get thee behind me so that when you think or someone think that we are doing this right way they may be used by the enemy because if what you are doing is not bringing and growing the church it means the position you have taken you may be used as the mouthpiece of the enemy to destroy what god is building may god help us so we need to be mindful what we say we need to be mindful how we conduct ourselves and what we do it is very important because listen there is diversity of gifts in scripture so you may be gifted as a prophet or prophetess one may be gifted as a teacher this may be gift if you are not careful you're going to think that your gift is more superior than somebody else's and you begin to envy and we begin to envy and jealous among ourselves defining things according to what we think we have or what we think we know may God help us [01:02:33] (126 seconds)
I want us to understand this. So not being part of any local church. You know, in my life as a Christian, I have not been part of any local church yet to be there. Even past that I have not been invited, I will invite myself. I will invite myself because I want something to be done for the church to be glorious. So it doesn't matter which church I have been in. Ever since I gave my life to Christ, there is no church that I have been there. Because truth is, I want the church to be there. If you want to find fault with something, you will find. But if you want to be there and say, I want to do the best I can with what God has given me. I will also find a place to stay. Amen. Let that be your attitude. Amen. Let [01:17:21] (62 seconds)
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