FELLOWSHIP Warmer through Fellowship
Today we look at the second of our Purposes: What is Christian fellowship?
Here is perhaps the best definition:- We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1: 3 – 7
This definition explains: Fellowship needs to be proclaimed, seen & heard Fellowship first and foremost is with God the Father, Son and Spirit Fellowship like this brings joy – which is incomplete without others Fellowship is a lie if we do not live it, act with integrity, share it Fellowship will be broken but the blood of Christ cleanses from all
LOVE ONE ANOTHER God wants us to be members of a Family You are members of God’s very own family …..and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian - Ephesians 2:19 (He) has given us the privilege of being born again, so that we are now members of God’s own family: -1 Peter 1:3 (LB). And the most frequently repeated command for that family is to love one another (1 Peter 1:22 love one another deeply from the heart, Romans 13:8, Hebrews 10:24 spur one another on, 1 John 2:7, 3:11, 4:7, 4:11, 4:12, 2 John 1:5, Ephesians 4:2 bearing with one another in love = “alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences” Mssg )
ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us encourage one another-all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25. But encourage one another daily, so none of you be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness 3:13 encourage one another and build each other up 1 Thessalonians 5:11 SPEAK, INSTRUCT, SING, ONE ANOTHER This is really our worship purpose – one of the side effects of good worship is when the focus on God warms our heart towards Him so that others feel the glow too. Ephesians 5:19 (15- 21). Be careful how you live. Making the most of every opportunity. Understand what the Lord’s will is. Don’t be drunk on wine; instead be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs and make music in your heart to the lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ
DO (BE) GOOD TO ONE ANOTHER God want us to do good to everyone, especially other believers. Therefore as we have opportunity let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers Galatians 6:10 He said before that Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up Galatians 9 Be kind and compassionate to one another Ephesians 4:32 Why do you judge your brother? We will all stand before God’s judgment seat. Every knee will bow, therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another Romans 14: 10 –13. Stop slandering one another as James 4:11 puts it
FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER Colossians 3:13 says Therefore as God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Instead says Paul, accept one another, just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God Romans 15:7 – again it affects our worship. Love must be sincere he says 12:9-19. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord, joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, practice hospitality, share with people in need, bless those who persecute you, rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge
ONE MIND or PURPOSE 1 Peter 3:8 tells us: Finally all of you live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers; be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing….the way to do this? …in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord 3:15 (even if you suffer for what is right you are blessed. Do not be frightened). 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally brothers goodbye. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace and the God of love and peace will be with you. Its what he refers to in 1 Corinthians 2:16 who has known the mind of the lord (Isaiah 40:13) but we have the mind of Christ And its what Paul also says in that most famous passage:- Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus. If you’ve any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness or compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but made Himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant, He humbled himself and became obedient even to death on a cross Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name that at the name of Jesus very knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father Philippians 2:1 – 11
Five passages to take home and spend time with: 1 John - 1: 1-10, 4:7-21 Hebrews - 10: 19-25 Romans - 12:9-19 Philippians - 2:1-11