Love One Another: So That Christ may Be Glorified to the Nations, Part 4

Session 4: Love One Another: So that Christ may Be Glorified to the Nations

The Question we needed answering: Biblically, how does God want Christians to relate to one another in community?

4-part Answer:

1. We should relate to one another out of the context that we have been forgiven much; therefore, we desire to love much. (Session 1)
2. We should relate to one another out of the context that as Christians, Christ dwells in our hearts & He produces Christ-like character within us. (Session 2)
3. We should relate to one another out of the context that we commit to care for one another regardless of circumstances (good or bad) & bearing in mind that our love for one another testifies of the gospel. (Session 3)

Central Text: Psalm 67

Key Verse: "God be gracious to us & bless us, & cause His face to shine upon us--Selah. That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations."

A Christian does not exist for himself/herself, rather he/she exists for the glory of another, namely, Christ. The goal for which the Christian community prays for God's blessing is that His way may be known on the earth, His salvation among all nations. 

"Each Christian is a player in a grand story that stretches far beyond the boundaries of his own life, or even of his own land." (adapted from ESV Study Bible)

Central Truth: We should relate to one another out of the context that we share a common mission--that His way may be known on the earth, His salvation among all nations. 

• Common Salvation: God, bless your people so that they may experience the fullness of what it means to be saved.
• Common Indwelling: God, bless your people so that we may be filled with the Spirit & have the character of Christ.
• Common Commitment: God, bless your people so that they would commit to care for one another & act together.
• Common Mission: God, bless your people so that the rest of the world may come to know the true God. 

Our Christian communities exist so that Christ may be glorified. We exist for Him! We will never find biblical community until our focus is off ourselves & He becomes the focus--that is why we must love one another out of the context that we are jealous for the world to come to know the true God.