One Another: Timeless Principles for Life Together
Romans 12:3–5; I Corinthians 12:4–7
Making unity and community visible will only happen to the extent that our life is built on three key premises:
I. We are all connected in Christ and by Christ.
II. We all have contributions to make (I Corinthians 12:7).
– It’s not only true that every gift matters; it’s also true that no single gift matters more than others (I Corinthians 12:14–18).
III. There’s a dance of giving and receiving that is vital to a healthy body.
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
Begin by reading Romans 12:3–5 and I Corinthians 12:4–7 aloud, taking turns reading the passages.
Pray over the group before beginning discussion.
When you think of “One Another” statements in the Bible, which is the first that comes to mind?
Pastor Richard said we would answer the following question in this series: “What does it mean to be ‘members of one another’, and how do we live into that calling in a culture that consistently chooses individualism over community, independence over interdependence, and transaction over relationship?” How do you answer this question?
What gifts do you have to offer the church?
What gifts do you have that you feel reluctant to offer in the church? Why?
Are you ever tempted to view some gifts as more important than others?
What do you think is at the root of that view?
How can we as individuals and collectively as the church shift that perception?
Do you ever feel reluctant to allow people to offer their gifts to you? Why or why not?
How can you be humble enough to allow yourself to receive what others have to give?
Pastor Richard pointed out that we are sometimes more willing to receive certain kinds of help than others (financial, emotional, affirmation, rebuke, practical helps, etc). Do you find that this is the case in your own life?
What areas are easier or more difficult for you to receive help in?
What do you think is at the root of this?
How can you make yourself vulnerable with your community by accepting help in a way that’s not comfortable for you?
NOTE: If you feel that you want to use your gifts to serve in community in a way that you’re not yet doing, contact Sara at sarar@churchbcc.org for assistance in finding a right fit.