The Significance of Being A Christian - Connected To Other Christians Condensed

"THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BEING A CHRISTIAN"

Connected To Connected To Other ChristiansOther Christians

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

In summarizing some of the significant things of being a

Christian, we have seen that it involves both blessings and

responsibilities...

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

““A person reborn”A person reborn”provides the blessing of living in

newness of life.““Belonging to the Lord”Belonging to the Lord” requires

we live up to the calling of being God's special child.


““Living by faith”Living by faith” demands that we continue to trust in God and

His Word.““Consecrated to God”Consecrated to God” presumes that we pursue holiness in the fear

of the Lord.


““Guarded by the Guarded by the

power of God”power of God” calls for us to stand strong in the power of His might.

““Saved to serve"Saved to serve" implies that we work together with other

Christians.


It is this last thought that we expand upon as we conclude this series...Christianity

involves activity. Some of that activity involves "working together" with other

Christians. Each Christian needs to understand the importance of our

collective work


Sadly, many Christians live as though they believed in "solo

Christianity"...That being a Christian involves minimal involvement with the local

congregation.


They act like "independent" Christians - aloof, isolated,

solitary. The congregation's work becomes "what they are doing down there..." (instead of what

"we" are doing)


Why is this case?Some may not understand the

congregational facet of life in Christ. Some may intend to be

mavericks and refuse to be a real part of a congregation.


The consequences of "solo Christianity" are dangerous... Such as inactivity,

unhappiness, spiritual stagnation, etc. Recent studies suggest that people

without active involvement in a church are more likely to have weakened immune

systems, therefore more likely to get sick.


The bottom line is that Christians rarely survive spiritually apart from their

proper relationship with other Christians. Like a glowing ember

removed from the fire of which it is a part...it soon cools and dies (while the

other embers remain hot)


Of course, it is not God's intention that this happen. That is why one significance of being a Christian is

that we are “Connected To “Connected To

Other Christians”Other Christians”.

THE “TOGETHER" ASPECT OF LIFE IN THE “TOGETHER" ASPECT OF LIFE IN CHRISTCHRIST

ILLUSTRATIONS OF ILLUSTRATIONS OF TOGETHERNESSTOGETHERNESS... One illustration is that of “fellowship”“fellowship”. Acts 2:42 NET They

were devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to

the breaking of bread and to prayer.


1 John 1:7 NET But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light,

we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his

Son cleanses us from all sin.


Christians are “fellows”“fellows”““Fellow citizens” Fellow citizens” Ephesians 2:19 ““Fellow heirs” Fellow heirs” Ephesians 3:6

““Fellow workers” Fellow workers” Philippians 4:3

““Fellow servants” Fellow servants” Colossians 1:7

““Fellow soldiers” Fellow soldiers” Philippians 2:25


We work together as we extend "the right hand of fellowship". Galatians 2:9

NET and when James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been

given to me,


they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they to

the circumcised.The idea is that we share together in the

work and rewards of Christian life.


Another illustration is that of “brotherhood”“brotherhood”. In Christ, we enjoy a family relationship. 1 Peter 2:17 NET Honor all people, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the

king.


Mark 3:31 NET Then Jesus' mother and his brothers came. Standing outside,

they sent word to him, to summon him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him and they said to him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are outside looking

for you."


33 He answered them and said, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" 34 And looking at those who were sitting around him in a circle, he said, "Here

are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is my

brother and sister and mother."


We are the "house" or "family" of God.

1 Timothy 3:15 NET in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God,

because it is the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth.


The Christian needs to have a "family" consciousness about other Christians.

One more illustration is that of "membership""membership"

1 Corinthians 12:27 NET Now you are Christ's body, and each of you is a member of

it.


The church is Christ's "body""body" Ephesians 1:22 NET And God put all things under Christ's feet, and he gave him to the

church as head over all things. 23 Now the church is his body, the fullness of

him who fills all in all.


Christians are “members”“members” of one another. Romans 12:5 NET so we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are members

who belong to one another.


As members of the body, there are "corporate" (Latin "corpus" means

"body") responsibilities. Body members are functionally

interdependent


1 Corinthians 12:12 NET For just as the body is one and yet has many

members, and all the members of the body — though many — are

one body, so too is Christ.


13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.

Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were all made to drink of the

one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not a single member, but many.


Not all members have the same function. Romans 12:4 NET For just as

in one body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same

function,


5 so we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are

members who belong to one another. 6 And we have different gifts according

to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in

proportion to his faith.


7 If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; 8 if it is

exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with

sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing

mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.


If the body (and its members) is to grow, each member must contribute

Ephesians 4:16 NET From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together

through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows

in love.


