The
Cost of Community
Sermon
Summary
07 May 2000
Reading - Phil 2:1-16
It is sometimes hard to appreciate the reality of the varied church situations that the Biblical letters were being penned for. As Paul wrote Philippians he would have been reflecting on the need for the advice given, and probably praying that it would be well received and acted on. The advice that he gave discloses something of the church's ongoing need for communal participation in the building of a sense of closeness and community - to express in experience 'the mind of Christ'. As he addresses their needs, he outlines both the cost and depth of community, something which we also need to receive and act upon .
The Cost of Community
The first insight into the cost is found in changing the view we have of our personal Christian Faith.
Paul says that the positive experiences of Christ eg. Encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, compassion, are to shape the way we think and the way we relate and act towards our brothers and sisters in Christ v.1-4. They are to ensure that we work hard at being 'like-minded', 'one in spirit and purpose'; that we are not being motivated out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; that we are thinking of others as better than ourselves and looking after their interests and not just our own.
This means that if we want to build 'community', then we also need to be converting Christ's positive input in our lives into loving relationship building acts and attitudes. Such 'relationship building' includes sharing our thoughts and feelings as well, otherwise there is no way that we can fulfil what Paul is asking. Eg. How can we be like-minded if we don't know what is on other's minds? How can we be like-minded if others do not know what is on your mind? Etc.
This is revolutionary, for it smashes on the head the private and possessive attitude that we have towards our private thoughts and Christian experience. Paul is saying that they are to a large degree a 'community commodity'! This is not a new idea eg. Spiritual gifts are for the 'common good' (1Cor.12:7), doctrine is intended to have community impact (Eph.4:1-6) etc. Our spiritual experience is also for the 'common good'.
The Depth of Community
So the cost of community also embraces the idea of depth. Too often we settle for shallow conversation with each other, never getting past the social face to one another's inner thoughts and feelings.
The experts tell us that there are at least 4 levels of good communication:
- Cliché – non threatening small talk
- Facts – non-threatening things like 'the traffic's heavy this morning' etc.
- Ideas – slightly threatening notions that begin with, 'I think…'
- feelings – quite threatening sharing at a vulnerable level eg. 'I feel….'
Risk taking is necessary for good communication, and good communication is necessary for applying Paul's instruction, which if complied with, will bring about a sense of 'community'.
Jesus was a risk taker eg. John 4 - the Samaritan women at the well. According to cultural protocol, Jesus should have avoided talking to her on two counts: (a) Her gender (b) Her ethnicity
He broke both conventions. The woman also was a risk-taker. She could have ignored Jesus, or simply given him a drink and left. Instead, she asked Jesus a series of questions! Consequently, she struck oil!
Conclusion:
In verses 11,12 of Phil.2, Paul tells us to 'work out our salvation with fear and trembling'. What is not often understood is that in context, this 'working out' is using 'what God works in' (cf. Verse 1 eg. Comfort, encouragement, compassion etc.) for the express purpose of inspiring loving, sacrificial, caring, and meaningful relating. In other words, using our personal spiritual relationship with Christ as a basis for deeper loving relationships with others.
If we are not doing this then there are two possible problems afflicting us
- our relationship with Christ is either non-existent or so poor as to be providing none of the positive things Paul takes for granted are a normal part of a Christian's experience
- or we are simply selfish and disobedient and cling possessively to our 'religious' experience as mine and mine alone.
Such predicaments require immediate attention.
However, if we are willing to see our Christian experience as divinely intended to compel people towards involvement with others at a deep level, and act on it, then richness will come not only to yourself, but to all! It is out of such obedience that 'healthy and meaningful Christian community' is developed.
The bottom line is that a heart empowered by God is free to wisely share the inner life with others and not hoard and protect it (Matt.12:35)
Blessings