Cultivating Community

ABF Lesson 1.12.2025

Last week, you discussed the need for community while walking through John 13:34-35.

John 13:34–35 ESV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

How many of us can say that we are always an accurate, living, walking, proof of this desire of Christ?

If we are being honest, I’m not sure any of us can proudly raise our hands.

This week we are going to take the understanding of the need and build on on it as we talk about how cultivating community.

Why is there so much talk about community… the need for it… what it is… and how to cultivate it?

If you type in “cultivating community” into your Amazon search bar… at least 158 results will pop up.

We, as believers, are not just seeking community… but Biblical community.

Our working definition of Biblical Community from last week:

A community that reflects Jesus’ character by mutual love, unity, and service for the glory of God.

If you type “biblical community” into your Amazon search bar…. guess how many titles are provided? Over 5000!

That overwhelming volume alone tells me that a lot of people are desiring Biblical Community…. writing about it… reading about it…. researching it…. and many of us still don’t fully know what it is… and how to get it!

Today, we are going to start by looking at a pretty detailed description of what living out biblical community in life looks like. Yes, we will get overwhelmed… and say…. I can’t do that!

I know…. that’s why the writer of Scripture included it… because it most likely wasn’t happening perfectly in their lives either! That is why he was encouraging….. let me use a stronger word…. challenging believers to step up their game!

Once we look at the details list of what the end goal looks like…. then we’ll go back to where it started… and see how the early church began the process…. that ultimately led to a lifestyle of cultivating community as the body of Christ.

Most of us are aware that at Maranatha we have a doxological view of Scripture. That is a fancy way of stating that we view that the meaning of life, ultimate purpose of man, and the ultimate goal of God’s plan of redemption is to give glory to God!

The vision of what that end goal (that larger than life picture of what “mission accomplished”) looks like is found in Revelation 4:10-11… and/ or Revelation 22:3-5.

Now, it seems like like scene is a long from where we sit today (who know? Jesus could come back today and it might be closer than we realize!)

The point is that today, we have not yet reached that level of fellowship, unity, worship, and glory! So, what are we going to do about it? How are we going to continue to take steps to work out our salvation with fear and trembling…. by growing in our spiritual maturity and sanctification?

Let’s start by taking a little assessment. (Do individually, then discuss with table)

What or who does your schedule revolve around?

Where do you spend your disposable income?

Where does your time go when you get to choose?

What are you most consumed by? (Politics, sports, music, tv, career, school, money, kids, others…)

What crushes you when it fails you?

What conversational topics do you get most excited about?

What motivates you? When you wake up in the morning, what is on your mind?

What do the answers to these questions highlight? Things we seek to find fulfillment in…

How many of your answers were based in seeking fulfillment in things other than Christ?

Why did we do that? We can learn the lesson Solomon learned the hard way… that nothing we seek fulfillment in other than a passionate relationship with God will truly satisfy! In theory we know that we were designed to find satisfaction in God alone….but if we know that…. then why do we keep looking everywhere else?

Well, I’m sure there could be a few different answers that that question. For the sake of todays conversation, let me suggest this. Anyone who has attended (or who knows about) an AA meeting will tell you… the road to recovery begins with what? Admitting you have a problem. Whether we want to admit it or not… most of us have a problem. That problem is that we practically love ourselves… our comfort… our privacy…. our preferences… more than we love Jesus… and definitely more than we love one another.

Now, make sure you don’t react to that statement…. but let it sink in. That statement is true of each and every one of us to an extent. It might be 10% true of one person and 60% true of another person. But, I guarantee you that on some level and to some extent, that statement is true of you in some are of your life.

If it were not true to some extent…. then each and everyone of us would be able to raise our hands and proclaim yes…. I am always a walking evidence… a proof that John 13:35 is accurate?

John 13:35 ESV

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Yep… that hurts…. it cut me pretty deep when I looked into the mirror admit that I’m a pretty sorry disciple…

So, what do we do. … and no… just ignoring the issue and hoping it goes away … or wallowing in our self-pity is not an option. :-)

Now that I thoroughly offended all of you…. it’s time for me to overwhelm you as promised.

Open your Bibles to Romans 12. This is the passage we are going to look at where Paul gives the church in Rome a detailed description of what cultivating true biblical community looks like. He gives a lot of details here… so buckle up.

Remember, we are not going through this passage today to dive deep into Romans 12. We are using this as an example of what living out John 13:34-35 looks like in community. If we want to truly cultivate biblical community…. then to some extent… this is what our lives need to eventually look like…. every day!

On the back of the assessments you took this morning there is a list of actions that Paul encourages the church in Rome to live out. As I read through these 21 verses, try to listen for each action step and write the verse next to each one.

Romans 12:1–21 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Now, discuss this list with your table….

Are there any on the list that you think were not in the text?

Were there any actions that you think were in the text that are not included in this list?

Is it possible to actually live all of these things out at the same time?

How can we get to the place where we are equipped to present our bodies as a living sacrifice…. holy and acceptable before God? How can we grow to where living out each detail of Romans 12 is not so overwhelming?

How do we get to the point where when we take a self-evaluation assessment, there is more of Christ in our answers than of us?

One step at a time! (Just like eating an elephant)

Where we start…. (Right where we are!)

That is what the early church did. Turn over to Acts 2 and let’s look at verses 42-47 together.

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Lessons to learn from the early church.

Look at verse 47…. what is the result of this passage?

Day by day… the Lord was adding to His church. Why? Yes, because He was sovereignly calling people to Himself… but what practical vehicle did God use? The early church! This rag-tag group of previously un-churched people…

It was because of how the early church was unknowing living our Romans 12. That attracted people to the beauty of the gospel.

What kinds of things were they invovled in? (At your tables, look at verses 42-47 and observe what were the major activities that this group of believers in Jerusalem were invovled in each day)

Teaching

Believers listened to the apostles teaching… and practiced what they heard. That is why verse 42 says that they were “devoted (active present participle) to the apostles teaching”. Believers who are growing and cultivating community are believers who are persistently devoted to the teaching of God’s Word! —> Which of the actions listed in Romans 12 are directly enabled by us actively and intentionally living out the fact that we are devoted the teaching of the Word of God and persistently practicing its truths? —> How does being wholly dedicated to the Word of God… and to the living out of the Word of God impact our ability to cultivate community? To connect with people and develop meaningful relationships…. so that “A community that reflects Jesus’ character by mutual love, unity, and service for the glory of God” is cultivated?

Fellowship

Fellowship means to have something in common (see 1 John). Close association involving mutual interests and sharing, association, communion, close relationship… intimacy like that found within a marriage. Luke uses the phrase to direct us to the reality that the believers were “being together”…. Luke is describing the harmony and unity that the believers cultivated… illustrated by their willingness to sell their possessions and give to those who had need. Giving (time, money, help, etc…) seems to be a bit part of cultivating fellowship Fellowship cost something in the early church…. It seems like there is a difference to how we use the word today. Fellowship is not a sentimental feeling of oneness. It is an act of truly giving yourself away. — As long as we approach things like connect groups, D-Groups, church gatherings with an eye for our own needs (not being aware of others)… we will most likely say that “there is no fellowship there”. We will have fellowship only when we make it a practice to reach out to others and give something of ourselves. How can we cultivate this type of intimacy in our relationships? Yes, it does take a work of the Holy Spirit to cultivate true fellowship. As we experience true fellowship with the Father and the Son, we will be drawn closer to each other (1 John 1:3). 2 Corinthians 8 is a great picture of true fellowship. — See 2 Cor. 8:5… They determined to practice koinonia by giving to others. You want to have fellowship? You must be a giver! —> Which of the actions listed in Romans 12 are directly enabled by us actively and intentionally living out the fact that we are devoted the teaching of the Word of God and persistently practicing its truths? —> How does being wholly dedicated to the Word of God… and to the living out of the Word of God impact our ability to cultivate community? To connect with people and develop meaningful relationships…. so that “A community that reflects Jesus’ character by mutual love, unity, and service for the glory of God” is cultivated?

Worship

The word “devoted”… or persistently practiced also applies to this… the believers persistently worshiped. I believe that the “breaking of bread” refers to the regular celebration of the Lord’s table. The term “breaking of bread” is listed between two pretty loaded terms (teaching and prayer), so i think it means more than just a regular meal. Plus in verse 46, there is an intentional separation between “broke bread” and “ate together”. They are purposely separated… which I think helps to support that verse 42 is referring to the Lord’s Supper. After the regular meal they would take the remaining bread and wine and engage in the remembrance of Christ’s death. Prayer is another way that we worship. The text should probably say “the prayers”, suggesting specific prayers that had Jewish roots as well as newly Christian roots. I think that many people, once they became believers were able to see many of the old formal Jewish prayers with new eyes. I wouldn’t be surprised if many people, in their new joy… took many of the old jewish prayers and made them new prayers for praise…. kind of like Mary does in her Magnificat (Luke 1). Both of these disciplines are acts of worship. —> Which of the actions listed in Romans 12 are directly enabled by us actively and intentionally living out the fact that we are devoted the teaching of the Word of God and persistently practicing its truths? —> How does being wholly dedicated to the Word of God… and to the living out of the Word of God impact our ability to cultivate community? To connect with people and develop meaningful relationships…. so that “A community that reflects Jesus’ character by mutual love, unity, and service for the glory of God” is cultivated?

Serving

A lot is said in verses 43-46 here that can point us to the reality that the believers in the early church were actively serving one another. What are some ways in which the believers were serving one another? - Verse 44 points us back to the idea of “fellowship”… sharing, giving… having things in common. - —> Which of the actions listed in Romans 12 are directly enabled by us actively and intentionally living out the fact that we are devoted the teaching of the Word of God and persistently practicing its truths? —> How does being wholly dedicated to the Word of God… and to the living out of the Word of God impact our ability to cultivate community? To connect with people and develop meaningful relationships…. so that “A community that reflects Jesus’ character by mutual love, unity, and service for the glory of God” is cultivated?

Evangelism

This is something that the believers were practicing… but I also think that this is given to us as a result of community being cultivated by the early church. When there is a devotion to the teaching and living out of God’s Word, a lifestyle of worship, and true sacrificial, giving, fellowship taking place….. unbelievers notice… and are attracted to it! One author said, “When the Spirit reigns, God’s people relate to the world as they should.” Tell me, as the early church lived out verse 42, persistent dedication and practice of applying the teaching to their lives, cultivating intimate fellowship with one aonter, and worshipping together… what was the immediate result? Look at verse 43…. “Everyone was filled with awe…” — I think this wasn’t just because of the “many wonders and miraculous signs that were done by the apostles…. but because everything was working together to bring about a profound sense of an awe of God. In the early church there was a sense of holiness much like the children of Israel had when Moses came down from Mt. Sinai…. an awe from being in the presence of God. We could use more of this today! Nothing promotes revival and genuine spiritual growth more than a sense of awe before our holy God coupled with a sense of our own unworthiness. Verse 46 shows us a picture of worship in the early church. Look at verse 46. —There was both formal and informal worship. — They had glad (a piercing exclamation) and sincere hearts. With the Holy Spirit reigning in their hearts, the early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and worship, and evangelism flowed forth as a result. —> Which of the actions listed in Romans 12 are directly enabled by us actively and intentionally living out the fact that we are devoted the teaching of the Word of God and persistently practicing its truths? —> How does being wholly dedicated to the Word of God… and to the living out of the Word of God impact our ability to cultivate community? To connect with people and develop meaningful relationships…. so that “A community that reflects Jesus’ character by mutual love, unity, and service for the glory of God” is cultivated?

Let’s put together some next steps…

If we want to do a better job of cultivating community, what are some areas in which we can grow?

Persistently living out the truths of Scripture to daily life. (All of them…. even the hard ones!)

Intentionally develop true intimacy with others. (Get uncomfortable…. truly knowing others)

Worship the Lord…. continuously remembering all He has done… and persistently rededicate each day to committing to live in a way that is worthy of His sacrifice. Praying and praising…. with passion and new joy!

Find ways to serve one another. Not out of obligation… but out of a desire to live out true fellowship!

Become enamored with God. Reclaim an awe for God… and be truly amazed at His majesty!

Proclaim the gospel each day with both word and deed!