There are not "vestigial" organs or "decorative" parts; i.e., no useless

or unimportant members

THE CONCEPT OF LOCAL CHURCH THE CONCEPT OF LOCAL CHURCH “MEMBERSHIP"“MEMBERSHIP"

The "local" church is different from the "universal" church. "The church" of Christ universally is the sum of all

Christians

LOCAL CHURCH “MEMBERSHIP"LOCAL CHURCH “MEMBERSHIP"

Matthew 16:18 NET And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I

will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.


"A church" of Christ locally is a specific group of Christians who

function together as a congregation.


Acts 14:23 NET When they had appointed elders for them in the

various churches, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the

protection of the Lord in whom they had believed.


One is "added" by the Lord Himself to the "universal" church upon obedience

to the gospel. Acts 2:41 NET So those who accepted his message were

baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added.


Acts 2:47 NET praising God and having the good will of all the people. And

the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were

being saved.


One then should "join" himself to a "local" church. Acts 9:26 NET When he arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to associate with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, because they

did not believe that he was a disciple.


27 But Barnabas took Saul, brought him to the apostles, and related to them

how he had seen the Lord on the road, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out

boldly in the name of Jesus.


28 So he was staying with them, associating openly with them in

Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.


The mere provision of local churches in God's Word implies:

A divine purpose for the local church.

A corresponding responsibility of Christians to avail themselves of

it.


The idea of becoming a Christian and never a part of a local

congregation is foreign to the Scriptures!


Christians are obligated to participate in the life of a faithful congregation,

whenever possible. The command to withdraw from certain ones implies

that participation in the fellowship with other Christians is not optional.


2 Thessalonians 3:6 NET But we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away

from any brother who lives an undisciplined life and not according to the tradition they received from us.


Much of what a Christian is to do is "for the common good.“

1 Corinthians 12:7 NET To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is

given for the benefit of all.


The main idea is that as Christians we have responsibilities to other Christians, in Christ we are truly

“Connected To Other Christians”“Connected To Other Christians”..

Therefore consider some...SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES TO SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES TO

OTHER CHRISTIANSOTHER CHRISTIANSATTITUDES TO MAINTAIN...ATTITUDES TO MAINTAIN...

RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHER CHRISTIANSTO OTHER CHRISTIANS

Concern for one anotherConcern for one another 1 Corinthians 12:25 NET so that there may

be no division in the body, but the members may have mutual concern for one another. 26 If one member

suffers, everyone suffers with it. If a member is honored, all rejoice with it.


Humility, lowliness of mindHumility, lowliness of mind Philippians

2:3 NET Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each

of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.


A peaceable spiritA peaceable spiritRomans 14:17 NET For the kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace,

and joy in the Holy Spirit.


18 For the one who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people. 19 So then,

let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one

another.


Appreciation for others and their work.Appreciation for others and their work. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 NET We thank God always

for all of you as we mention you constantly in our prayers, 3 because we recall in the presence of our God and

Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus

Christ.


Willingness to cooperate, work Willingness to cooperate, work together.together. 1 Corinthians 12:21 NET The eye cannot say to the hand, "I do not need you," nor in turn can the

head say to the foot, "I do not need you."


"It marks a big step in a man's development when he comes to realize that other men can be called on to help him do a better job than he can do alone"

(Andrew Carnegie)


"Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is

progress, working together is success" (ibid.)


Friendliness, warmth.Friendliness, warmth. Philemon 1:7 NET I have had great joy

and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the

saints have been refreshed through you, brother.


Gentleness, meeknessGentleness, meekness Galatians 6:1 NET Brothers and sisters, if a person is

discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a

spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are

not tempted too.


Forbearance, longsuffering, patienceForbearance, longsuffering, patience Colossians 3:12 NET Therefore, as the

elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of

mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,


ForgivenessForgiveness 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another,

if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else.

Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.


LoveLove John 13:34 NET "I give you a new commandment — to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 Everyone will

know by this that you are my disciples — if you have love for one another."


Identify yourself as a member of a faithful congregation. Acts 9:26 NET When he arrived in Jerusalem, he

attempted to associate with the disciples, and they were all afraid of

him, because they did not believe that he was a disciple.


Drifters, "floating members", "members at large", etc., are

missing an important aspect of Christianity. The same goes for passive "spectators", those "just along for the ride", "permanent

visitors", etc.


One places membership with the intent of being an actual, functioning member - not a mere appendage to the body.

It involves making real commitments to the group. Pray for other Christians,Pray for other Christians,

especially those of one's own Congregation


Philippians 1:9 NET And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight 10 so that you can decide what is best, and thus

be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of

righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.


