Involvement Matters by Trae Durden

Involvement Matters

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Psalm 92:12-15

Do you feel like you’re planted in the house of the Lord? Can your spiritual life be described as “flourishing”? We don’t use that word much. It’s defined like this: “to be in a vigorous state; to thrive, to prosper.” If this word isn’t a good description of your spiritual life, is it possible that you haven’t been “planted in the House of the Lord?” This isn’t about being religious, or even going to church each week. It’s about a life that’s connected to Jesus! A life that lives to accomplish His mission of saving the lost! Our Savior is calling us to “be the church!” To continue what he started! We’re going to talk about why “being the church” means that we’re involved in each other’s lives. IT MATTERS that you’re involved and engaged with others to strengthen and encourage the mission of Christ in your community!

Divine Direction

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:13-14

Christians are serious about true doctrine. As we study the pages of the New Testament, we learn that life is best lived according to Jesus’ teachings. There is no substitute for the pure Word of God. Acts 2:42, John 16:12-13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

DISCUSSION

What is Christianity without obedience to the teachings of Jesus? How do the Epistles guide us into proper attitude and actions as followers of Christ?

Being “planted in the House of the Lord” means surrounding yourself with truth – bringing every thought under His authority. Colossians 3:16-17 It’s difficult to think like Jesus, but it’s not impossible! What are practical ways each of us can learn to control our thoughts?

DISCUSSION

What are some actions that can lead us to think better and do better?

God’s direction points us back to one another! Our youth groups and church families are not just places we go to be encouraged. These are the people we are to share our lives with. We should be investing in each other and loving one another in spite of our differences. Ephesians 4:1-3, John 13:34-35.

Devoted Family

You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,
2 Timothy 1:15-16

Faithful Christians create an intentional community! As each Christian devotes themselves to the attitude of Christ, we each become more welcoming, thoughtful, and generous. We each seek out ways to serve one another in love. Romans 12:9-13, Acts 2:44-47, Hebrews 13:16, Galatians 6:10.

People grow when they’re truly accepted, not where they’re merely informed – Bob Goff 

Faithful Christians create a constant community. Syncing the rhythms and patterns of our lives to build the community for the mission of Christ! Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 John 1:5, 7. By deliberately and intentionally sharing with one another, we’re recreating the family; a community with shared life, shared peace, and shared spiritual rhythms! – Ephesians 3:14-19.

DISCUSSION

What difference does it make to have a connection to this group? How could we become more devoted to one another? How does your involvement impact this group?

Deliberate Practice

but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
2 Timothy 1:17-18

Stop “going to church” and start “being the church.” Seek to meet the needs of one another. If you see another Christian, recognize them as a member of your family and treat them with love and kindness! If a visitor is present, try to be the first one to welcome them and to invite them to sit with you. Whoever invited them in the first place will be so grateful that you reached out to include them. When you see a visitor, you should think about all the prayers someone else has prayed to lead them to this place! Let’s honor one another by loving our neighbors, serving our visitors and being patient with each other as we learn to become the community that Jesus created us to be! Philippians 2:1-5.

DISCUSSION

List a few actions that you’ve seen others take to make a visitor feel welcome. If you have ever visited another church, how did they make you feel welcome? How could they have done a better job of representing Jesus to you? How can you use what you’ve learned through that experience to make your group more welcoming and loving?

Are you “planted in the House of the Lord?” If you are “Flourishing” spiritually, you are planted, but if not, get involved! Make your faith an everyday deliberate practice! Build a constant community here with God’s people! Get involved and meet needs! It’s incredible what God can accomplish through a willing heart!