Scripture to Read: Ephesians 4
Community is our focus this week and as we have learned, God created us for community with each other. Having strong biblical community is critical to the health of the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. We know that God placed “equippers” (Ephesians 4:11–12) in His body (Christ’s church) to equip all of the saints (all believers in His church, His body) so that we, as believers, carry out His good works (Ephesians 2:10). God did this so that we are united in our faith in Christ and our knowledge of (our intimacy with) Christ. So, if we, as Christians, are not in community, then we are hindering the growth of the entire body of Christ. God does not want us spiritually immature in our walk with Him. We are easily swayed by false teaching when we remain immature, just like a ship is tossed on a stormy ocean. Satan wants to do everything he can to keep believers from having any impact on the lost souls in this world. When Satan gets us to buy the lie that we do not need community with other believers, he has gotten us to move into the world of mediocrity and immaturity. Immaturity in Christ becomes evident through our “fleshly” decisions and attitudes. We become very self-centered, and we rationalize our lack of hunger for God’s Truth, our sinful attitudes, our spiritual laziness, our unwillingness to serve, and we begin to look like the world (1 Corinthians 3:1–3). We must be plugged in to community and serve our Lord and community well.
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you about the importance of community in His church?
· How are you helping others get plugged in to community so that they are growing in Christ with you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!