Fulfilling Jesus’ Prayer
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” John 17:20-23 NLT
It is not “your” purpose, it’s God’s purpose.
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 ESV
Community makes the body grow!
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV
Community facilitates mutual support!
- 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47 ESV
- 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NIV
Community encourages and stirs one another!
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 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
We belong to Jesus and to one another.
- 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5 NIV
- 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 NIV
When you aren’t convinced of God’s purpose, you’ll excuse it,
or make excuses to not fulfill it.
Don’t let the enemy’s lies separate you from the flock.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 ESV
Possible reasons the enemy uses to keep us from community:
- I don’t know the Bible well enough / I’m an introvert / I’m not comfortable around strangers / I don’t have time / I’m afraid a question will be asked that I can’t answer / I don’t have anyone to watch my kids during the meeting / I’m not comfortable talking or praying aloud / I don’t understand the terms other Christians already know / My spouse won’t go with me
Next Steps:
- Pray: Ask God to lead you
