From Isolation to Community | Dan Deeble
Teaching Notes
Where does our need for community come from?
Scientific Theories:
Warning System Theory
Polyvagal Theory:
Biblical Teaching:
The first moment of loneliness in human history:
Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.
Genesis 2:8
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone;…’”
Genesis 2:18
Loneliness is not a sin. It’s a reminder of what you were made for.
Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.
But for Adam no suitable helper was found.
Genesis 2:19-20
This reveals to us two things:
This is who God is.
“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea..”
Genesis 1:26
“What does it all mean? It means that in the deepest mystery of his being God is an intimate relationship, a fellowship, a community of love.” Darrell Johnson, Experiencing the Trinity
2. We are made for relationship.
How do we grow towards community?
The four stages from isolation to community (source: Larry Crabb)
Being Discovered--giving someone access to my life.
Being Explored--having a few people warmly and thoughtfully curious about who I am
Being Known--being fully transparent and live with no secrets before one or two people
Being Touched--when what is most alive in one person touches what is most alive in another.
Going Deeper Discussion
What’s been the sweetest season of connection or friendship in your life?
What has been the loneliest season of your life?
Have you ever wrapped your head around that God is relationship as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Where would you diagnose your relationships most often:
Acquaintance?
Clubableness?
Community?
What’s one step you can make towards community today?
Sunday Set List
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
Child of God- Mitch Langley feat. Citizen Way
Raise a Hallelujah- Bethel Music
Promises- Maverick City Music
King of Kings- Hillsong Worship
WFC Speedway
God So Loved- We the Kingdom
How Great Thou Art- Natalie Grant
Holy Ground- The Belonging Co.
Death Was Arrested- North Point Worship
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