8 Ways to be Banded Together as Christ Followers (Step Up Series)

8 Ways to Be Banded Together as Christ Followers

Today, we continue our Step Up series with my pastor's sermon titled "Banded Together."  

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. - Colossians 2:6-7

You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

 The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Banded Together."

Banded Together

God is building us up and establishing in the faith.  If Christ is first in my life, I will want to spend time with Him.

Two things you can't do alone:

1.  Be married

2.  Be a Christian

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. - Romans 12:3

Thinking you can do it all is arrogance.  We need each other.  We are a unified body of Chris,t but we are all different.

For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, ⁵ so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. ⁶ However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith. - Romans 12:4-6

Desiring relationships with others is not neediness or weakness.   

What does it mean to be banded together?  Being banded together means we are together on the mountaintops and when we are down in the valleys. 

These scripture prints about Biblical love are available here.

8 Ways to Be Banded Together as Christ Followers

1.  Genuine Love

We will have a genuine love for one another.  This is a love without hypocrisy.  We must be accurate and authentic with each other.

2.  Discerning Love

This is not a mushy love.  This is not a soft love.  A discerning love is not afraid to call out sin.

3.  Devoted Love

A devoted love is not a love based on attraction.  A devoted love is an unconditional love.

4.  Honor one another.

Behave respectfully with one another.  Pursue what is best for others even when it is not the best for you.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4

5.  Serve together.

We have a shared mission and a shared vision.  We should be burdened that our friends, neighbors, and family members do not have a relationship with Jesus.  

6.  Perseverance

We might feel helpless, but we are never hopeless.  Be consistent in prayer.  

7.  Generosity and Hospitality

Look for opportunities to bless others.  Show hospitality without grumbling.

Be hospitable to one another without complaint. - 1 Peter 4:9

8.  Graciousness 

When someone else's "ship comes in," rejoice with them.  When the ship sinks, weep with them.  

Be humble.  

Walk in humility.  

Pride can keep us from being banded together.  We are all fellow strugglers.  

Stay humble.  

Don't be fearful.  

Step up.  

You may also like:

Reasons to Get Involved in Small Group Bible Study

Reasons to Get Involved in Small Group Bible Study

PIN ME!

Banded Together as Christ Followers