Submit to the congregation's eldersSubmit to the congregation's elders Hebrews 13:17 NET Obey your leaders

and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls and will give an account for their work. Let them do this

with joy and not with complaints, for this would be no advantage for you.


Attend and participate in the assemblies of the congregation

Hebrews 10:24 NET And let us take thought of how to spur one

another on to love and good works,


25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit

of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because

you see the day drawing near.


The Christian enjoys and benefits from private and family worship,

but must not neglect God's provision for collective,

congregational worship and Bible study.


Every aspect of our assemblies are vital to the Christian.

““The Lord's Supper,”The Lord's Supper,”““Preaching & teaching,” “Praying”Preaching & teaching,” “Praying”Acts 2:42 NET They were devoting

themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of

bread and to prayer.


Acts 20:7 NET On the first day of the week, when we met to break

bread, Paul began to speak to the people, and because he intended to leave the next day, he extended

his message until midnight.


““Praying”Praying” Acts 12:12 NET When Peter realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many people had gathered

together and were praying.


““Singing”Singing” Colossians 3:16 NET Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching

and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your

hearts to God.


““Giving”Giving”as we have been prospered.

Corinthians 16:1 NET With regard to the collection for the saints, please

follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia:


2 On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some

income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that

a collection will not have to be made when I come.


Our assemblies provide an opportunity for three different involvements:

Help in providing for the assembly (e.g., cleaning the building, preparing the

communion trays, leading in the service, etc.)


Actual attendance at the assembly - attending every service is critical

to the overall growth and health of the congregation (let

alone self!)


Participation in the assembly, to the extent of one's ability. Worship is

not a "spectator" activity. The crucial question is not "How did

the preacher do?", but "How did I do?"


If one can do no more than listen, then listen in a manner that shows reverence and respect to God's

Word!


Acts 17:11 NET These Jews were more open-minded than those in

Thessalonica, for they eagerly received the message, examining the scriptures carefully every day to see if

these things were so.


Assembling together is not merely a routine to perform, but a God-given provision for

our spiritual good. Quibbles and questions about whether we have to, complaints,

neglects, etc., reveal an attitude of taking lightly the opportunity for Christians to be

together.


God wants to give us something in our assemblies - our involvement or non-involvement reveals much of whether we desire to accept what God has for

us! -- To minimize this aspect of Christianity jeopardizes not only one's

own soul, but the souls of others!


Engage personally and directly in the work of the congregation. “Evangelism”“Evangelism” Acts 8:4 NET Now those who had been forced to

scatter went around proclaiming the good news of the word.


““Edification”Edification”Romans 14:19 NET So then, let us

pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another.


““Benevolence”Benevolence”Acts 2:44 NET All who believed were

together and held everything in common, 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and

distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need.


Help maintain unitymaintain unity in the congregation. 1 Corinthians 1:10 NET I urge you,

brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree

together, to end your divisions, and to be united by the same mind and

purpose.


Participate in the discipline of the congregation, both instructive as well

as corrective.Galatians 6:1 NET Brothers and sisters, if a

person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person

in a spirit of gentleness.


Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 2 Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of

Christ.


Extend courtesy and hospitalityExtend courtesy and hospitality Romans 12:13 NET Contribute to the

needs of the saints, pursue hospitality.

1 Peter 4:9 NET Show hospitality to one another without complaining.


Find an individual role and fill itFind an individual role and fill it Colossians 4:17 NET And tell

Archippus, "See to it that you complete the ministry you

received in the Lord."


2 Timothy 4:5 NET You, however, be self-controlled in all things,

endure hardship, do an evangelist's work, fulfill your

ministry.

CONCLUSION CONCLUSION

Much of the joy in Christ comes from our relationships with other

Christians...John had great joy when he heard

others walking in the truth.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

3 John 1:3 NET For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, just as you are living according to the truth. 4 I have no greater joy

than this: to hear that my children are living according to the truth.


Paul had joy when he remembered his fellowship with others. Philippians 1:3

NET I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 I always pray with joy

in my every prayer for all of you 5 because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.


Can we not see the importance of being “Connected To Other “Connected To Other

Christians”Christians”? This connection is not only crucial

to having joy, but to remaining faithful to the Lord...


Experiencing all of the blessings the Lord provides for His

servants. Encouraged by others to be diligent in fulfilling our responsibilities as Christians.


As we conclude this study of ““The Significance Of The Significance Of

Being A Christian”Being A Christian”,we have certainly not exhausted what it means to be a Christian. But I pray that in

some way I have both encouraged and exhorted you to greater faithfulness and fruitfulness in the service of our Lord!

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The Significance of Being A Christian - Connected To Other Christians Condensed