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First Baptist. So, how do you experience authentic community?.
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“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ” Romans 12:9–13, ESV
Love authentically Hate Evil-Love good Love and Serve each other Serve the Lord Be Hopeful Be Patient in testing and tribulation Be Prayerful constantly Caring for needs of others Be Hospitable The Real you- 9 Meet real needs 10 For the right reason v. 11 In the right way 12
Outdo one another in Showing Honor
I. Jonathan and David model how to experience authentic community.
7 Essentials for Biblical Community 1 Samuel18-20 • Be awareGod orchestrates Circumstances and Chemistry 1 Sam. 18:1-2 • Be intentionalWe rarely drift into authentic community 1 Sam. 18:3 • Be honest--Share the last 10% 1 Sam. 19:1-5
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. ” (Proverbs 27:5–6, ESV)
7 Essentials for Biblical Community 1 Samuel18-20 • Be awareGod orchestrates Circumstances and Chemistry 1 Sam. 18:1-2 • Be intentionalWe rarely drift into authentic community 1 Sam. 18:3 • Be honest--Share the last 10% 1 Sam. 19:1-5 • Be availableWhen crisis comes, “friends” arrive 1 Sam. 20:1-4
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. ” (Proverbs 17:17, ESV)
7 Essentials for Biblical Community 1 Samuel18-20 • Be loyal– Don’t “shrink back” when things “heat up” 1 Sam. 20:5-17 • Be vulnerable– Refuse to let fear or pride limit your relationships 1 Sam. 20:41-42 • Be spiritual– Help them become an r12 Christian every day in every way 1 Sam. 23:15-18
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV)
II. David and Jonathan’s covenant with God was the basis for their devotion to one another.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ” Jesus of Nazareth (John 15:9–13, ESV)
III. Jonathan and David’s relationship reveals that authentic community occurs when the real youmeets real needsfor the right reasonin the right way.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ” (Romans 12:9–13, ESV)
Authentic community is the core of Christianity. “...that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ” Jesus of Nazarth (John 17:21, ESV)
Get connected in a spiritually positive, relational environment. • Be aware • Be intentional
Go deeper with one or two people in your group. • Be honest • Be available • Be loyal
Share and pray about a significant struggle or fear in your life with a safe person. • Be vulnerable • Be spiritual