Session 10: Community

A modern monk doesn’t just attend church but becomes part of the church community as a

participator, not just a spectator.

To do life together is the way of holiness. When Christ’s

righteousness is your root, holiness will be your fruit and the fruit of holiness usually isn’t

manifested alone, but in community.

The Practice of Community:

Psalm 133 NKJV - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in

unity! 2  It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron,

running down on the edge of his garments. 3  It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the

mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing—

life forevermore.

 Jesus, the Son of God, became the Son of man in order that the children of men might

become the children of God and not dwell in isolation, but in unity to reach the world

together.

 Our love for one another compels the world to consider Christ.

 The Devil’s mode of operation is to divide and conquer. God’s mode of operation is

unity.

 There’s not a family, church, ministry, or nation that will be conquered if they’re unified

from within.

Deuteronomy 6:4 NKJV - “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!

 There is unity in the trinity and trinity in the unity - God is unified.

 We believe in one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

James 3:14-18 NKJV - 14  But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast

and lie against the truth.  15  This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual,

demonic.  16  For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

17  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of

mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.  18  Now the fruit of righteousness

is sown in peace by those who make peace.

 Scripture highlights two different types of wisdom – earthly and Godly

 The church does not exist to advance our anointing, gifts, call, or ministry. Rather, we

have been anointed to advance the local church.

 Are we causing strife and lack of unity because we are unwilling to submit to authority in

our lives?

 If we’re waiting for leadership to be perfect in order to submit, we will never learn

submission.

Matthew 8:8-10 NKJV - 8  The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You

should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.  9  For I also

am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;

and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10  When

Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have

not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

 In the kingdom of God, you have to come under authority in order to have authority.

 Faith without authority and community is a weak faith, but faith that is submitted to the

Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of the holy community is a blessed faith.

 Who’s your leader? Who adjusts you? Who corrects you?

 We confess up and we counsel down.