Transformative Power of Community in Christian Life
Summary
In the discussion about the essence of Christian life and community, the focus is placed on Jesus as the central figure and the driving force behind all actions and teachings. The emphasis is on the belief that life is not about individual glorification but about bringing honor and glory to God every day. Jesus is portrayed as the hero of the narrative, the one who died on the cross, rose again, and will return. This narrative is not just for Sundays but is meant to permeate every aspect of life, every day of the week.
The community in question has been clear from its inception that its goal is not to gather a large audience for the sake of numbers but to create a space where individuals can come together in smaller, more intimate groups. These groups, or communities, are seen as the "secret sauce" or backbone of the place, where real life change and spiritual growth can occur. The model for these groups is derived from the early church as described in Acts chapter 2, where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
The concept of life change is explored through three theological terms: justification, sanctification, and glorification. Justification is described as the act of God declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Christ, marking the moment of salvation. Sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart for God and becoming more like Christ, a journey of continuous change and growth. Glorification is the final removal of sin and the ultimate state of perfection in eternity.
The importance of community is underscored by the assertion that spiritual maturity and obedience in following Jesus cannot be achieved in isolation. The early church's practices are highlighted as a blueprint for modern community, where believers met regularly, shared resources, and supported one another in times of need. This model of community is not just about attending services but involves deep relationships, mutual support, and shared mission.
The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of living out this community-focused faith. It is acknowledged that while the leader would love to personally meet every need within the community, it is not feasible. Instead, the community is encouraged to support one another, with small groups being the frontline for meeting needs and providing support. The narrative includes personal anecdotes that illustrate the power of community, such as a member praying fervently for the leader's wife and the transformative effect of sharing personal struggles within a group.
The call to action is for individuals to join small groups, not for the sake of boasting about numbers, but to experience the life change and spiritual growth that happens best in community. The aim is for everyone to become passionate followers of Jesus, continuously changing and growing until the return of Christ and the realization of glorification.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus is the central figure in the Christian narrative, and the purpose of life is to honor and glorify God through a daily commitment to this narrative. The story of Jesus' sacrifice, resurrection, and promised return should be the lead story in every believer's life, shaping their actions and priorities. [04:30]
- Spiritual growth and life change are ongoing processes that involve the theological concepts of justification, sanctification, and glorification. Justification is the starting point of salvation, sanctification is the journey of becoming more like Christ, and glorification is the ultimate state of perfection in eternity. This progression underscores the expectation that believers will continuously grow in their faith. [08:40]
- Community is essential for spiritual maturity and cannot be experienced in isolation. The early church in Acts chapter 2 serves as a model for modern Christian communities, emphasizing the importance of teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. True community involves deep relationships and mutual support, going beyond superficial interactions. [13:37]
- Small groups are the backbone of the church, serving as the frontline for meeting needs and providing support. These groups allow for the practical application of faith, where members can care for one another in tangible ways, reflecting the early church's practice of sharing resources and supporting each other. [28:18]
- Personal transformation and the power of prayer are vividly demonstrated through shared experiences within the community. When individuals are vulnerable and open about their struggles, it can lead to profound spiritual breakthroughs and growth, not only for themselves but also for others in the community. This dynamic illustrates the transformative power of living in authentic fellowship with others. [37:10]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
> They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
> Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV)
> It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the four main activities the early church devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:42?
2. How did the early believers support each other as described in Acts 2:44-45?
3. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say happens to someone who is in Christ?
4. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:3, what is God's will for believers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer? How do these activities contribute to spiritual growth? [16:39]
2. How does the concept of being a "new creation" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) relate to the process of sanctification mentioned in the sermon? [08:02]
3. What does it mean to be sanctified, and why is it important for believers to understand this process? [08:40]
4. How does the early church's practice of sharing resources and meeting needs reflect the importance of community in spiritual growth? [26:39]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. How can you make Jesus the central figure in your narrative, ensuring that your actions and priorities honor and glorify God? [04:30]
2. Think about your current spiritual journey. In what ways can you actively participate in your own sanctification process? Are there specific areas where you feel God is calling you to grow? [09:48]
3. How can you contribute to building a strong, supportive community within your small group? Are there practical steps you can take to foster deeper relationships and mutual support? [12:56]
4. Consider the needs within your small group or church community. How can you be proactive in meeting those needs, whether they are financial, emotional, or spiritual? [26:39]
5. Reflect on a time when you experienced significant life change within a community setting. What factors contributed to that transformation, and how can you help create similar environments for others? [37:10]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of prayer into your small group, ensuring that it goes beyond just praying for safety and health but also includes fervent prayers for God's kingdom to come and for boldness in sharing the gospel? [24:53]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from joining a small group. How can you invite them and make them feel welcome, just as the early church did? [38:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ at the Center of Our Story
Life's true purpose is found in making Jesus the lead story, shaping every action and decision to reflect His narrative of sacrifice and hope. This commitment extends beyond weekly worship into the fabric of daily living. [04:30]
Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Reflection: How can you more intentionally make Jesus the central story in your daily routine and decisions?
Day 2: The Journey of Spiritual Formation
The Christian life is a transformative journey that begins with justification, continues through sanctification, and culminates in glorification, reflecting an ever-deepening relationship with Christ. [08:40]
Philippians 2:12-13 - "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can cooperate with God's work of sanctification in your life today?
Day 3: Embracing Community as a Lifeline
True spiritual maturity is cultivated in community, following the early church's example of shared life and mutual support, which is essential for growth and obedience in Christ. [13:37]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Reflection: How can you actively seek to build deeper relationships within your faith community this week?
Day 4: The Power of Small Groups
Small groups serve as the heartbeat of the church, providing a space for practical care and spiritual support, mirroring the early church's commitment to fellowship and shared mission. [28:18]
Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can contribute to or receive support from your small group this week?
Day 5: Transformation Through Shared Experience
Authentic fellowship and vulnerability within the community lead to profound spiritual breakthroughs and growth, demonstrating the transformative power of prayer and shared struggles. [37:10]
James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: Is there a personal struggle you feel called to share with a trusted group or individual in order to seek prayer and support?
Quotes
1) "Jesus is the hero of the story and I tell people all the time if you get tired of hearing about Jesus you're probably not going to like it much here at two rivers because all I've got to talk about is Jesus." [04:30]
2) "Our goal has always been right how many people can we get into smaller groups into Community right because that's the secret sauce of this place that's the backbone of this place." [06:18]
3) "Justification is talking about being saved...sanctification...we're to be becoming more like Christ all the time...and then there's glorification which is God's final removal of Sin from the life of the Saints." [08:40]
4) "We believe that life change happens best in community...there can be no maturity in the spiritual life, no obedience in following Jesus, no wholeness in the Christian Life apart from an immersion in an Embrace of community." [11:40]
5) "They were devoted to the apostles teaching and to fellowship and to the breaking of bread and prayer...all of that speaks to spiritual growth which goes on in home teams." [25:28]
6) "We all meet needs together and the only way that happens is if we're in community together...we're all in this together we all meet needs together." [30:22]
7) "Life change happens best in community...we all need to change and we all need to find our people and we all need to do this and if we will do that and be obedient I'm telling you God will show up." [37:46]
8) "I want you to join a small group...so that you can experience everything that I'm talking about today because it's God's way it's God's plan and so therefore it's our way and our plan here at Two Rivers." [38:19]
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