God's Vision for the Rest of Your Life
Why You Need a Church Family!
April 11-15, 2005

The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we?

Romans 12:5 (The Message)

God has five purposes for our lives. We were planned for God's pleasure; formed for his family; created to become like Christ; shaped to serve God; and we were made for a mission. We cannot fulfill these purposes on our own; we must have a spiritual family. The spiritual family is where we learn to love others as God desires. We cannot learn to love in isolation. Just as we grow and develop from babies to adults in our biological families, we grow from spiritual infants to maturity through our spiritual family. Every believer is a minister with a mission God wants us to fulfill. We only learn to do this by participating in the body of believers.

MONDAY

A CHURCH HELPS ME CENTER MY LIFE AROUND GOD.

[Your Objective: Recognize a life of worship is the doorway to a God-centered life.]

What does Philippians 4:6-7 tell us about handling our worries?

  • How does bringing our prayers and petitions to God with thanksgiving help us to live a God-centered life?
  • What does a life centered on God look like in everyday living?
  • How does worshiping God focus our attention on Him instead of our circumstances? How is worship the doorway to a God-centered life?

When and where were the people told to assemble together according to Leviticus 23:3 and Acts 2:46a?

  • Why do you think God was insistent the people regularly meet together to worship and praise Him?
  • How valuable do you think regular worship is to keeping our lives centered in God?

According to Psalm 68:4, how were the people told to offer their praise to God?

  • Why is rejoicing and celebrating an important part praise and worship?
  • How can regular praise and worship change our desires and lifestyle?

Worship (Magnification) - Those who praise and worship God continually live a God-centered life. What are the benefits of worshiping God at church with a large body of believers? What are the benefits of worshiping in small group settings? Why are both forms of worship necessary for our spiritual growth? Is there some commitment you need to make to keep your heart and life centered on God?

TUESDAY

A CHURCH HELPS ME CONNECT WITH OTHER BELIEVERS.

[Your Objective: Discover how each person is formed to be a member of God's family.]

How does Roman's 12:5 say we are to relate to each other as members of Christ's Body?

  • How does knowing we are part of one Body help us to connect with each other?
  • In what ways can being a part of a church family help us discover our meaning and function within the Body of Christ?

Who are we commanded to love if we truly love God according to James 4:21?

  • Why is it important for believers to show their love to other believers?

What household does Ephesians 2:19 say we are members of?

  • What does it mean to belong to God's very own family?

In 2 Corinthians 8:5 who did the people give themselves to and in what order?

  • Why is it important to give yourself to God before giving yourself to the church family?
  • What are some ways God has made known His will to people you know for them to join a church?
  • What one thing is a person baptized into according to 1 Corinthians 12:13?
  • How does sharing in one Spirit and being part of one Body help us relate to believers that are not like us ethnically, socially, politically, or economically?

Romans 6:3 says we share in what aspect of Christ's life when we are baptized?

  • How is baptism like what happened to Christ?

How will others know someone is a disciple of Christ according to John 13:35?

  • What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?

Fellowship (Membership) - What do you need to do to connect with your church family? Do you need to take the membership class (CLASS 101) and join your church? Do you need to show your commitment to the Body of Christ by being baptized? Or do you need to encourage others in your group, on your block, or where you work to become members and discover the joy of being in God's family? Commit to taking whatever your next step is to better connect with your church family.

WEDNESDAY

A CHURCH HELPS ME CULTIVATE SPIRITUAL MATURITY.

[Your Objective: Understand and identify ways to develop spiritual maturity]

According to Ephesians 4:11-16 how does the Body of Christ grow? What is the measure of our spiritual maturity?

  • The Bible calls maturity discipleship. What characteristics do you think the disciples had that we can develop?

In Acts 2:41-42, what does the apostles' teaching refer to?

What qualities does 2 Peter 5-6 tell us to develop?

  • What are some steps we can take to develop spiritual maturity?

What is the purpose of us being tested, according to James1:3-4?

  • When life tests us we often see it as a negative, not as an opportunity for spiritual growth. How can we change our perspective about being tested? How can other people help us in times of testing?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Ask each group member to identify a specific step towards growth he or she will commit to making in the next month, such as attending Class 201, joining a small group, or participating in a men or women's Bible study.

THURSDAY

A CHURCH HELPS ME CONTRIBUTE SOMETHING BACK.

[Your Objective: Agree that we are shaped to serve others, not just live for ourselves.]

Who made us and why, according to Ephesians 2:10? When does the verse say that purpose was decided?

  • How does this understanding change your view of life? If any in the group have stories of lives, either their own or someone they know, changed by grasping this concept, take a few moments now to share them.

Look at 1 Corinthians 3:9. With whom does it say we are partners?

Why is it better for us to work with others, according to Ecclesiastes 4:9?

  • In what way are these messages opposite from so many we hear outside God's Word?
  • When we feel alone in the work we do for God, how do these verses either reassure or challenge us?

Work we do within the Body of Christ is called ministry. What does 2 Timothy 4:5 say we are to do with our ministry?

How do Hebrews 6:10 and 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourage us regarding our work for the Lord?

Ministry - The most significant thing you’ll ever do is to get involved with God's family. Yet many times we feel that we have nothing of real value to offer. How has discussing these verses helped you see that God intends you for ministry? If you are not currently involved in ministry, such as taking CLASS 301? Ask God to show you what He has uniquely shaped you to do for others in the Body of Christ. Hint: It's likely to be something you are good at or enjoy doing.

FRIDAY

A CHURCH HELPS ME COMMUNICATE GOD'S MESSAGE.

[Your Objective: Realize as a church we are better together in communicating God's message - our mission in life.]

What ministry and message does 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 say we have been given?

  • What can we do to communicate to others the message we have been entrusted with?

For what purpose did God call us out of the darkness and into His light, according to 1 Peter 2:9?

  • To whom can we declare God's praises?

How does Philippians 1:27 tell us to conduct ourselves?

  • What is a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? How can we conduct ourselves in that manner?

Where is the Gospel to be proclaimed if we follow Colossians 1:6?

  • What are some ways the Gospel can be spread to the entire world?

How great a reward does Jesus promise in Mark 10:29-30 for sacrificing in the name of the Gospel?

  • How does having this promise from Christ affect a person's desire to work to spread His Word?

Evangelism (Mission) - God has saved us so that we can go out and tell others what He has done. Of all the five purposes, only evangelism is reserved for earth. Once we get to Heaven, that opportunity is gone. Explore the opportunities for evangelism available through your church, such as CLASS 401, and make a plan to get involved in one.

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Understand the five benefits of the church and commit to a next step to receive those benefits.]

When you get involved with the family of God, it will last into eternity. You need the church to fulfill the 5 purposes and nothing matters more than this. What will it take for you to truly live a Christ centered life? Have you chosen to belong to a church family; have you taken CLASS 101 and have you shown your commitment through baptism? Growing spiritually comes from growing in your understanding of God's Word. Have you taken CLASS 201? Are you a member of a small group, women's or men's Bible study? Do you need to commit to faithful participation in large group worship at your church and in a small group fellowship? Have you discovered your ministry yet? Have you taken CLASS 301 and committed to serve the family of God regularly? What one step do you need to take this week to take advantage of God's purposes for you as a member of His family?