Message 8: A New Support
I’m talking today about the new kind of support that the 21st Century Christian is seeking to find.
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:22-25
In this scripture we hear four statements that begin with “let us…”
1. Let us draw near to God
2. Let us hold on to hope
3. Let us find ways to help each other live godly lives
4. Let us meet together to encourage one another
• Aren’t there times when you need help in drawing near to God?
• Do you ever feel hopeless?
• Wouldn’t you like others to help you grow spiritually and live a godly life?
• When you come to church – or to a home group – isn’t ENCOURAGEMENT one of the most important things you are hoping will happen?
If we are going to experience these things – we will need a place of SUPPORT to help us along.
One of the hallmarks of this period of history is the incredible busyness of our lives. More responsibilities and distractions bombard us than anyone would have imagined even a generation ago. And frankly – if you do not develop a solid foundation of support from people who desire to grow in Christ, you will soon be staring face-to-face with burnout and depression.
God wants His church to be a place of support.
The dictionary defines support this way: “to keep something or somebody upright or in place, or prevent something or somebody from falling.”
That’s exactly what I want to talk about today. How can we – the church – provide and receive this necessary support?
Today, I want to talk about what genuine support in the Body of Christ is to look like.
1. SUPPORT MEANS THAT WE DON’T SHOOT OUR WOUNDED. WE GIVE GRACE NOT GUILT.
When a member of Christ’s church falls prey to temptation and to the enemy, we must support that brother or sister by giving them grace! They don’t need a guilt trip and they don’t need condemnation.
The 21st Century Christian realizes that…
• Showing Kindness Leads People To Repentance
The only reason that any of us have repented of our sin is because God – in his amazing kindness and mercy called us to Himself. Romans 2:4 says that…
"… God’s kindness leads you towards repentance?" Romans 2:4, NIV.
God didn’t wait until you had your act together before calling you to Himself – He offered you the grace of Jesus Christ and your responded to His kindness by repenting of your sins!
How much more so do we need to offer kindness and grace to fellow Christians who have gotten off track?
And as we do this, we take James 5:16 seriously:
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16
• Confessing my sin gives God the chance to heal my wounds.
The support of the 21st Century Christian provides a safe environment of confession, in order that God can bring about the needed healing in our lives. So long as we hide our sins, we will remain sick and dying, but when a supportive, loving environment of openness and honesty is created, people will feel free to confess their sin and discover the amazing healing that God does in such an environment!
And the amazing thing that happens is that God moves in, heals the brokenness and then we see that…
• Demonstrating Love Creates Unity in God’s Family
Colossians 3:13-15 says…
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:13-15
As Christ’s church demonstrates this type of support, UNITY amongst the church is built. We will have shared in something very real and very personal, and God will create an incredible sense of UNITY in our midst.
Jesus said… “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:23
When we grant grace through an atmosphere of kindness, confession and reconciliation – the world stands up and takes notice!
Support means that we don’t shoot our wounded. We give GRACE not GUILT.
A second focus:
2. SUPPORT MEANS THAT WE ARE INVOLVED INTIMATELY WITH EACH OTHER. WE ARE FRIENDS, NOT ACQUAINTENCES.
In a world of concrete, steel and absolute anonymity – where neighbors don’t know each other, where family is spread out across the country – the church provides the support of shared life.
• Support means sharing my life with you.
Acts 4:32 reports the activity of the early church – and serves as a standard for us to strive towards:
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 4:32
They were brought together by Christ – and they became one. So much so that the fleshly nature of selfishness was put off and was replaced by the supernatural activity of sharing. In fact, skip down to verse 34 and see what these crazy Christians were doing:
“There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." Acts 4:34, 35
Now, that is support. And nothing could be more Christlike than this. Really – in light of our guaranteed inheritance in Christ, what does a few material possessions matter?
This is the call of God upon us as His people. Demonstrating support through sharing our lives together!
And there is still another vital aspect of sharing our lives together
• Fighting for each other in spiritual warfare demonstrates support.
Satan is not happy that you are following Jesus! And as Jesus said – he will do whatever he can to steal you away, deceive you or better yet – destroy you! You cannot fight this battle alone. We need each other! We need support.
Ecclesiastes 4 says…
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no-one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
The 21st Century Christian understands the nature of the battle, and understands the absolute necessity of support! We must have relationships with other Christians who will stand with us in the battle!
PAUL wrote in Philippians 1:27…
"…I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you..." Philippians 1:27b-28a, NIV.
