LESSON 6 - COMMUNITY & MISSIONS
I. COMMUNITY WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS
The church is the only fellowship in the world where the one requirement for membership is the unworthiness of the candidate.
A. Biblical Community
1. Read 1 John 1:3.
a. What was the author’s purpose for proclaiming what he had seen and heard?
b. With whom did he have community?
2. "Community" is derived from the Greek word "koinonia", which means “sharing in common”. As you examine the verses below, determine what you can share with others.
1 Peter 1:22 ____________________________________
Galatians 6:2 ___________________________________
Galatians 6:6 ___________________________________
3. In the first-century church in Acts 2:42-47 you can see fellowship at its best.
a. What were they devoting themselves to?
b. All those that had believed were together and had all things in common (v. 44). What specifically
did they have in common?
c. What was the result of that kind of fellowship?
4. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.
a. Can a Christian have Biblical fellowship with a non-Christian?
b . In light of this verse, what should your relationship with non-Christians be based upon?
B. The Purpose of Community
1. Study Hebrews 10:24-25.
a. As Christians, what are we to take time to "stimulate each other" to?
b . How can you do this to Christians around you?
c. What is your responsibility to the body of believers at your church?
2. Examine Hebrews 3:13.
a. How often should Christians encourage one another?
b. Why is that so important?
3. In Galatians 6:1-2 what is another purpose for proper Community in the church?
II. MISSIONS
Missions is not merely an activity, it is a way of life. Christians don’t do witnessing; they are witnesses—good or bad.
A. A Holy Life
1. According to 2 Corinthians 7:1, why are we to live a holy life?
2. According to James 3:13, what shows that a person is wise and has understanding?
3. Read 1 John 3:2-3. This passage says that Christ is going to return to earth again and we will be in His full presence.
a. If you fix your hope on His coming, what will be the result? (v. 3)
b . Why would being conscious of Christ’s coming alter the way you live?
4. Read 2 Timothy 2:21-22.
a. What kind of person is useful to the Master?
b . What are you to flee?
c. What are you to pursue?
5. Why are you to keep your body from immorality? 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
6. What will be the results of letting Christ live in your life? Matthew 5:16.
7. What good is your testimony to the world if you do not live a holy life? Matthew 5:13.
B . Verbal Witness
1. In Colossians 4:2-6 Paul tells us how to be ready to give a verbal witness. What attitudes and actions are to be taken?
2. There are two essential principles to remember about a verbal witness. What are they?
3. We do not have to be fearful in our verbal witness because God through His Spirit has given us
_______________, _______________ and _______________ . 2 Timothy 1:7.
4. 1 Peter 3:15 gives you both a challenge and an instruction with regard to witnessing.
a. Sanctify means “to be set apart”. Your heart is to be set apart for whom?
b . What should you be ready to do at any time?
c. In what way are you to do it?
5. Are you prepared to share the gospel with another person? If not, the best way to equip yourself is to:
a. Prepare your personal testimony.
b . Learn verses and a presentation you could use to show someone how to become a Christian.
(For example: The G.R.A.C.E. presentation)
Last Exercise:
Briefly, write out your story of how you came to faith in Christ Jesus. This can be written in paragraph form or simple bullet point of the most important part. It’s important to understand your journey to faith so it can be shared with others.