What Brings Us Together?

Introduction:

In Acts 15 there was a great conflict in NT church over circumcision. Judaizing teachers were intent on making the church nothing more than a “Jewish Sect.” In this text, apostles at Jerusalem make a decree that circumcision not part of the gospel requirements for salvation. They chose men to report this decision to churches. Paul & Barnabas are brought together to do this. Idea of teamwork is stressed throughout scripture. In spiritual work, teamwork is necessary in order to fight successfully against Satan.

I.      Teamwork in the Lord’s Work is Highly Recommended.

A.    Lk. 10:1-2; Mk. 6:7 – workers sent out by 2’s.

B.    Why so important? Because teams can “share the load.”

C.     Teamwork is necessary for the proper functioning of the body of Christ.

1.     Acts 16:21-25 – an illustration of teamwork.

2.     Teamwork/fellowship with one another requires effort.

3.     1 Cor. 9:22 – takes patience, forbearance, and suffering together.

II.     Blessings can hinder teamwork.  How?

A.    Some congregations blessed with financial resources. Become stingy.

B.    Some congregations blessed with talent.

a)    Can lead to arrogance.

a)    Blessings can lead to satisfaction. No sense of urgency.

C.     Numbers 21: 8-9; 2 Kings 18:4 – blessings can be abused.

D.    1 Cor. 12:4-7 – Corinth blessed with spiritual gifts, but used them against one another.

E.     12:7 – blessings have been given for the common good.

III.   What brings us together? What builds the team?

A.    1 Cor. 12:12-13 – our start.

1.     We all started the same way. We have been baptized into Jesus.

a)    We are together in that way. We share this blessing in common.

B.    1 Cor. 12:15-19 – our purpose. 

1.     We are to function as a body – not as a member.

2.     Paul calls the local congregation a body – every part is important.

3.     A “team” has many positions – many parts on a team.

C.     1 Cor. 12:20-22 – for each to do his part.  Our need brings us together.

1.     Everyone needs your love & support; everyone is important!

D.    1 Cor. 12:25-27 – our result.

1.     We must learn to move our focus off ourselves

2.     One rejoices: we all rejoice.  One sorrows; we all sorrow.

3.     Eph. 4:15-16; Col. 3:14 – care for one another is the key.

IV.   God has ordered the church to work together.

A.    1 Cor. 12:28-31 – we must all work together for the common good! God’s desire is for individual growth & progress!

B.    In this lesson…we have discussed what brings us together.

C.     Are you on the team?