Practicing The Way Week 3: Community | Nathan Hughes

Title: Practicing the Way — The Practice of Community
Main Texts: Matthew 18:21–35; Acts 2:42–47

Big Idea: In a culture fractured by tribalism and individualism, God calls us to unity, sacrifice, and forgiveness in a community centered on His Word.

Key Points:

We Were Not Created for Aloneness

Solitude is healthy; isolation is not.

From womb to adulthood, we were designed for connection, but our culture pushes hyper-independence and pride in self-reliance.

True Christian formation happens with others.

Why We Avoid Community

Many avoid community because they’ve been hurt by it.

But the very thing that hurt you is often the thing God will use to heal you.

Forgiveness is not optional in God’s family—it’s foundational.

Forgiveness Fuels Community

Matthew 18:21–35: Jesus teaches that we are to forgive others just as we’ve been forgiven—radically, repeatedly, and from the heart.

Forgiveness isn’t fair, but neither was the cross.

Without forgiveness, there’s no true community. With it, there’s restoration, depth, and witness.

The Call to Countercultural Community

Acts 2:42–47 paints the picture of God’s design:

Devoted to Scripture, fellowship, meals, prayer

Generosity, gladness, consistency, awe

A community like this draws others to Christ.

Questions to Reflect On:

Who hurt you? Forgive them.

Who do you need to move toward? Don’t wait.

Who do you need to say, “I’m sorry” to? Start the healing.

Final Challenge:
If you want the fruit of community, you must practice the way of community—and that means walking in truth, love, and forgiveness.