REASONS FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: ONE ANOTHER

Romans 12:5-16

 

Introduction: Whenever a child is born, that child becomes a part of the universal family of human beings. Still that child needs to be a part of a local family in which he receives nurturing, care, support, sustenance, etc. without a local family and on its own the child will die. This is true in the spiritual realm. Every one who is born again is born into the universal family of God’s people. Yet each one needs to be a part of a local family of Christians to receive all the things necessary for spiritual growth, health and life.

 

I.                    As Christians, God intends for us to be together

A.     We are fitted and built together (Eph. 2:20-21)

B.     We are united together (Rom. 6:5)

C.     We are joined and knit together (Eph. 4:16)

D.    We are nourished together  (Col. 2:19)

E.     We are raised up and sit together (Eph. 2:6)

F.      We will be caught up together (1 The. 4:17)

G.    We will be glorified together (Rom. 8:17)

H.    It is more than reasonable that we assemble together (Heb. 10:25), coming together as a church (1 Cor. 11:17), coming together in one place (11:20)?

 

II.                 Why do we need one another?

A.     We are not called to be isolationists (Monks or hermits)

1.      God created us social beings desirous of companionship or relationships (Gen. 2:18)

2.      We need camaraderie and support (Ecc. 4:9-12)

B.     Relationships are what test true holiness

1.      What would be love’s test without social interaction? (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

2.      How do we measure our character or even improve our character outside of human interaction (Pro. 27:17)

C.     We need one another because

1.      Comfort and edification (1 The. 5:11)

2.      Kind to, honor, same mind toward (Rom. 12:10,16)

3.      To Show Compassion (1 Pet. 3:8)

4.      To be considerate of (Heb. 10:24)

5.      To encourage (Heb. 3:13)

6.      To share with (1 John 1:7)

7.      To serve (1 Pet. 4:10)

8.      To care for (1 Cor. 12:25)

9.      To pray for (James 5:16)

10.  To forgive (Eph. 4:32)

11.  To love (Rom. 13:8, Used 12 times

 

Conclusion: God has determined that as Christians we should be together and work together. This cannot be done if we are not members of a local group or if we are bunny rabbit Christians. We need one another because the things we need require human reaction for we cannot do these things for ourselves.