More thoughts on belonging

Yesterday we examined some of the implications of being “called to belong to Jesus Christ” and “In Christ we, though many, form one body and each member belongs to all the others” Romans 1:6 and12:5 (NIV).

We belong to Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:20
We belong to the church. Ephesians 4:4-6
We belong to a local church. Romans 12:5

The concept of belonging is not exclusive to the New Testament. In Leviticus 22:33 God informs His people, “I am Yahweh who sets you apart, the One who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God; I am Yahweh.” In other words, “I rescued you from slavery in Egypt, you now belong to Me.”

In Christ, we have been rescued from much more than physical slavery. Apart from Christ, we are slaves to sin (John 8:34 & Romans 6:20); enemies of God, having the devil as our father (John 8:44). Christ has liberated us from our sin (Romans 6:22) and rescued us from bondage (1 Peter 3:19). Therefore, as 1 Corinthians 6:20 declares, “for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body (and in your spirit for you belong to God).”

1. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to express your belonging to Christ? (Romans 6:15-23)

2. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to express your belonging to the church? (Romans 12:3-8)

3. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to express your belonging to the local church? (Romans 12:9-16)

Here's the clip from Les Miserables shown yesterday at the end of the message.