The Christian Connection
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesINTRODUCTION:
A. In our last lesson we noticed how we as God people are to be active in Christian service
1. We are obligated – it is our duty – Luke 17:10
2. We will be lost if we are not involved in good works – Matthew 7:21
B. Among the activities we are to be involved in is “together work” with other Christians
1. Our working together as a collective body is essential to the well-being of the church as a whole – and individually
2. We all need to understand the importance of this collective work
DISCUSSION:
A. THE “TOGETHER” ASPECT OF LIFE IN CHRIST
1. There is a problem with “solo” Christianity
a. Some have a concept of Christianity which results in minimal involvement with the congregation of which they are a part
1) These are “independent” Christians – isolated and solitary in their service to Christ
2) They speak in terms of “what the congregation is doing down there”
b. Yet, it is not good that man should be alone (Gen. 2:18) – this is true socially as it is also true spiritually
c. The usual consequences of solo Christianity are dangerous: inactivity, unhappiness, spiritual stagnation
d. The bottom line is: Christians rarely survive apart from their proper relationship together
e. Removed from the fire of which it is a part, a glowing ember soon cools and dies
2. Christian “togetherness” is seen in such terms as:
a. Fellowship
1) Acts 2:42
2) Christians are “fellows:”
a) “Fellow citizens” (Eph. 2:19)
b) “Fellow heirs” (Eph. 3:6)
c) “Fellow workers” (Col. 4:11)
d) “Fellow servants” (Col. 1:7)
e) “Fellow soldier” (Phil. 2:25)
3) Also, Christians extend “the right hand of fellowship” to one another (Gal. 2:9)
b. Brotherhood
1) “Love the brotherhood” (1 Pt. 2:17)
2) Mark 3:31-35
3) We need to have a family consciousness about other Christians
c. Membership
1) 1 Corinthians 12:18, 27
2) The church is Christ’s body – Ephesians 1:22-23
3) Body members are functionally interdependent – Ephesians 4:16
4) Christian are members one of another (Rom. 12:5)
B. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHER CHRISTIANS
1. Attitudes to Maintain:
a. Concern or care – 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
b. Humility or lowliness – Philippians 2:3-4
c. Peacefulness – Romans 14:17-19 … peace based on the word of God
d. Appreciation for others and their work
1) Philippians 1:3-5
2) True appreciation will eliminate destructive criticism, gossip, and faction
e. Willingness to work together – 1 Corinthians 12:21-22
f. Friendliness, warmth and openness– Acts 2:44-47
g. Gentle and meek – 2 Timothy 2:24-26
h. Forgiving – Ephesians 4:32
i. Love – John 13:34-35
2. Things to Do:
a. Identify with a faithful congregation, and place membership – Acts 9:26
1) “Members at large” are missing an important aspect of Christianity
2) One places membership with the intent of being an actual, functioning member – not a mere appendage to the body
b. Pray for other Christians – especially those of one’s own congregation – Philippians 1:9-11
c. Submit to the congregation’s eldership – Hebrews 13:7, 17
d. Attend and participate in all the assemblies of the congregation – Hebrews 10:24-25
e. Contribute financially to the work of the congregation
1) 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
2) 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
f. Engage personally and directly in the three-fold work of the congregation
1) Evangelism – Acts 11:19-21
2) Edification – Romans 15:14
3) Benevolence – Acts 2:44-45
g. Help maintain unity in the congregation
1) John 17:20-23
2) Romans 15:5-7
h. Participate in the discipline of the congregation, instructive as well as corrective
1) Galatians 6:1-2
2) 1 Thessalonians 5:14
3) 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
i. Extend courtesy and hospitality – 1 Peter 4:9
j. Find an individual role and fill it – Colossians 4:17
C. THE NEED FOR INVOLVEMENT
1. The nature of involvement
a. Notice these words which describe the congregational relationship: participation, cooperation, collaboration, teamwork, and joint effort
b. The crucial need of a congregation is involvement
1) “Involve” is derived from Latin “in” (in) + “volve” (roll, turn) = to enwrap
2) Thus, involvement means being enwrapped as a participant – involved in a joint undertaking
3) The Christian is intertwined with his brethren
c. What is needed is total involvement by the individual Christian
d. There is a double result of congregational involvement:
1) The congregation as a whole is stronger
2) The individual is not likely to be separated from the Lord and the Lord’s people. Consider the strands “involved” in a rope!
2. The benefits of involvement
a. Friendship
b. Strength
c. Admonition
d. Instruction
e. Prayers offered for
f. Benevolent help when needed
g. Comfort in sorrow
h. Assistance in difficulty
i. The joy of congregational assemblies
CONCLUSION:
A. Nowhere is the wisdom of God more beautifully displayed than in the relationship of Christians together- Ephesians 3:10
B. In the local congregation, Christian may come to understand Paul’s feelings about his brethren in Christ – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20