Disciples Connect in Community

Main Idea: God wants us to invest in Christ-centered relationships with other disciples so we can give and receive encouragement throughout our lives.

Today’s Bible Passages

• Luke 10:1-17; John 13:33-35; John 17:20-23; Acts 2:42-47.

Today: Disciples Connect in Community.

Discipleship isn’t just about following Jesus personally; it’s about following Jesus together. 

• Sometimes we will be the one who needs support from other Christians.
• Sometimes someone else will need us to be there for them. 

Ninja Warrior or Team Challenge?

There are two shows on T.V. with a similar premise: American Ninja Warrior and Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge.

• One is a solo competition where you succeed or fail on your own.
• The other is a team competition where you rise or fall together. 

Some parts of our discipleship have to be done alone, and we can’t delegate those responsibilities to anyone else. 

• But a lot of what we are called to do as a church cannot be done by any one person alone. 
• We need to come together as a body to accomplish the mission God has given us.

1. Community Strengthens Us for our Mission.

Scripture: Luke 10:1-17

• Jesus was training and equipping his disciples for their long-term mission of making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
• Jesus does not send his disciples out to preach or do ministry alone; he sends them out two-by-two. Why is that?

Following Jesus isn’t always easy, which is why we need strong Christians by our side.

Notice the potential threats and challenges mentioned in this passage:

• Lambs among wolves.
• Some cities won’t welcome you.
• Some people will reject you.

This is a continuation of growing opposition and challenges from the previous chapter (Luke 9):

• Herod starts asking questions (the ruler who had John the Baptist killed).
• Jesus predicts his death and challenges his disciples to take up their cross.
• Opposition from the Samaritans.
• The high cost of following Jesus.

Who’s on Your Team?

• Who are you pouring into with encouragement and wisdom?
• Who could you turn to in a moment of crisis?
• How can our church family help you build your team and get connected?

2. Community Shows We Are Sincere Disciples of Jesus.

Scripture: John 13:33-35.

• Our love for one another builds our credibility as witnesses for the Gospel.
• People will see how much we love each other and conclude that we must be sincere in our faith.
• This demonstrates that we are not just casual Sunday morning Christians; we are devoted, everyday disciples of Christ.

3. Community Helps Prove Our Message Is True.

Scripture: John 17:20-23.

• Our unity as a family of faith will send a powerful message to the world.
• Our love and unity will help people believe that Jesus really was sent by God. Why else (and how else) would such diverse people be able to love each other so deeply and serve alongside each other with such joy?

The Results of Connecting in Community.

What would happen if every disciple of Jesus chose to connect in community the way the Bible describes?

Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of the way God would be at work:

• People were filled with awe. 
• No one went needy. 
• Their hearts were full of gladness. 
• The church enjoyed a great relationship with their community. 
• Every day more people were saved.

Faith in Action Challenges:

1. Be part of a young person’s “Team of Five.” 
2. Join a small group or ministry.
3. Pray, study, serve, eat, evangelize, or worship with other disciples.

Study and Reflection

“Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God’s people.”  -Charles Spurgeon

Read Mark 2:1-12.

As you read, reflect on the following questions, or discuss them together with a small group.

1. What does this story reveal about the heart, character, or nature of Jesus?
2. What does it reveal about the human condition? What are people like, especially without Jesus?
3. How does this Bible story connect with the “Ultimate Team Challenge” illustration used in this week’s sermon?
4. What do you think this man’s life would have looked like if he didn’t have a community that helped him reach Jesus?
5. Some people struggle with asking for help when they need it. Do you find it easy or difficult to reach out to others when you are struggling? What has helped you do it in the past?
6. When it comes to your walk with God, who do you connect with most in this story — the paralyzed man, the supportive friends, the rigid Pharisees, or Jesus? What about them resonates with you?
7. What do you think God is calling us to know, be, or do through this story? How can we put our faith in action in a way that helps us grow with God, connect in community, or live like Jesus?