FORMING A SPIRITUAL TEAM By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“…making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3-14)
Introduction:
The Lord your God has called you to work as one team, as one body, as one army.
He has not called you to pursue your individual goals or to act in isolation.
Instead, He has called you to care for one another, bear each other’s burdens, and move forward together in Him.
A Call to Unity:
“You are my war club, my weapon for battle…” (Jeremiah 51:20-23)
The Lord has raised you as His army, His instruments of warfare, to walk together as a unified team.
He has not called anyone to exalt themselves above others, but rather to walk in humility, united in love.
Rejoice, for God desires His people to advance spiritually, bound together in the bond of love.
Do not seek to establish your own kingdom.
Instead, seek the interests of others, strive for the betterment of your brothers and sisters, and focus on the success of the team.
Avoid selfish ambitions or pride in your own works; instead, pursue Christ, and He will give you the vision for the team.
A Spiritual Army:
God desires people who will work together as a team, becoming His army that opposes the enemy.
He calls you to be like ants—working diligently throughout the day for the benefit of the whole community.
Just as ants labor for the common good, so too are you called to work for the growth and success of the entire team.
Do not allow anyone to elevate themselves above their brothers and sisters, for no one is greater than another.
Instead, each one should humble themselves, lifting others up. In doing so, you will also raise those who have yet to come to Christ.
God longs for His people to function as one body, with every part working harmoniously with the others.
He desires that you advance in unity, as one Spirit-filled army, obeying Him and lifting one another up.
Truly, you will become the army He envisions.
The principle is simple: seek Him first, not your own needs, and He will provide for you.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Living as a Spiritual Team:
The Lord has called you to work as a team. Each person is responsible for the well-being of others.
Do not think that you are isolated or that your actions only affect yourself.
Instead, guard your behavior, knowing that you are an integral part of the team.
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)
Have a shared mindset and avoid division.
When you allow differing intentions, you open the door to attacks, which could harm the entire team.
When you submit to one another, unity is strengthened, and you are better shielded from the enemy.
A Spiritual Mission for a New Year:
As we approach the new year and its challenges, our primary goal in this great battle must be the salvation of souls—including our own.
Do not neglect your spiritual responsibilities, for you are indeed in a spiritual war.
God has called you to:
1. Work together as a team – bearing one another’s burdens and striving for a common goal.
2. Advance in humility and love – lifting each other up and walking in unity.
3. Stay vigilant in the battle – knowing that your actions impact the whole team.
Let us go forward as one body, one Spirit, and one army, fulfilling God’s mission for His people.
Together, let us glorify the Lord as a team, united in purpose and bound by His love.
