United Discussion Guides

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"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now." Philippians 1:3-5

The church is God’s gift to us. Everyone who puts their faith in Jesus is united with every other believer through God’s Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit empowers each Christian with gifts to support others in the body. As members of Christ’s body, we help one another, pray for one another, and encourage one another. God has designed us to be better together. Community is not just our name, it is who we are. This message gives five reasons for why we can be thankful to God for our brothers and sisters at Community.

WHY WE CAN BE THANKFUL FOR EACH OTHER

1. COMMUNITY IS GOD'S ANSWER TO LONELINESS

"They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—" Acts 2:46

 

Discussion Question: What does it mean to you to know there is a place where you belong?

2. COMMUNITY IS GOD'S ANSWER TO EXHAUSTION

"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith." Galatians 6:9-10

Discussion Question: How does the body of Christ refresh you when you are emotionally weary?

 

3. COMMUNITY IS GOD'S ANSWER TO DEFEAT

"How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me... Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty." Philippians 4:10, 14

Discussion Question: Has there ever been a time when God’s people lifted you up when you failed?

4. COMMUNITY IS GOD'S ANSWER TO DESPAIR

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude." 1 Peter 3:8

"Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

 

Discussion Question: How can you offer some hope to someone you know who is hurting?

5. COMMUNITY IS GOD'S ANSWER TO FEAR

"Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you —and both because of God." Philippians 1:28

Discussion: Why does faith overcome fear?

Application: Do something to encourage a hurting person during this Thanksgiving week.

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"...I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18

"And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, 'Be saved from this perverse generation.' Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:40-47

The church’s mission is to communicate the good news of salvation, and every believer has a part in making Christ known. But God does not expect Christians to do it alone. It is the mission of the universal church and the local fellowship (our Community family) through which we network together to show God’s love. This is why Pastor Beau explained last week that we must be “united.” As Matthew 16:17 says, Jesus will build His church. The Lord empowers each of us with special gifts and unites us with other believers to fulfill the mission. The enemy and his evil world’s culture will oppose us, but we must never give up.

THE CHURCH MUST NEVER GIVE UP...

1. PROCLAIMING TOGETHER

"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2

 

Discussion Question: How, other than Sunday sermons, can we make Jesus known?

 

2. GROWING TOGETHER

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

Discussion Question: Why is it essential that we meet for growth, encouragement, and motivation?

 

3. SHARING TOGETHER

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, 'Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you.'" Proverbs 3:27-28

Discussion Question: Why is generosity so important in uniting the church?

4. PRAYING TOGETHER

"...If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Matthew 18:19-20

 

Discussion Question: Why did the Lord direct us to pray together?

5. PRAISING TOGETHER

"But He answered and said to them, 'I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.'" Luke 19:40

Discussion: What happens when the Lord’s church comes together to praise corporately?

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"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all." Ephesians 4:2-6

Today’s sermon begins a series called “United” that speaks to the importance of God’s people being unified. God connects all believers through a common faith, a common hope, and a common mission, and He has given us a common Spirit to enable us to love one another and share His purpose. The church is God’s strategy to reach the world with the saving message of Jesus Christ. This is why it is so important that Christians be united. This unity does not require that we always agree, but it requires that we love and encourage one another despite our differences. It is this love that Christians have for one another that shows God’s goodness and that will enable us to reach the world for Christ.

1. SELFISHNESS DESTROYS RELATIONSHIPS

"What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?" James 4:1

SELFLESSNESS BUILDS THEM

"Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." Philippians 2:4 

 

Discussion Question: Why is my ego so destructive to building meaningful relationships?

 

2. PRIDE DESTROYS RELATIONSHIPS

"Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel." Proverbs 13:10

HUMILITY BUILDS THEM

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude." 1 Peter 3:8

Discussion Question: How does being humble help me to be caring and trustworthy?

 

3. INSECURITY DESTROYS RELATIONSHIPS

"The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that." Proverbs 29:25

LOVE BUILDS THEM

"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear...We love each other because he loved us first." 1 John 4:18-19

Discussion Question: Why does loving others unconditionally produce unity?

4. RESENTMENT DESTROYS RELATIONSHIPS

"Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many." Hebrews 12:15

FORGIVENESS BUILDS THEM

"Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:13

 

Discussion Question: How does holding on to an offense impact the fellowship in the body of Christ?