Table works and table grace

While last week's Scripture passage used the analogy of Christ as the vine and we the branches, this week Pastor Phil warned against sloppy thinking, the trap of thinking God will do everything and we just need to hang on. Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Timothy 4:7b-10, 14-16, Hebrews 5:14-6:2, 10-12, and 12:1-2, 11-15 are examples of the apostles exhorting the early church to strengthen its spiritual muscles. We do this best in the company of others who will encourage and support us as we grow. Training at the table makes space for God's grace to produce growth. Phil gave the example of members of a small group supporting another group member to make his family a higher priority than his job. Phil suggested that an appropriate slogan for us might be, "Spiritual growth - don't try this spiritual discipline at home alone."