We are at war. And we need to stand firm in one spirit! We need to have people in our lives who know us, who believe in us, and who will stand with us!
Support means that we are involved intimately with each other. We are FRIENDS.
And, as friends, living a shared life, we also realize that…
3. SUPPORT MEANS THAT WE SEEK TO BRING CHRIST INTO ANY SITUATION. WE KEEP A SPIRITUAL FOCUS.
Our support is different than the support baseball players give each other. It’s different than the support office workers give each other. It’s different than the support you give your elderly next-door neighbor by bringing his trash cans in from the curb – our support has Christ as it’s central figure. Our support is SPIRITUAL in nature.
Look at 1 Peter 2:9:
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9
God made you into priests! Priests serve as an intermediary bringing God into the lives of people. YOU bring Jesus wherever you go. And you can provide each other support by bringing a spiritual focus into whatever situation you are in.
• I show support – and receive support – as I live out my true calling: I am a priest of God!
Paul spoke to this in Colossians 3:16
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16, NIV.
This is all about SPEAKING FAITH and PRAYING BELIEVING. What comes out of our mouth can contribute or take away from the quality of the support that this church offers.
Perhaps the simplest way to do this is to pray with one another. What could be more supportive than to bring the needs of each other before the throne of God? Open your mouth – say: “Can I pray with you about this?” And then pray. You are the priests!
Another way to act as a priest of God is to bless. Speak blessings – and in doing so – you’ll restore forgotten dreams! You’ll bring conviction of sin! You’ll unlock long-dormant feelings! You’ll set free the captives!
CONCLUSION:
Let us draw near to God
Let us hold on to hope
Let us find ways to help each other live godly lives
Let us meet together to encourage one another
God is calling you to support one another in the journey into Him. The day of the passive Christian draws rapidly to close! Thank God!
The day of simply being a spectator in the Body of Christ is over! God is calling – and He is saying: “you are the body of Christ – live! Rise up! Be active! Be strong in me!
God says in Psalms 81: “Open wide your mouth and I will fill it!”
Open wide your mouth and minister in my name! Open wide your mouth and praise my name!
If the 21st Century Church is to reach its potential, it will be because YOU – the 21st Century Christian rise up and provide SUPPORT to one another!
This week – I challenge you – reach out to at least one other Christian – and provide them with some sort of support.
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:22-25
In this scripture we hear four statements that begin with “let us…”
1. Let us draw near to God
2. Let us hold on to hope
3. Let us find ways to help each other live godly lives
4. Let us meet together to encourage one another
• Aren’t there times when you need help in drawing near to God?
• Do you ever feel hopeless?
• Wouldn’t you like others to help you grow spiritually and live a godly life?
• When you come to church – or to a home group – isn’t ENCOURAGEMENT one of the most important things you are hoping will happen?
If we are going to experience these things – we will need a place of SUPPORT to help us along.
One of the hallmarks of this period of history is the incredible busyness of our lives. More responsibilities and distractions bombard us than anyone would have imagined even a generation ago. And frankly – if you do not develop a solid foundation of support from people who desire to grow in Christ, you will soon be staring face-to-face with burnout and depression.
God wants His church to be a place of support.
The dictionary defines support this way: “to keep something or somebody upright or in place, or prevent something or somebody from falling.”
That’s exactly what I want to talk about today. How can we – the church – provide and receive this necessary support?
Today, I want to talk about what genuine support in the Body of Christ is to look like.
1. SUPPORT MEANS THAT WE DON’T SHOOT OUR WOUNDED. WE GIVE GRACE NOT GUILT.
When a member of Christ’s church falls prey to temptation and to the enemy, we must support that brother or sister by giving them grace! They don’t need a guilt trip and they don’t need condemnation.
The 21st Century Christian realizes that…
• Showing Kindness Leads People To Repentance
The only reason that any of us have repented of our sin is because God – in his amazing kindness and mercy called us to Himself. Romans 2:4 says that…
"… God’s kindness leads you towards repentance?" Romans 2:4, NIV.
God didn’t wait until you had your act together before calling you to Himself – He offered you the grace of Jesus Christ and your responded to His kindness by repenting of your sins!
How much more so do we need to offer kindness and grace to fellow Christians who have gotten off track?
And as we do this, we take James 5:16 seriously:
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16
• Confessing my sin gives God the chance to heal my wounds.
The support of the 21st Century Christian provides a safe environment of confession, in order that God can bring about the needed healing in our lives. So long as we hide our sins, we will remain sick and dying, but when a supportive, loving environment of openness and honesty is created, people will feel free to confess their sin and discover the amazing healing that God does in such an environment!
