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Y’all – Week 2 – Why Community Matters
CJ Ward
Y’all
,
Why Community Matters
As part of the teaching series “Y’all,” this message dives into the theme of “Why Community Matters.” It explores the biblical basis for living in relationships with others, showing how God designed us to thrive in community.
The Foundation of Community
In Genesis 1:1, the Bible begins by introducing God as the Creator. God, who is complete within Himself, didn’t create out of loneliness or need. Instead, out of generosity and love, He brought everything into existence. The very nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is a community within Himself, which teaches us that we were created in the image of a generous relationship. Genesis 1:26-28 reinforces this truth, stating:
"Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’"
This passage not only reflects God’s relational nature but also reveals that humans were created to live in relationships—to form communities that reflect His image.
Created for Relationship
Genesis 2:18 is pivotal in understanding why community is essential. God declared:
"It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
Community in a Broken World
While God’s design is for generous and harmonious relationships, sin disrupts this design. In Genesis 3, sin enters the picture, breaking humanity’s relationship with God and each other. Division and isolation become common. The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 exemplifies this brokenness, where jealousy and anger destroy family bonds.
Despite the destructive power of sin, God consistently intervenes to restore community. He calls individuals like Noah, Abraham, and Moses to unite people and rebuild relationships, demonstrating that community remains central to His mission.
Community Through Christ
Jesus’ ministry underscores the importance of community. He gathered disciples, healed social outcasts, and broke down barriers between people. His teachings frequently emphasize love and unity. For example, in John 13:34-35, Jesus commanded:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus restored our relationship with God and made true community possible again. He united people from all walks of life into the family of God.
The Church as Community
The early church in Acts illustrates what biblical community looks like. Acts 2:42-47 describes a vibrant community of believers who devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions, cared for each other’s needs, and worshipped together. The result was remarkable:
"...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
This passage showcases the power of living in unity. When believers embrace community, they become a compelling witness to the world.
Why Community Matters Today
Living in community is just as vital today as it was in biblical times. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody His love and grace in relationships with others. Here are some reasons why community matters:
Support and Encouragement: Life’s challenges are more bearable when shared. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Spiritual Growth: Community fosters accountability and growth. Proverbs 27:17 states:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Mission and Purpose: Together, we fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), sharing the gospel and serving others.
Reflection of God’s Love: Our love for one another demonstrates God’s love to the world (John 13:35).
Practical Steps to Build Community
Join a Life Group: Being part of a small group allows for deeper connections, study of God’s Word, and mutual support.
Serve Together: Volunteering in ministry creates bonds and advances God’s mission.
Practice Hospitality: Open your home to others, fostering relationships and creating a welcoming environment.
Commit to Reconciliation: When conflicts arise, pursue forgiveness and unity as Christ did.
The Role of Community in Discipleship
Discipleship happens best in the context of relationships. Spiritual growth requires the accountability and encouragement that only community provides. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us:
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
By engaging in community, we become more like Christ and help others do the same.
God’s Vision for Community
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan has always been to unite His people. Ephesians 2:19-22 beautifully captures this vision:
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord."
The church is not a building but a living, breathing community of believers, bound together by faith and love.
Conclusion
Community is God’s design for humanity. It reflects His relational nature, provides support and encouragement, and enables us to fulfill our purpose. As we embrace the biblical call to live in community, we experience the fullness of life that God intended.
Let us commit to building and nurturing Christ-centered relationships, knowing that we are stronger together. By doing so, we honor God and become a powerful testimony of His love to the world.
Did you like Y’all – Week 2 – Why Community Matters? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.
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