Main Idea:

The church is the countercultural community that grows together into the fullness of Christ for the glory of God.

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1. The goal of countercultural community (4:15-16)

-To conform us into the image of Jesus

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“those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Rom. 8:29a)

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"may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints... for this is the will of God, your sanctification.” (1 Thes. 3:12-13 & 4:3)

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2. The context of countercultural community (4:17-32)

-The local church

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3. The means of countercultural community (4:15-16, 25-32)

1. Proper membership (vv. 16, 25)

2. Proper mind (vv. 17-24, 32)

3. Proper mouth and ministry (vv. 25-32)

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Response

1. Repent, believe in Jesus, and join the community of His people.

2. Attenders! Become members of our church

3. Put on the proper mind needed for biblical community.

4. Commit to being the hands and feet of Jesus… inside the church.

5. Is there an area of sanctification that you are resisting in your life right now?