Successful NBA coach Phil Jackson said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” A team grows stronger when each individual of the team grows stronger. God created us to part of a team in every aspect our lives. If we play an individual sport, we still have a team of people helping us. If we get married one day, we are a part of a team. Whether it is in our sport or families, we were created for community. We were never intended to do life including our sport or journey with the Lord alone, but with the guidance, wisdom and help of others who are ahead of us, beside us and those coming behind us.
Warm-Up:
Who would you say is part of your team in your life?
How do others strengthen you as an athlete/coach?
How do others strengthen you as a follower of Christ?
Workout: To grow as a disciple of Christ, it takes community. The first church led by Peter and Jesus’ disciples teaches us this in Acts 2. After the Holy Spirit came upon them at the day of Pentecost, Peter’s sermon of “repent and be baptized” was preached, and over 3,000 people were saved by the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was now time to help this community grow in their relationship with Christ. How did they do it? “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and prayer.” — Acts 2:42 Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching They didn’t have the Bible then like we do now. They were teaching what Jesus taught them, shared with them and showed them when they lived life with Him. Those same accounts are all put together in the Living Word of God and we too need to devote ourselves to God and His Word. To the fellowship The Greek word for fellowship used here is koinonia which means a “partnership that participates.” When we get together in fellowship with one another we are partnering together, and everyone participates in growing each other as followers of Christ. To the breaking of the bread Whether we are eating a meal or taking communion, breaking bread together is an opportunity to remember who God is and what He has done. And prayer Prayer is the foundation to grow in relationship with both God and community. Prayer fosters intimacy.
Wrap-Up:
How does this community of Christ followers encourage and challenge you in your faith journey?
Which part of this community discipleship model is a strength?
Which part of this community discipleship model is a weakness?