A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 6: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i t y : The “Corporate” Di sc i p l i nes 291

2. Accept the high standard placed upon each member of the body to be filled with the Spirit in the context of the Church to receive God’s guidance, Eph. 5.18-20.

3. Explore the various models of seeking the will of God in communal settings, and discover how your church helps individuals to discern God’s call.

4. Join a church as a member, and commit to participating in its life and fellowship at every level: earn the right to be heard and to hear what God might be saying to you through an assembly of the Lord .

5. Participate in a “church-in-miniature,” that is, a cell group, small group, Bible study, or spiritual group where you can get to know individual members better, and allow you and them to use your gifts for mutual edification.

6. Ask the Lord regarding the possibility of a spiritual director in your life, i.e., who that person might be, what the nature of your relationship should be, how long you will be in the relationship, etc.

7. Recognize the importance of guidance as a complimentary concept: you must seek the personal leading of the Lord as a disciple of Jesus and do so in the midst of the people of God.

8. Be cautious concerning authoritarianism and Judaizing; often times, ungodly or unclear guidance from the body can result in the enslavement of believers and the eclipsing of their freedom in Christ.

a. It is for freedom that Christ set us free, Gal. 5.1.