Shofar Stellenbosch | Godly CommunitySample

Defence in Community Part 1

We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, and God has designed the Church community to be one of the vessels of that grace. The world or rather the sinful desires that are in the world want us to walk away from the living God and because we live in this broken world that contends, daily, for our attention and affection we need people around us that can remind us, encourage us, challenge and affirm us to hold on to the confession of our faith. This is the defence that Godly community offers.

When Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi, he addressed a community deeply embedded in the pagan world of the first century. As soon as the gospel began to take root in the city, opposition emerged (Acts 16:19). Into this embattled context, the apostle writes about how important the Church’s life together is for our witness in society.

Read: Philippians 1: 27-28

Paul says that such unity, stability, depth, and fearlessness in the face of the onslaught becomes “a clear sign” to the those who don’t believe. Through standing unified against insult, slander, and threat — and continuing undaunted in moving forward in the mission — the Church shows herself to be true. The strong bonds between saints demonstrate that they are in the sphere of salvation, which means their opponents are in the sphere of destruction.

1. What does it mean to be of one spirit and mind, striving side-by-side for the gospel? 


2. Do you see your Church community as your defence? 


3. Is church community a place of safety and encouragement for you? 

Prayer

'Father, may Your grace be given to us through Your community. May we stand united in one spirit in the defence of our faith. Teach us to exhort one another and strive side-by-side for the faith of the gospel.'