WHY WE NEED EACH OTHER
40 Days of Community - Part 1
October 11-15, 2004

Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.

Romans 12:5b (NLT)

In America, we idolize independence, individualism and privacy. We take pride in doing things our way and not relying on someone else. We have been sold the lie that independence brings happiness. However the world is filled with independent people who are unconnected, lonely and spiritually lost. God calls us to be interdependent, not independent. It's impossible for us to fulfill God's purposes for our lives on our own. Our two greatest goals are to learn to love God and learn to love others, but we can't learn to love others in isolation. Being in community is God's answer to loneliness, fatigue, defeat, despair and fear. To be the people God wants us to be, we need other believers to walk, work, wait, weep and witness with and watch out for. Our support and love for each other is our greatest witness to a lonely world. Everyone longs to belong to a group. We are formed by God for family. The family we were born into is not as important as the spiritual family we choose to join as believers. Only through the relationships we form in small groups can we have the spiritual and emotional resources to weather the inevitable times of crisis we will face. With this study and by joining in groups, we can start a revolution of love that will change our world and fulfill God's purpose for us.

MONDAY

I NEED OTHERS TO WALK WITH ME

Community is God's answer to loneliness

[Your Objective: Understand the need to share our spiritual journey, supporting and encouraging each other along the way.]

What does Colossians 2:6-7 state we are to do in the same way we received Christ Jesus?

  • What does it mean to walk with Christ?

In Genesis 2:18 what does God say about being alone?

  • Why is it better to walk with others on your spiritual journey?

What are we to do during our meetings together, according to Hebrews 10:25?

  • What are some ways we can encourage each other as members of the group?

How does 1 Corinthians 14:26 and 30-31 describe the way we should participate in the group and what result should we expect?

  • How can we help each member to share according to their gift?

What result does Ephesians 4:16 state will result from each person doing his or her part?

  • Why can we grow only when we cooperate with others?

As we open our houses for others what does 1 Peter 4:9 say we are not to do?

  • How can we encourage friends, neighbors, and coworkers to join our group instead of activities or groups that would harm them just to satisfy their need to be a part of something?

Fellowship (Membership) - One way to grow closer to each other is to identify and appreciate the spiritual gifts that others have. How can you use your gifts to support others in their walk?

TUESDAY

I NEED OTHERS TO WORK WITH ME

Community is God’s answer to fatigue

[YOUR Objective: Determine how we can work together to serve our church and our community.]

What does Ephesians 2:10 say we are to do? When did God plan this for us?

  • Why do you think good works is the result of being a Christian?

Why are two better than one, according to Ecclesiastes 4:9?

  • How does working together help people to learn cooperation?
  • Why do we become worn out and fatigued when we try to do everything and do it all by ourselves?
  • How can other people's gifts compliment our gifts to be more effective than either one alone?

What group are we to start with in our effort to benefit all, as defined in Galatians 6:10?

  • Why do you think God wants us to start with others in the community of faith?

Ministry (Ministry) - One person can change the world if they do their part with others. Alone our power is limited. How will you use your gifts to make a difference in someone's life this week?

WEDNESDAY

I NEED OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR ME

Community is God's answer to defeat

[Group Objective: Explain how God calls us to watch out for other believers and how only they can help us with our blind spots.]

Whose interests do Philippians 2:4 instruct us to look out for?

  • What keeps us looking out for our own interests instead of the interests of others?

How does Hebrews 13:1 say we should feel towards other believers?

  • Why do we use a neighborhood watch to keep our property safe but think we don't need help keeping our spirit safe?

In Ecclesiastes 4:10 what happens to a person who is alone?

  • How does being alone help us fall into spiritual trouble?

According to Ecclesiastes 4:12 what is the result if we stand alone? What is the result if we stand together?

Discipleship (Maturity) - To watch out for each other we must first recognize the blind spots in ourselves. However, we cannot see those blind spots on our own. What steps can I take to identify my blind spots and help address them?

THURSDAY

I NEED OTHERS TO WAIT AND WEEP WITH ME

Community is God's answer to despair

[Your Objective: Encourage the members of your group to be open and available in each other's suffering.]

How does 1 Peter 3:8a instruct us to act toward other believers?

  • How would our witness to others be affected if we did not live in harmony?
  • Who are some Biblical examples of people loving each other as brothers?

What does 1 Corinthians 12:26 say our reaction should be to a suffering member?

  • What are some ways we can minister to others in their despair?
  • What might we want to avoid doing?
  • Who is the outstanding example of Christian suffering and the best model for attending to the sufferings of others? Why?

What two things are required of believers in Romans 12:15?

  • If we are obedient to this verse, how do you think our relationships would be affected?
  • What are the possibilities in increasing our own spiritual growth?

According to 1 Thessalonians 5:11, what are we to do for each other?

  • What is the difference between encouraging and strengthening (or building up)?
  • Which kinds of bad habits would disappear if we obeyed this verse?

Worship (Magnification) - People may be reluctant to step in with compassion for a despairing brother due to a fear of not being able to help in their situation - or simply a loss of words. We do not need to fix their problems, the important thing is just to be there with them. Remember that tears are always the sign to stop and pray. Reflecting on this lesson, we are being taught to magnify our Lord Jesus Christ. To obey Him is to worship Him. Who do you know that you could give comfort? Decide to offer yourself this week and let your group know the results.

FRIDAY

I NEED OTHERS TO WITNESS WITH ME

God's answer to fear is community

[Your Objective: Learn about ways your group can testify about sharing the love of God's family with others.]

In John 13:35 what does it say our love for one another will prove?

  • What are some of the ways we can show our love for each other?
  • Why is it difficult to extend that love beyond our immediate families to others?

According to 2 Timothy 1:7 what does it say the Holy Spirit wants us to be with others?

  • What are some of the obstacles we face trying to show love to others?
  • How can we be stronger sharing our love?
  • How can we gain more wisdom to find those who need our love the most?

How does Philippians 1:27 confirm we are standing together in the gospel of Christ?

  • What are some of the ways we can work together in a small group to share the gospel of Christ?
  • Who could you and your group reach out to in love?

Evangelism (Mission) - God calls believers to help save others together. It makes a great difference in eternity. Reaching one life at a time for God's family is something all believers can accomplish. What are some steps your group can take together to start reaching out to others who need God's love? Discuss it together and pray about something everyone can do for an immediate impact showing God's love.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Conclude this study by reviewing the five points above and commit to taking action by getting involved with other believers to share God's love.]

Examine what personal commitments need to be made in order to fulfill God's five purposes for your life. Make a personal and group commitment to reach out to your community to share God's love in a practical way with group participation. Vow to support each other, in love, through whatever challenges, trials and accomplishments that take place during this commitment.