READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | In an earlier sermon by Pastor Raymond, a disciple is defined as one who loves Christ and others by growing in Christ, sharing Christ and serving Christ. We are called to be disciples and make disciples. The Wesley Discipleship Model identifies five faith environments for intentional discipleship – C (Significant Circumstances), O (Spiritual Obedience), R (Spiritual Relationships), D (Spiritual Disciplines), S (Sacrificial Service).
Today, we look at spiritual relationships.
When on-site services were suspended two years ago due to the pandemic, church leaders had to consider what was truly essential for the church, as normal church activities and programmes had to be cancelled. They concluded that corporate worship and Small Group (SG) meetings were truly essential even if large gatherings were not permitted. Acts 2:42, 46 describe the spiritual relationships in the early Church. The believers gathered to devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and the breaking of bread and prayer. Every day, they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
We should not neglect relationships, especially in crises, and though we cannot meet in large groups, we can stay connected online or in groups of five currently permitted.
John Wesley organised SGs known as class meetings which led to the Wesleyan Revival and transformation of societies. He believed that the gospel of Christ was lived out in social holiness — not just practising social justice but watching over one another in love. We cannot be growing disciples without the encouragement from and accountability to others (Hb 10:24,25). Jesus Himself had a group of disciples to watch over one another.
Where do we find spiritual relationships?
- Be part of a SG.
- Bring SG to a deeper level if already in one.
Beyond sharing common passions and interests, we aim to help one another practise our faith, enter into a relationship with God and grow in it. One question we can ask each other – how does your soul prosper? The question directs us to reflect on the condition of our heart in our relationship with God. It is open-ended (how) and causes us to look inward into our inner life (soul), with emphasis on growing love for Jesus and holiness (prosper).
Our love for one another is proof that we are Jesus’ disciples (Jn 13:34,35) and we become testimonies for Him. We can invite others to join our SG and by the grace of God, become like the Acts 2 Church where God added to their numbers daily those who were being saved (V47).
Be involved in spiritual relationships
- By encouraging one another in faith;
- By watching over one another in love;
- By inviting others to SGs.
(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Share how being involved in Spiritual Relationships have helped you grow as a disciple of Christ?
2. Share with the group “How does your soul prosper today?”
3. What can you do to bring your small group from an informational group to a transformational group?
4. Are there people whom you can invite into a Spiritual Relationship group today?
