Teleios and other authors have shown Christian
belief actually can improve personal wellbeing! Therefore, we are examining the
Christian life in more detail to see if we can uncover in the Bible some of the
underlying causes of the improved wellbeing.
We are now discussing the practice of
Christianity for which we are using Acts 2:42-47 as a basis. These interesting
verses describe the activities involved in the Christian walk within the early
church. They are repeated throughout the Epistles. I call them the ‘5 tools to maturity’ and can
most easily be summarized as: prayer, praise, fellowship, outreach and Bible
study.
Last week we discussed prayer. Today’s tool for
consideration is fellowship.
Definition - The biblical word
‘fellowship’ is most closely expressed in the Greek by the word koinōnia (κοινωνία), and its derivatives, which
mean basically ‘communion’ as well as the word metochē (μετοχή) which means ‘participation.’
What does the Bible say about fellowship? – The Bible describes fellowship in the most general ways:
· It occurs only between Christians - This
is because we cannot be encouraged or learn from those who do not have the Spirit
or who do not understand the Christian faith (1 John 1:6-10, 2 Corinthians6:14)
· Do not neglect - We are not to avoid
fellowship. This is because it is good for us. It is also good for other people
to see God working in us. Please see below (Hebrews 10:15-18, 13:15)
· Functional definition - In reality,
the Bible does not give a lot of detail, or a singular text, defining ‘fellowship’.
However, functionally any interaction between Christians that is spiritually
based, as described in the Bible, is fellowship (Colossians 3:12-17, Ephesians5:15-20).
Why do we need fellowship? - The benefits of fellowship are assumed in Scripture.
As Christians, we need the example, as well as the verbal encouragement and
reminders of God's word from others, to help promote our own walk with God (1 Timothy4:12-16). Likewise, our actions and speech provide this to other believers.
It is our fellowship with the Holy Spirit that
provides the strength of character, understanding and knowledge to encourage
other believers (Philippians 2:1, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
What fellowship is not - One benefit we derive from church is social fellowship around food,
games, sports, parties, etc. However, these events may not include true fellowship
which should have a spiritual basis.
Think about it! - Careful in your own life that you provide not
only a lifestyle that is encouraging (1 Thessalonians 2:10), but speech that helps
others (Ephesians 4:29). How do we do this? Here are some ideas:
Know God's word – This
is important so you are speaking to others correct biblical truth and not
church based jargon such as ‘That is not my gift’ or ‘God will open a door.’
Plan ahead - Consider before
meeting with a person how you might encourage them specifically with: gratitude,
commendation, thought provoking questions, sharing God's word or recounting what
God has done in your own life (Colossians 1:3-7, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7, 1 Timothy4:16). If you don't know what to ask them go to their social media accounts and
learn about them. If you are attending a gathering, then choose one person to
target with whom to fellowship.
Listen - Be sure and
listen when conversing so you can learn and discover how you can even better
encourage them (James 1:19).
Thank you for joining me today. Enjoy your
opportunities for Christian fellowship! Come back next week and we'll discuss Bible
study, the fourth of the 5 tools to maturity.
WC Stewart
Response policy - The purpose of the comment section is to promote discussion that
is encouraging, propels the further search of Scripture and raises interesting
and thought provoking Biblically related questions. You may feel free to
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