Spiritual Fellowship (2)
INTRODUCTION.
A. There are plenty of differing ideas regarding religious fellowship.
1. Some might say that all believers are in fellowship, even if their doctrines are contrary to one another.
2. Others might say that as long as the person went through water baptism, then they are in fellowship.
3. Others think only of physical relationships when they talk of fellowship.
4. Some act as if fellowship is limited only to their judgment. Whomever they deem to be “out of fellowship” is out of fellowship.
B. With this lesson, we will do an extensive study of spiritual fellowship.
C. So far, we have shown:
1. Show a few word definitions which are pertinent to our understanding of the concept of fellowship.
2. Show that true fellowship begins with the Father in heaven and Jesus Christ.
D. With this lesson, we will:
1. Show the benefits of being in fellowship with the Father in heaven.
2. Show the facts regarding being in fellowship with other Christians.
I. THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD.
A. Let us consider the benefits of being in fellowship, partnership, association, or joint sharing with God.
B. Fellowship affords Christians the means to go to the Father in pray. (Cf. John 15:7)
1. Jesus Christ is the intercessor for those in fellowship with the Father.
a. Romans 8:31-34
b. Hebrews 7:25
2. The Holy Spirit also makes intercession for those in fellowship with God. (Romans 8:26-27)
C. Fellowship affords a peace of mind. (Philippians 4:6-7)
D. Fellowship affords victory over death.
1. 1 Corinthians 15:50-56
2. Romans 8:37
3. 1 John 5:4-5
E. Fellowship affords freedom from bondage to sin. (Romans 6:1-14, 17-18, 22)
F. Fellowship affords us protection from those who would sever us from the love of Christ. (Romans 8:35-39)
G. Do not take your fellowship with God lightly.
1. Establish your fellowship by faithfully serving the heavenly Father.
2. Develop your fellowship.
3. Grow your fellowship.
4. Then enjoy the many wondrous benefits of fellowship with the heavenly Father.
II. IN FELLOWSHIP WITH BRETHREN.
A. Please understand first and foremost that your fellowship with fellow brethren in Christ is contingent upon your maintaining your fellowship with the heavenly Father. (1 John 1:3-7)
1. We may assume that a person is in fellowship because he or she attends the worship services. However, if they are walking in darkness, then they are not in fellowship. (We will discuss this fact later in this study.)
2. There may be a person who we determine is out of fellowship. However, if they are serving the Lord and walking in the light, then our charge against them becomes nothing more than a lie.
B. Our fellowship is based upon our sharing a common fellowship with Jesus Christ. However, there are other areas wherein we share or jointly participate in spiritual matters.
1. We walk in the light of the gospel. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4)
2. We are fellow citizens of the household of God. (Ephesians 2:19-22)
3. We are partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel. (Ephesians 3:1-6)
4. We are citizens of heaven. (Philippians 3:20-21)
5. We are sanctified. (Hebrews 2:11)
6. We are of one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27; Romans 15:5-7)
7. We strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-6)
C. We also share in doing the work of our Lord and Savior. Sometimes this is shared individually and other times collectively.
1. We participate in the worship of our heavenly Father. (John 4:23-24)
2. We can work with others to teach the lost. Paul considered Titus his “partner and fellow worker.” (2 Corinthians 8:23)
3. We can support preachers.
a. The church in Philippi shared with Paul by helping to support him as he preached. (Philippians 4:15)
b. The who is taught the word shares with him who teaches the word. (Galatians 6:6; cf. 3 John 1:5-8)
4. We can extend the “right hand of fellowship” to fellow labors. James, Cephas, and John extended to Paul and Barnabas the “right hand of fellowship.” (Galatians 2:9)
5. We help saints when they are in need, when the opportunity and means arise.
a. Romans 12:13
b. Consider the example set by the church in Macedonia. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7)
CONCLUSION.
A. Are you in fellowship with your brethren?
1. If you are in fellowship with God, then you are in fellowship with your brethren.
a. Maintain your fellowship with other Christians by walking in the light. 1 John 1:5-7
2. If you are NOT in fellowship with God, then you are NOT in fellowship with your brethren. 1 John 1:8-10; 2:1-2
B. Are you in fellowship with God? If you have not been baptized into Christ, then your answer is, “No.”
1. Believe in Jesus John 3:16, Mark 16:16
2. Turn to Jesus Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38
3. Confess your belief Rom 10:10
4. Be baptized into Christ Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Cor 12:13
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Spiritual Fellowship (2) -- November 23, 2003 -- File # - 263
by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK