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23 December 2004

A thematic series "Growing"

GROWING THROUGH FELLOWSHIP

There is a certain chemistry that takes place as Christians come together. They learn from each other. They also encourage one another. The result is the building up of the Body. This cannot be accomplished if one is isolated from other Christians.

No Christian is higher or lower than another Christian. Someone has said, "The ground is level at the foot of the cross." All Christians have the privilege of being intimate members of God's family.

Ephesians 4:16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

God desires that every believer be a functioning member of the local church - a family or body of believers. In this lesson, we will look at scriptures which show our relationship to one another.

MEMBERS OF ONE ANOTHER

Romans 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

The New Testament states that Christians are "members of one another," Paul used the human body as an illustration to get this point across. He also clearly spelled out the similarity between the "human body" and "Christ's body" which is the church.

Read I Corinthians 12:14-26

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
Paul also describes the body of Christ in at least two other places:
1. What is the main emphasis of Romans Chapter 12?
2. What is the main emphasis of Ephesians Chapter 4?

Discuss these three principles of Church body life:

1. No individual Christian can function effectively by himself.
   A. Can one part of the body get along without another part of the body?
1 Corinthians 12:21 The eye can't tell the hand, "I have no need for you," or again the head to the feet, "I have no need for you."
   B. How does one body member respond to another body member who is injured?
1 Corinthians 12:26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

2. No member is more important than another member of Christ's body.
   A. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
   B. Ephesians 4:2 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love;
   C. 1 Corinthians 12:22-23 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety; ?

3. Each Christian is responsible to help keep the unity of the Spirit.
   A. 1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
   B. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Most biblical references to the functioning of the body of Christ focus on the local church. Why is it so important to be a functioning member of a local church?

DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER

Romans 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

To be devoted to one another refers to the mutual love of a family unit. The term "brotherly love" refers to the love that should exist between family members. Applied to the church, it refers to the love Christians have for each other. We are indeed blood brothers in Christ.

Ephesians 1:7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Christians begin as infants in Christ. As we go through the stages of development from immaturity to maturity, we often fall into patterns of self?centered behavior. However, the more we grow in Christ, the more we will reflect the nature of Christ.

Philippians 2:3-4 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

What does the comparison between the "human body" and "Christ's body - the church" mean to you?

HONOR ONE ANOTHER

Romans 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

Consider the example of an excellent piano accompanist who desires to help other people "look and sound good." He is admired not so much for his own skill but for honoring others above himself. He controls his volume so that it does not compete with the vocalist. His music enhances the other's presentation rather than detracts from it. He covers up the singers mistakes and is excited and satisfied when the one he has accompanied is honored for a job well done.

In the same way, every Christian should strive to make other believers "look and sound good." That means to rejoice when others achieve and are honored for it. When this happens, the body of Christ will function beautifully with believers maturing and growing in Christ.

Read and discuss the illustration that Christ gives us as He set the example of honoring others above himself. (John 13:1-17)
1. What kind of attitude was Jesus modeling before His disciples?
2. How many situations can you recall where you attempted to honor someone above yourself?
3. Can you recall a situation where you failed to reflect sincere appreciation for the other person?
4. How should I change in my attitude toward others?

UNITY WITH ONE ANOTHER

Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus,

The main attitude among believers in the church that convinces non Christians that Jesus Is God is the spirit of unity. This represents a miracle because men everywhere tend toward independence and disunity. When non?Christians see true unity and the bond of oneness, they will seek to be a part of that kind of love.

The biggest obstacle to unity is satanic activity. As the author of confusion, insensitivity and false doctrine, his strategy is often successful in destroying unity among Christians. Through God's Word, we discover how Satan can be defeated.

1. How can the believer be protected from the power of Satan?
John 17:11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.

2. How should our "ministry of reconciliation" produce a visible unity
in the body of Christ?
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation.

If unity is destroyed in Christ's body, then we have lost the most powerful means of demonstrating to unbelievers that Christ is God. With that message obliterated or even blurred, man is doomed to despair; because he cannot know God apart from coming to know Christ. Someone has said that many reject Christ because of the ugliness of His bride.

John 20:30-31 Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

We must take seriously what the Bible says about brotherly love.
Evaluate your attitudes and actions toward other members of your "Christian family."
1. Do I spend more of my time thinking about myself rather than others?
2. Do I spend more time praying for myself or for others?
3. How forgiving am I toward others?
4. How often do I become angry and resentful toward others?
5. Do I withdraw when I am hurt, or do I continue to be involved?
6. Does my fear of rejection keep me from reaching out to others?
7. Do I in honor prefer others?
8. Am I truly interested in what others are interested in?

ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER

Romans 15:7 Therefore receive one another, even as Christ also received you, to the glory of God.

Three ways which keep Christians from not accepting one another.

1. By judging one another in legalism.
   A. To sit in false judgment on other Christians is a violation of Christ's love.
Romans 14:1 Now receive one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.
   B. We are not to judge others in areas that are not specified as sin.
Romans 14:3 Don't let him who eats despise him who doesn't eat. Don't let him who doesn't eat judge him who eats, for God has received him.
   C. We are to support the weak by not being a hindrance in any way.
Romans 14:20-21 Don't overthrow God's work for food's sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a stumbling block by eating. It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.
As Christians mature, they become more sensitive toward weaker brothers and sisters in Christ. Carefulness to refrain from offending assures a stronger bond of fellowship in the body of believers.

2. By showing partiality and prejudice.
   A. Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.
   B. James 2:9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.
Prejudice, favorites, and discrimination in the body of Christ violate the law of God. Furthermore, they destroy the nature of the functioning body of Christ. WE ARE ALL ONE. Every member is important ? rich or poor, young or old, black or white, weak or strong. If we show favoritism, we destroy the unity, harmony, and oneness in the body of Christ which both Christ and Paul prayed for and commanded.

3. By refusing to be reconciled to others.
Cultural, racial, national and religious barriers are broken down when people are brought near to God by the blood of Christ. There is a peace between people that formerly were enemies then they become members of the body of Christ. All believers have the same access to God the Father, because the same Spirit dwells in them. Together we are being constructed into a spiritual temple of God.
   A. Where was each person before he came to Christ?
Ephesians 2:11-12 Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "uncircumcision" by that which is called "circumcision," (in the flesh, made by hands); that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
   B. What did Christ destroy when He died?
Ephesians 2:13-14 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition,
   C. What is one thing maturing believers are concerned with?
Ephesians 2:15-16 having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby.
   D. Is it difficult for you to compliment others and enjoy their successes?
   E. Do you need to be reconciled with someone?
To confront another Christian about his sin is difficult. However, it is a great sign of love to be willing to risk rejection. Admonishment done in the right spirit with the right motive, using an appropriate method, goes a long way in convincing the person of your love and sincerity. Though that person may have difficulty acknowledging and confessing his sin at the moment, eventually he may have the courage to face what deep down he really knows.

Three things that constitute the basis for admonishing one another.
Romans 15:14 I myself am also persuaded about you, my brothers that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish others.

1. Live a holy life. Keep your own act clean before you try to help someone else clean up his.
2. An adequate knowledge of God's Word. All instruction must be based on God's Word, not what we think someone should or should not be doing.
3. Here are five scriptural guidelines for admonishing.
   A. Do it with love and concern.
Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn't cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.
   B. Do it one to one.
Matthew 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.
   C. Do it persistently.
Matthew 18:16 But if he doesn't listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
   D. Do it with pure motives
1 Corinthians 4:14 I don't write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
   E. Do it as a natural outgrowth of body life.
     1. Preventive (stay away from sin)
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
     2. Corrective (find the way back)
Galatians 6:1 Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted.

SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER

Ephesians 5:21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.
The concept of submission is often used in scripture to describe a variety of Christian relationships.
    1. Young men submitting to older men.
    1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
    2. Members submitting to authority of leaders.
    Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
    3. Servants submitting to masters.
    Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;
    4. Children submitting to parents.
    Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
    5. Wives submitting to husbands.
    Colossians 3:18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands,
    as is fitting in the Lord.
    6. Christians submitting to government leaders.
    1 Peter 2:13 Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
    7. Everyone submitting to someone.
    Ephesians 5:21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.
Mutual submission, even by those who are in authority, is taught and demonstrated by Christ. In the world there is not "mutual submission." Man basically operates out of selfish motives. But in Christ we "submit" to one another out of obedience and reverence for Christ. All who have positions of authority (political and church leaders, husbands and employers) are to relate to others with an attitude of submission.

This submissive attitude is demonstrated by:
    1. Husbands loving their wives.
    2. Fathers dealing sensitively with their children.
    3. Leaders commissioned as servants.
    4. Employers treating workers fairly.
    5. Officials ruling with respect for human right and dignity.
How can 1 apply the concept of "mutual submission in my life?"

SERVE ONE ANOTHER

Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.

In "serving one another in love" we find true freedom in Christ. Our deepest needs are met in legitimate ways. Rather than using others to indulge our sinful nature, we minister to the other members of the body. Turning our lives over to Christ also means turning our lives over to each other. Our responsibility to one another is greater, because we are members of the family of God. Relationships based on ministry are truly satisfying.

1. How is the ministry of servant hood expressed?
    A. By fulfilling a proper ambition.
    Mark 10:35-45
    B. By doing good to fellow believers.
    Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
    C. By being merciful to others.
    Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
    D. By meeting the spiritual, physical, mental and social needs of others.
    Matthew 25:31-45
2. How is the ministry of servanthood evaluated?

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
See how you are reflecting the "fruit of the Spirit" in your relationships by answering the following questions.
    A. Do you express Christian love to others?
    B. Is there evidence of Christ's joy in your life?
    C. Do you have peace and unity with others?
    D. Are you patient with others?
    E. Are you kind in your actions and attitudes?
    F. Does your life demonstrate holiness?
    G. Are you faithful to others?
    H. Do you demonstrate gentleness with others?
    1. Do you control your speech and life?style?

BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Ephesians 4:2 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love;

The word "bear" in Ephesians means to be tolerant toward other Christians. We are taught to bear with them, patiently enduring their weaknesses and extending a forgiving spirit toward those who may sin against us. In fact, bearing with one another and having a forgiving spirit are synonymous concepts.
Some Christians carry grudges for years. This is out of character for a follower of Jesus Christ. How ungrateful for a Christian to hold a grudge against a fellow believer when Christ has cancelled his own debt of sin.
Patience, forbearance and forgiveness are not automatic actions that follow conversion to Christ. These involve deliberate acts of the will. Every person who has a forbearing and forgiving spirit has chosen to do so.
    1. When tempted to be impatient, we should think of Christ's attitude toward us.
    1 Timothy 1:15-17 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
    2. Christians who really care about each other will make every effort to maintain unity in the body.
    Ephesians 4:2-3 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Five practical steps for bearing with one another in love:
    1. Make a list of your shortcomings and weaknesses which irritate others.
    2. Do you expect more from others and criticize them in the areas of your own weaknesses?
    3. Make a list of people you have difficulty relating to, especially those you hold a grudge against.
    4. Consciously and deliberately forgive every person who has ever done anything to hurt you.
    5. Talk to each person one by one and ask them to forgive you for your attitude, even though they may be primarily at fault. (Don't base your forgiveness on the condition that they offer an apology. a Take care of your own attitudes, and God will take care of theirs.)

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

Christians are to build up and edify one another. Paul commended the Thessalonian Christians for their concern and love for one another. They had learned the importance of mutual encouragement, exhortation and comfort.

God's Word is the primary means Christians use to "encourage one another" and to "build one another up." Fleshy praise may puff up for the moment, but soon the hearer is left flat and empty. God's Word is powerful, significant and reassuring. We are not built up spiritually by sharing human philosophy or ideas, but by the encouragement of the Word.

Christians must realize how important the Word is in building up others in the body of Christ. Christians must be challenged to learn what God's Word says. They must be ready to share the Word with others who are in special need of encouragement.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:

    1. The importance of knowing the Word in order to share the Word.
    2. Why the Word of God is the primary means to encourage one another.
    3. Ways 1 can become a better encourager of the body.
    4. What is the primary purpose of the Body of Christ?
SUMMARY:

In the body of Christ, every member contributes to its success. No one Christian can be all things to all men, but all the body can be all things to all men.
The church should be a group of people who believe the Bible, who believe that God can do all things, who love and care for "one another," and who want all men to be saved and to experience fellowship with God and with other believers.

John 17:20-23 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.


Dale Boehs

23 December 2004



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