Anchor Verses
Acts 2:42-47, James 5:16
Focus Statement
We want you to be in a community where you are devoted to the people, pushed towards a relationship with Jesus, and fully known.
Introduction
- We are drawn toward deep and meaningful relationships, but many of us live in the reality of loneliness.
- That loneliness does not necessarily come from isolation. It often happens because:
- We are not fully known.
- People are not present with us.
- Relationships stay surface level.
- This is probably true of many people in our church.
- So what kind of community can we build that prevents this from happening? A community where people are:
- DEVOTED to one another
- PUSHING each other toward Jesus
- KNOWN fully
Devote
- Acts 2:42, 46
- The early church devoted themselves to deep relationships with one another.
- Their fellowship was not surface level.
- They prioritized community in their lives.
- We often want to reap the benefits of these relationships without making the same investment.
- Community will not fall into your lap.
- You have to make it a priority.
- This devotion is not transactional or self-centered. It is meant to push you beyond yourself and toward the needs of others.
- What should this devotion look like?
- Love one another (John 13:34)
- Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10)
- Build up one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- Admonish one another (Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16)
- Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
- Be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
- Be kind and compassionate toward one another (Ephesians 4:32)
- Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
- Pray for one another (James 5:16)
- Encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25)
- Remember: Even though your circumstances may restrict you from doing some things, don’t let them become an excuse to do nothing.
Push
- Community is important, but your primary purpose in life is to be in relationship with Jesus.
- Community is meant to support you on that journey.
- Sometimes we become so excited about community that it begins to replace our relationship with the Lord.
- This always leads to disappointment because people will let you down.
- Jesus belongs on the throne and at the center of your life.
Find your satisfaction in Him.- How do we find a community that pushes us toward Jesus?
- Find the right people.
- You will become like the people you spend the most time with.
- Follow Jesus with them.
- These should be people you:
- Pray with
- Read Scripture with
- Have deep spiritual conversations with
- Pursue Jesus alongside
Know
- We long to be fully known within a community, but we often hide parts of ourselves because of shame.
- We put on a mask and become what we think others want us to be because we don’t want people to see what’s behind the curtain.
- Three people we tend to hide from:
- The Lord
- Ourselves
- Each other
- You cannot stop hiding from people if you are still hiding from yourself and from God.
- Meditate on these passages:
- Exodus 34:6–7
- Romans 8:1–2
- 1 John 1:7–9
- You may get hurt when attempting to be known, but vulnerability and transparency are the only pathway to healing.
- James 5:16, “Confess your sins to one another so that you may be healed.”
Conclusion
- This may feel overwhelming, but here are a few practical next steps:
- Evaluate Your Time
- List out what you spend your time doing each week and identify where community can fit in.
- Take Initiative
- Find one or two people this month and spend intentional time getting to know them.
- Be the Community You Desire
- Don’t wait for community to come to you.
- Be the person you want to see in community.
Final Thought
- Loneliness is not defeated when you are surrounded by people. Loneliness is defeated when you are known, loved, and pointed toward Jesus.
Next Week…
- Healthy churches are not built by people looking for the perfect church.
They’re built by ordinary people who choose to pray, serve, give, encourage, forgive, and love one another.
The goal is not to find a church that meets all your needs.
The goal is to become the kind of disciple who helps others flourish.
