We are running a fortnightly bible study following our community dinner looking at the exegesis (interpretation) of the bible passages that underpin each of our community values. You can read the list of Values here so you know what’s coming up next.
These values can be relevant whatever context you live and work in just make the Word you own.
Value 3: Being amongst the people
We value sharing life with our neighbours, as a real expression of the kingdom amongst the marginalised. Our everyday involvement and identification means our mission is not so much what we do, but who we are.
Biblical basis: John 1:14, Philippians 2:1-11
Let’s read the value together… what words/phrases stand out?
- no so much what we do but who we are – we can put a lot of expectation on what we do, it is good to be reminded it’s the intention we bring to everything that makes it significant – not the projects themselves
- everyday things (like cleaning, making a cup of tea, listening…) but also every day (not just on Sundays or during a planned activity slot – we are sharing with neighbours all our life
- In the mall, everyone goes there for a reason – we didn’t go to get anything done but to be who we are in that space, bringing intentionality to our presence to listen, share hospitality, respond to whoever comes and whatever comes up.
Read the bible. What words/ideas stand out?
What can we learn from the bible about living the Value: Being amongst the people?
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.
Philippians 2: 1-13
If you have indeed experienced the encouragement of being united to Christ, and the support that genuine love offers, and the deep bonds of a shared life formed in the Spirit; if indeed you have any compassion and concern for me, then make my dreams come true: get your heads tuned to the one wavelength so that you will share a common love, a common dedication to the one cause, and a common mindset. Don’t let yourself be driven by self-centred ambitions or empty egotism, but keep your feet firmly on the ground and promote others ahead of yourself. To each one of you, I would say, don’t focus on doing what is in your own best interests, but on what is in the best interests of others. Model your attitude on the attitude of the Messiah, Jesus.
Although Jesus was the same as God in every way, he did not think of his God-like privileges as something to milked for all they were worth.
Instead, he laid it all aside and, with no more privileges than a slave, was born as a human being.
Having become a human being, he was the model of humility. He didn’t demand his own way but let God set the agenda; even when it included his own death, and a gruesome public death at that.
Because of all this, God has raised him to the status of number one and honoured him more highly than anyone else in the universe.
So now, just the mention of the name ‘Jesus’
should bring everyone to their knees; everyone who has ever lived or ever will. Everyone, everywhere will honour God by openly acknowledging that Jesus the Messiah is Lord of all!
Therefore, my dear friends, there is work to do. You have always stuck to the agenda that was set for you, so keep it up, not only when I am around but even more when I am gone. Continue to work at living the life for which you are being saved, and do so with such an awareness of how high the stakes are, that it fills you with awe and makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. For this is awesome stuff: it is God who is at work within you, making it possible for you to set your mind on what God wants and to work for those things which are ultimately pleasing to God.
©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net
Reflection time… followed by sharing time.
Where do you see the kingdom of God at work in everyday and every day ways? …what are some things we do for the best interests of others?
Let’s write one story/word on one footprint – (turn some over to make pairs) – let’s lay them out and read each other’s… know these are the bonds our shared life are grounded in.
itellyouarise 