In this message we were reminded that as believers, we are united in Christ and bound together in love, with Jesus as our ultimate leader. Pastor Daren drew from Hebrews 13:17 and other passages to emphasize that our calling is not just to obey our leaders, but to understand why we obey and the high standard that God has for leaders of the church. Importantly, Pastor Daren encouraged us to recognize that our true leader is Christ Himself. Our pastors and church leaders are under-shepherds, called to guide us in obedience to God and love for one another. As the body of Christ, we are one in spirit with Him and each other, and love is the spirit that binds us.
OPENING PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we thank You for bringing us together as Your church, as your body, and that you are the head of your body, you are our leader. Help us to honor You as our leader and guide. Open our hearts today to receive Your word and to understand what it means to be one body in Christ, united in love. We ask Your Holy Spirit to lead us in humility and faithfulness. Amen.
ICE BREAKER: Think of a time when you followed someone’s guidance in your life. How did that person impact you, and how does that compare to the way Christ leads and shepherds us?
KEY VERSES:
- Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for this would be of no advantage to you.”
- Ephesians 4:1-3: “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
- Colossians 1:13-18: “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.”
TOPIC HEADINGS:
- Christ as Our Ultimate Leader: Pastor Daren reminded us that while church leaders serve important roles, Christ is the head of the church. As Daren put it, “We obey our leadership here, but ultimately, Jesus is your shepherd. We all have an account for your soul.” Our leaders guide us with care, but we look to Christ as the true leader of the church (Hebrews 13:17).
- The Binding Power of Love: The love we share as the body of Christ is unique and set apart. Pastor Daren quoted Jesus’ words, reminding us: “You will know they are My disciples by their love” (John 13:35). Love is the glue that binds us together in Christ, and it’s by loving one another that we demonstrate the reality of our faith.
- Walking Worthy of Our Calling: From Ephesians 4:1-3, Pastor Daren called us to walk in humility, gentleness, and patience, preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. He shared how our actions toward one another as the church body reflect Christ’s love to the world.
- The Role of Church Leaders: Daren expressed the seriousness of pastoral responsibility: “I have to give an account for how I pastor you.” This is not about lording authority but about guiding the church in obedience to God. Leaders are fellow servants in the body of Christ, praying for and ministering to the congregation.
- Christ Holds All Things Together: Daren pointed to Colossians 1:13-18, teaching that Christ is the one who holds everything together, from creation to our individual lives. “You were created for His glory, to do His will, and to be His hands and feet,” he reminded us.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
- How does recognizing Christ as the head of the church impact the way you respond to leadership within the church?
- In what ways can we better show love to one another within the church, reflecting our unity in Christ?
- How are you personally walking in a manner worthy of the calling to which you’ve been called, as described in Ephesians 4:1-3?
- What steps can you take to help preserve the unity of the Spirit in the church?
- How does knowing that Christ holds everything together encourage you in your daily walk of faith?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Christ is the true head of the church, and all authority flows from Him.
- Our love for one another is the mark of true discipleship and unity in the body of Christ.
- Church leaders serve with humility, guiding us in obedience to God’s will.
- We are called to live lives that reflect the love, patience, and unity that Christ has shown us.
- Our unity and strength as the church come from Christ, who holds everything together and empowers us for His glory.
CHALLENGE: This week, intentionally practice humility, love, and patience toward a fellow believer. Seek to reflect the unity of the Spirit in your relationships within the church, remembering that Christ holds all things together, including His church.
CLOSING PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for being the head of the church and the leader of our lives. Help us to walk in humility, love, and unity as we follow You. Strengthen us to be faithful to Your calling and to reflect Your love in everything we do. May Your peace guide us and Your Spirit bind us together as one body. In Jesus’ name, Amen.