And the amazing thing that happens is that God moves in, heals the brokenness and then we see that…
• Demonstrating Love Creates Unity in God’s Family
Colossians 3:13-15 says…
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:13-15
As Christ’s church demonstrates this type of support, UNITY amongst the church is built. We will have shared in something very real and very personal, and God will create an incredible sense of UNITY in our midst.
Jesus said… “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:23
When we grant grace through an atmosphere of kindness, confession and reconciliation – the world stands up and takes notice!
Support means that we don’t shoot our wounded. We give GRACE not GUILT.
A second focus:
2. SUPPORT MEANS THAT WE ARE INVOLVED INTIMATELY WITH EACH OTHER. WE ARE FRIENDS, NOT ACQUAINTENCES.
In a world of concrete, steel and absolute anonymity – where neighbors don’t know each other, where family is spread out across the country – the church provides the support of shared life.
• Support means sharing my life with you.
Acts 4:32 reports the activity of the early church – and serves as a standard for us to strive towards:
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 4:32
They were brought together by Christ – and they became one. So much so that the fleshly nature of selfishness was put off and was replaced by the supernatural activity of sharing. In fact, skip down to verse 34 and see what these crazy Christians were doing:
“There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." Acts 4:34, 35
Now, that is support. And nothing could be more Christlike than this. Really – in light of our guaranteed inheritance in Christ, what does a few material possessions matter?
This is the call of God upon us as His people. Demonstrating support through sharing our lives together!
And there is still another vital aspect of sharing our lives together
• Fighting for each other in spiritual warfare demonstrates support.
Satan is not happy that you are following Jesus! And as Jesus said – he will do whatever he can to steal you away, deceive you or better yet – destroy you! You cannot fight this battle alone. We need each other! We need support.
Ecclesiastes 4 says…
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no-one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
The 21st Century Christian understands the nature of the battle, and understands the absolute necessity of support! We must have relationships with other Christians who will stand with us in the battle!
PAUL wrote in Philippians 1:27…
"…I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you..." Philippians 1:27b-28a, NIV.
We are at war. And we need to stand firm in one spirit! We need to have people in our lives who know us, who believe in us, and who will stand with us!
Support means that we are involved intimately with each other. We are FRIENDS.
And, as friends, living a shared life, we also realize that…
3. SUPPORT MEANS THAT WE SEEK TO BRING CHRIST INTO ANY SITUATION. WE KEEP A SPIRITUAL FOCUS.
Our support is different than the support baseball players give each other. It’s different than the support office workers give each other. It’s different than the support you give your elderly next-door neighbor by bringing his trash cans in from the curb – our support has Christ as it’s central figure. Our support is SPIRITUAL in nature.
Look at 1 Peter 2:9:
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9
God made you into priests! Priests serve as an intermediary bringing God into the lives of people. YOU bring Jesus wherever you go. And you can provide each other support by bringing a spiritual focus into whatever situation you are in.
• I show support – and receive support – as I live out my true calling: I am a priest of God!
Paul spoke to this in Colossians 3:16
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16, NIV.
This is all about SPEAKING FAITH and PRAYING BELIEVING. What comes out of our mouth can contribute or take away from the quality of the support that this church offers.
Perhaps the simplest way to do this is to pray with one another. What could be more supportive than to bring the needs of each other before the throne of God? Open your mouth – say: “Can I pray with you about this?” And then pray. You are the priests!
Another way to act as a priest of God is to bless. Speak blessings – and in doing so – you’ll restore forgotten dreams! You’ll bring conviction of sin! You’ll unlock long-dormant feelings! You’ll set free the captives!
CONCLUSION:
Let us draw near to God
Let us hold on to hope
Let us find ways to help each other live godly lives
Let us meet together to encourage one another
God is calling you to support one another in the journey into Him. The day of the passive Christian draws rapidly to close! Thank God!
The day of simply being a spectator in the Body of Christ is over! God is calling – and He is saying: “you are the body of Christ – live! Rise up! Be active! Be strong in me!
God says in Psalms 81: “Open wide your mouth and I will fill it!”
Open wide your mouth and minister in my name! Open wide your mouth and praise my name!
If the 21st Century Church is to reach its potential, it will be because YOU – the 21st Century Christian rise up and provide SUPPORT to one another!
This week – I challenge you – reach out to at least one other Christian – and provide them with some sort of support.
posted by Doug Love at 8:05 PM
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