Perhaps the greatest benefit of being in a Christian community is growth. You see, if we try to grow spiritually on our own, we will fall short. Those whom we walk alongside with can see weaknesses we do not. They can challenge us to grow in areas where we need growth and so much more. We can also encourage others to grow in areas that need growth. Jesus modeled an example of community when He gathered His 12 disciples. He walked alongside life with them and showed them what living in a community of His followers looks like so that they could follow His example.
Jesus’ disciples developed profound spiritual growth as they followed Jesus with each other. Throughout His entire ministry, Jesus taught His disciples and demonstrated how they were called to live. He called out behavior that needed to be changed. He challenged them. One of the examples where the disciples learned and grew in community can be found in Matthew 20. In this chapter, the mother of two disciples, James and John, came to Jesus with the two sons. She said, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left” (verse 22). Jesus responded that it is God the Father who will choose those seats. When the rest of Jesus’ disciples heard the request from James’ and John’s mother, they were angry. Jesus knew their anger and taught them a lesson about greatness. He explained that His scale for greatness is different from the rest of the world’s. He said, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave” (verses 26-27). He concluded His teaching to them saying, “Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many” (verse 28). Jesus taught His disciples that greatness looks different in His kingdom. Greatness means serving just like He served. This is just one example of how Jesus’ disciples grew in community as they followed Jesus.
It is true. We grow spiritually in community. We are challenged to follow Jesus’ example. We get to ask good questions and be challenged to live more like Christ. Are you growing in a Christian community today?
Do you have a Christian community? Do you have a group of people who you are walking alongside life with? If not, what are you waiting for? Sign up for a small group at sagebrush.church/groups. If you are in a group, express to your small group members how grateful you are for them today. Let them know that you are grateful that God gave you each other to share life with.
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
3 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. 12 Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.
14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. 16 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.
