s20090125m_How Church Is Meaningful 2
How Church Becomes Meaningful
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:26
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Church is Meaningful When I…
[Focus] On My Church [Selflessly]
Where you have…selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16
NOTE: It is impossible for my “practice” to be good if my focus is on me.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
[Spur] My Church On [thoughtfully] ….And let us consider how we may spur one another….
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd. 12Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
[Encourage] My Church [ INCREASINGLY]….and all the more …
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13
Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
Do These [Things] With A [Sense Of Urgency] … as you see the Day approaching.
10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:10-11
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (RSV)