“Made for Community with Believers”

Community:

A group of people that live in close proximity to each other. this includes their land, social institutions, resources, and community institutions. (Factbook Logos - Community)

Fellowship

The fact that we share social activities with other Christians does not of itself imply that we have fellowship with them.

J. I. Packer

Romans 15:1–13 NASB95

1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, And I will sing to Your name.” 10 Again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, And let all the peoples praise Him.” 12 Again Isaiah says, “There shall come the root of Jesse, And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, In Him shall the Gentiles hope.” 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

INTRODUCTION.

1 Corinthians 12:12–13 NASB95

12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

MESSAGE.

I. God CONSTRUCTED the church with many UNIFIED people. vv. 12-13.

1. No division in the church.

2. Anyone can be a part of the church - through salvation.

3. Everyone brought into the church through the Cross - the blood of Jesus Christ.

The ground is level at the cross.

I. God CONSTRUCTED the church with many UNIFIED people.

II. God FASHIONED the church out of IMPORTANT people. vv 14-26.

God put each and everyone in the church so that it can function properly.

1. Each person in the church as an important purpose. vv 14-17.

There are no unimportant people in the church.

There are no unimportant parts of the human body.

Even the little toe on the body is important.

Just stub your little toe and you will see how important it is.

Your whole body and its balance depends on that little toe.

No matter who you are, you are important to the church.

No matter what you think of yourself, you are important to the church.

Just because you think you have no significance does not mean you are not part of the body.

2. God places each person in the church. vv 18-25.

God brings people to each church.

Where you are a church member is important.

God knows who each church needs.

The church does not decide who is needed and important and who is not. GOD DOES.

The church is made up of weaker and stronger christians.

There are those who are weaker or less mature in their faith.

There are those who are stronger or more mature in their faith.

The church needs both.

3. Each person in the church affects the church. v26. (ask Nicole about using affect or effect).

The suffering of member affects the entire church.

If one is grieving then the rest of the church grieves.

If one is struggling or needs help the church is struggling or needs help.

If one lives in sin (rebellion against God) it affects the entire church.

If one member is honored the church receives honor.

We need to honor each other where honor is due.

I. God CONSTRUCTED the church with many UNIFIED people.

II. God FASHIONED the church our to IMPORTANT people.

III. God SELECTED the POSITION of the people of the church.

1. God appoints your job in the church.

2. Not everyone has the same the job.

3. LOVE.

CONCLUSION.