Community is built in circles not rows
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Community is built in circles not rows.
College: Getting to know classmates. In the classroom in rows. In study groups in circles.
Rows can’t do what circles do. Play telephone / Then huddle
Circle the wagons
Community is build in circles not rows.
We are built for community because we are built in the image of a communal God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What is the one key point? True community happens in circles where people can know and be known by others.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
The moment we stop pretending we start growing. And where is the place most people pretend? At church.
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
each other / each other
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
so one person sharpens another
Sharpening your blade (Illustration)
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
each other’s
How can we carry each other’s burdens if we don’t know what they are.
This should be a give and take relationship. Not a one way street.
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
One another
It is interesting to note that the emphasis here is not on what a believer gets from the assembly, but rather on what he can contribute to the assembly.
Spur /provoke - How can we do this if we just come and sit then leave?
Do I annoy you some Sundays?
25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
one another
All the more as you see the “Day” approaching.
Believers who are not a functioning part of a local church are living outside of the will of God and limiting God’s work in their lives. - Dr. Tony Evans
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Who do you have in your life that has permission to ask, “Are you okay?” and won’t accept “I’m fine” as a answer?
12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
quickly broken
Key Idea: True community happens in circles where people can know and be known by others.
READ:
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Small Group Questions:
Describe a time in your life when you were a part of a winning team. What made it a winning team? What part did you have in it? How did it make you feel to be on that team?
Ecclesiastes 4:9 states that “two are better than one”. Share a story or example on how you know this to be true.
In verse 10 it says, “if either of them falls down, one can help the other up”. When was a time you had to help pick someone else up or they helped pick you up? How did it make you feel that you or they were there to help in a time of need?
Verse 10 also mentions “But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up”. Can you share about someone you know that had nobody to help in their time of need? What are some of the reasons why they did not have anyone?
What are some of the reasons or excuses people use for not building relationships with other?
Who do you have in your life that has permission to ask, “Are you okay?” and won’t accept “I’m fine” as a answer?
Prayer:
Notes or additional questions: