Creatures of Community
Gen 1:26-28; John 17:20-21; Rev 21:3
Last week we talked about how a disruption to our routine can have profound and unanticipated ripple effects in the way that we live. This week, we will see that not being able to socialize with others can have an equally devastating impact on our lives. We will therefore address the urgency of a relational community, especially in light of our social distancing.
The format of this week's sermon will be similar:
1. Being a part of a relational community is urgent because it benefits us.
2. Being a part of a relational community is urgent because it is worshipful to God.
Being a part of a relational community is a prerequisite for us to fulfill any goal, accomplishment, or virtue in life. This is true for introverts and extroverts because as humans, we have been created to be relational. We see this simple truth being affirmed even by neuroscience and observing animals.
However, as we mentioned last week, as Christians, we partake in a relational community not because it is beneficial to us, but because it is ultimately worshipful to God. We see this in the way that God reveals himself in Scripture: his character is intrinsically relational (Gen 1.26-28; 5.1) and the way that he is involved in our lives is equally relational (John 17.20-21; Rev 21.3). Therefore we will spend most of the time talking about how we should be engaged in a relational community as an appropriate response to God's character and involvement in our lives. Some practical ways of doing this is by gathering with your church community as frequently as possible (Heb 3.12-13; 10.24-25). Another way is by seeing how our human-to-human relationships are intended so that we can appreciate more our own relationship with God (e.g., Col 3.13; Matt 6.12, 14-15; 18.35).
1. Share about your own experiences of being a part of a relational community. In what ways was this helpful for you?
2. For many of us, this pandemic has disrupted our ability to stay connected in our Uptown community. Since we are creatures of community, this disruption has profound ripple effects.
a) In what ways do you think you have been blindsided by not staying connected in the midst of this pandemic?
b) In what ways have you had to adjust the way you stay connected in the midst of this pandemic?
3. Does it surprise you that being part of a relational community is an intrinsic part of how God works and his own character?
4. The sermon made a distinction between being a part of a relational community for your own benefits and being a part of a relational community as an expression of worship to God.
a) Why is this distinction important?
b) Share your thoughts on the idea of honoring God by being mindful of his character and involvement as we become more engaged in our Uptown community. Why would God consider this attitude worshipful and glorifying?
5. Spend some time reflecting upon the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are guaranteed that our life will be lived as a response to God's perfect character and involvement in our lives.
