Together We Can
Introduction
- We can only be stronger together if each of us is becoming spiritually healthy. This can only happen if we are willing to help each other.
- If some are weak spiritually, those who are strong must be responsible enough to come alongside these brothers and sisters to help them. This is the will of God.
- Those who are weak must also be accountable to find help from brothers and sisters in Christ so they can be strong in the Lord. This, too, is the will of God.
- God wants us to be mutually responsible and accountable when it comes to our spiritual health. We cannot live our Christian lives separated from each other and unconcerned about each other’s spiritual well-being and welfare.
- Paul talks about this principle in Philippians 2:12-13. But we need to learn how we can promote this kind of thinking in our church. (Not everyone thinks this way!)
- To become mutually responsible and accountable to each other in terms of our spiritual health and vitality, we need to know why.
WE NEED TO CLARIFY THREE SPIRITUAL REALITIES
1. We need to clarify what SALVATION means.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…
Salvation is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing spiritual reality. We are not simply saved from the penalty of our sins, we are also being saved right now from the power of sin. Soon we will also be saved from the presence of sin. But this will only happen when the new heaven and new earth appear (Rev 21). For now, our main concern is the power of sin that controls us and makes it impossible for us to fulfill God’s purpose apart from God’s help and also the help of others. We can only learn how to be mutually responsible and accountable to each other once we realize that we are in a spiritual battle each day and we need each other’s help.
2. We need to clarify why our COOPERATION is needed.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…
Our salvation at the present time will not happen automatically. By nature, we are bent on following our own desires. But, by God’s grace, we can learn how to obey the Lord together. This can only happen by taking seriously our call to help each other in our daily obedience. Otherwise, we are prone to be deceived by the enemy through false alternatives, false attachments, and false answers (or justifications). We need others to help us sort out these deceptions so that we can work out our salvation together. To work out is to exert every effort to discern God’s will for our lives and to obey Him faithfully.
3. We need to clarify what TRANSFORMATION involves.
13 …for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Transformation involves God’s work in us through the Holy Spirit. Understanding what God is doing in us is far more important than understanding what God is doing around us. Often our focus is to understand why certain things are happening around us. We fail to see what God is doing inside of us to transform us. This kind of work can only be understood through co-discernment, or when brothers and sisters come together to discern what the Lord is saying to each person and how the Lord wants each of us to respond. Spiritual companionship is the key to becoming spiritually healthy as a community.
Turning Point: “Becoming spiritually healthy is our mutual responsibility and accountability.”
GROUP DISCUSSION (30 minutes)
- What does it mean to be spiritually healthy in this season?
- How can we help each other to become spiritually healthy?
- What will you do from now on to either become spiritually healthy or to help others become spiritually healthy?
PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER
Please take the time to pray for one another. This is important. Thanks!
YOUR REFLECTIONS
If you want to really grow in your faith, take some time to personally reflect on what you have learned today. Click this link to submit your personal reflection. We can also send you a copy of this if you wish. Just let us know your email. Thanks!