FELLOWSHIP

WHY IS FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND OTHERS IMPORTANT?

BIBLE READING: Genesis 3:1-24

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Toward evening they heard the LORD God walking about in the garden, so they hid themselves among the trees. (Genesis 3:8)

GOD DESIRES TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US.

The thought of two humans covered with fig leaves trying to hide from the all-seeing, all-knowing God is humorous. How could they be so silly as to think they could actually hide? Yet we do the same, acting as though God doesn’t know what we’re doing. Have the courage to share all you do and think with him. And don’t try to hide-it can’t be done. Honesty will strengthen your relationship with God.

These verses show God’s desire to have fellowship with us. They also show why we are afraid to have fellowship with him. Adam and Eve hid from God when they heard him approaching. God wanted to be with them, but because of their sin, they were afraid to show themselves. Sin had broken their close relationship with God, just as it has broken ours. But Jesus Christ, God’s Son, opens the way for us to renew our fellowship with him. God longs to be with us. He actively offers us his unconditional love. Our natural response is fear, because we feel we can’t live up to his standards. But understanding that he loves us, regardless of our faults, can help remove that dread.

BIBLE READING: Acts 20:13-38

KEY BIBLE VERSE: They wept aloud as they embraced him in farewell, sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they accompanied him down to the ship. (Acts 20:37-38)

FELLOWSHIP BUILDS STRONG PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS.

Paul’s relationship with these believers is a beautiful example of Christian fellowship. He had cared for them and loved them, even cried over their needs. They responded with love and care for him and sorrow over his leaving. They had prayed together and comforted one another. Like Paul, you can build strong relationships with other Christians by sharing, caring, sorrowing, rejoicing, and praying with them. You will gather others around you only by giving yourself away to them.

BIBLE READING: Philippians 1:1-11

KEY BIBLE VERSE: It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and when I was out, defending the truth and telling others the Good News. (Philippians 1:7)

GENUINE FELLOWSHIP FOSTERS THE LOVE OF CHRIST.

Have you ever longed to see a friend with whom you share fond memories? Paul had such a longing to see the Christians at Philippi. His love and affection for them was based not merely on past experiences, but also upon the unity that comes when believers draw upon Christ’s love. All Christians are part of God’s family and thus share equally in the transforming power of his love. Do you feel a deep love for fellow Christians, friends and strangers alike? Let Christ’s love motivate you to love other Christians, and to express that love in your actions toward them.

BIBLE READING: Hebrews 10:1-39

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25)

FELLOWSHIP IS A GIFT FROM CHRIST.

We have significant privileges with our new life in Christ: (1) we have personal access to God through Christ and can draw near to him without an elaborate system (10:22); (2) we may grow in faith, overcome doubts and questions, and deepen our relationship with God (10:23); (3) we may enjoy encouragement from one another (10:24); (4) we may worship together (10:25).

OTHERS BENEFIT FROM FELLOWSHIP WITH US.

To neglect Christian meetings is to give up the encouragement and help of other Christians. We gather together to share our faith and to strengthen one another in the Lord. As we get closer to the day when Christ will return, we will face many spiritual struggles and even persecution. Anti-Christian forces will grow in strength. Difficulties should never be excuses for missing church services. Rather, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be faithful in attendance.

PROMISES FROM GOD:

Matthew 18:20 . . . Where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them.

Revelation 3:20 . . . Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.

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