FBC Daily Devotions

Read John 15:12-17.

This passage opens and closes with the same command: Love each other! The command is reflected in a sacrificial commitment to lay down our lives for others (i.e. “for his friends”). That sacrifice is not easy, but is made easier by the friendship. (Note, however, that the love of Christ goes beyond dying for friends, but for His enemies as well – Rom. 5:7-10.)

Forgive me for being blunt, but let me ask: How good a friend are you? When it comes to building a healthy, biblical community, Jesus set the standard by showing us what love looks like. It is a commitment to death. That is a high standard! We may not be called to die for someone (I doubt many of us will), but to the extent that we act sacrificially toward others shows the extent of our love. And as we show love toward others, we bear fruit – fruit that will last and is pleasing to God.

To consider:

As you move through your day, look for opportunities to show sacrificial love by going the extra mile as you are able.

Note also that Jesus initiated the love (“You did not choose me, but I chose you…”). His love was unconditional – yet another high standard! Love flows from what is inside, not what is outside. So, even if on the outside we are encountering great struggles or perhaps not getting along with someone, God has given us the ability to initiate love (Note: initiate, not merely respond) as God’s love works within us.

To consider:

God calls us not to merely respond in love, but to initiate love as well. Is there a relationship in which you need to initiate an act of love? Recognizing that this could be difficult in some situations, ask others to pray for you – for courage, humility, sensitivity, and wisdom.

Communities are built on common ground. Those within any community share something in common. Whenever you bring dog owners, golfers, or computer programmers, etc. into one room, immediately a bond is formed. Commonality draws people together and can profoundly affect lives. Part of the reason any community is effective is because their commonality builds a bridge into one another’s lives.

Read Ephesians 4:1-6; 13-16. Gal. 3:26-29

In the passage today, Paul begins by telling his readers how to live. In v. 3 he ties these behaviors and attitudes into something we already have: the unity of the Spirit. We all share a common bond in Christ. And there is no greater bond we can have with other people. But that bond can be damaged when we place other things ahead of our commonality. Gal. 3:26-29 tells us that we are all children of God (sons of God) who are baptized into Christ. No ethnic, status, or gender differences should come ahead of our common bond in Christ. But that is not always a reality in this world. Sometimes that unity or commonality can be disturbed when we treat one another in ways that are unbecoming of Christ. Humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance – loose these qualities and the unity we have in Christ can be threatened. That is why Paul says, “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Eph. 4:3). That is why Paul says we are to all work together to “reach unity in the faith” (Eph. 4:13).

Personal thought:

There are far too many passages to consider in the area of unity to cover here. Turn to nearly any page in the New Testament and you will find some aspect of how we should live that in turn can either build up a community or break it down. Eph. 5:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen.” Any time we put ourselves above others or God, we threaten unity. We are to be working together toward a common purpose – to reach maturity in Christ. This is a community effort, not a lone attempt. Unity, then, is not an option. We must “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” It is a profound thing to consider that Christ has built a bridge for us to step into the lives of others and make an impact. The bridge is already there, and I have a choice to either walk across it to help others, or simply ignore it.

To consider:

When, if ever, have you damaged unity with a fellow believer? How does knowing “we are all in this together” help in your treatment of a fellow believer? Pray today that when there are opportunities to damage unity that you will have the wisdom and humility to “walk across the bridge” and “keep the unity of the Spirit.”

What are some truths you learned from last Sunday’s message? How can it make a difference this week?

In previous weeks, we looked at the priority of Reaching Up. The need to reach up to God with a life of worship, to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is our highest calling. Jesus is clear, however, that reaching up should result in Reaching Across – loving others as Christ loved us. While these devotions are about our personal relationships with Christ, the outworking of that relationship is seen in our relationships with one another. For the next month we will take a closer look at our relationships with our Community in Christ, From fellowship to friendships, may these devotions help you be a part of a healthy, growing community. –Pastor Mike

Home Group Questions
Week of October 6, 2008

*If time is short, be sure to ask these questions.

Opening: How have you seen God work this week?

1. We all share a common bond in Christ. There is no greater bond we can have with other people. But that bond can be damaged when we place other things ahead of our commonality. Sometimes that unity or commonality can be disturbed when we treat one another in ways that are unbecoming of Christ. How does knowing “we are all in this together” help in your treatment of a fellow believer?
2. When it comes to building a healthy, biblical community, Jesus set the standard by showing us what love looks like. It is a commitment to death. That is a high standard! We may not be called to die for someone (I doubt many of us will), but to the extent that we act sacrificially toward others shows the extent of our love. Over the past week, how were you challenged to go the “extra mile” to show sacrificial love?
3. God calls us not to merely respond in love, but to initiate love as well. Are there relationships in your life that need that kind of initiative? How can the group pray for you in this area? Have you ever been the recipient (outside of Christ) of an initiating kind of love? If so, what effect did it have on you and your relationship with the other person?
4. Jesus accepted and valued the lowly ones of this world. And then He called us to follow Him. Who are the lowly ones in your world? What are ways you can reach across to them?
5. *The Body of Christ should be a place where you feel valued. We should be able to be ourselves, even bring the worst of ourselves and not be rejected. It should be a place we can admit our failings and struggles and have them met with grace and support. What makes it difficult for people to live completely “inside-out”? Do you feel your Home Group is a place where you can admit your failings and struggles? Take some time to discuss this very important matter. If applicable, why might you be afraid to be vulnerable in this group?
6. Nothing builds community like spending time together. The early church met daily in houses and larger group gatherings. The greatest impact on people’s lives occurs in the context of consistent and frequent contact. How have you seen this to be true in your life? Have you seen the opposite to be true as well (i.e. that community is difficult without contact)? Take a look at your schedule – do you meet often enough with others to build a healthy community? If you are serious about community, what might need to change?

As you go into your prayer time, consider the following questions:

• How have you struggled this week?
• How can the others in the group help you?

Look over your notes from the past week. What one or two things did God impress upon you this week?