Title: Essential Community
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Ephesians 4:11–16
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (ESV)
Hebrews 3:12–13
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (ESV)
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In his sermon titled "Essential Community," Jed Gillis examines the vital role of community in the spiritual growth and protection of believers. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-16 and Hebrews 3:12-13, he emphasizes that God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to equip the saints for ministry, building up the body of Christ. This communal effort is not only about attaining unity in faith but also maturing into the fullness of Christ.
Gillis compares spiritual relationships to medical treatments or nutrition necessary for a child’s growth and protection from illness. Just as we use these means to ensure physical health, we need spiritual relationships for our maturity and safeguarding against doctrinal confusion and deceitful schemes. He points out that every believer needs this form of community interaction—it's not optional but essential for growth.
The passage from Hebrews underscores the need for daily exhortation among believers to prevent hearts from hardening due to sin's deceitfulness. Gillis calls this mutual encouragement a “vaccine” against falling away from God. This exhortation involves both promises and warnings, reminding each other that Jesus is better than anything else.
He clarifies that such community isn't merely friendship or occasional spiritual conversation but a consistent commitment to speaking truth in love. These interactions should span across different stages of life and circumstances, fostering a supportive environment where even flawed individuals can help one another grow.
Ultimately, Gillis urges believers to take their responsibility seriously in nurturing and protecting each other within the church community. By doing so, they reflect God's wisdom and strength through their collective weaknesses, always pointing back to Christ as the foundation of their faith and encouragement.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
