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We are looking at a 6-part devotional series titled, "Spiritual discipline." We've learned that we will have a propensity to repeat our mistakes within our Christian walk until we implement "Spiritual disciplines" into our life - disciplines that will help us to stay focused on God and His Word. In addition to these disciplines, we must purpose in our heart to be filled daily with the Spirit of God (See Eph 5:18). Once we have learned these principles, we can implement them to ensure an effective Christian life that brings honor to God and edifies those around us.
Every one of us has probably experienced certain areas in our life where we have failed to do what we knew to be right. The reason for making these choices inevitably came down to a lack of "Self-discipline." This series has been written to help us in developing Christ-like characteristics that are brought about by practicing, "Spiritual discipline."
In Part 4, we took a look at our third "Spiritual discipline," which was "Stewardship." In Part 5 of this series we will begin to look at our fourth "Spiritual discipline," which is:
- Fellowship
Q: What is Christian Fellowship?
Fellowship is defined as: (a) companionship, company, associate; (b) the community of interest, activity, feeling or experience, i.e., a unified body of people of equal rank sharing in common interests, goals, and characteristics, etc.; (c) partnership, membership.
From this definition, we can deduct that "Fellowship" means being a part of a group, or a body of people. It would mean that we are opposed to solitude, isolation or loneliness. Fellowship means sharing certain things in common with others, such as activities, experiences, goals, feelings, or beliefs.
Q: What about Christian fellowship according to the Word of God?
A: Christian fellowship is first and foremost, "The sharing together in a common life with other believers through relationship with God through Jesus Christ." Fellowship is a relationship rather than an activity.
that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 1John 1:3 (NKJV)
In Acts 2:42 we can clearly see the early church gathering together in fellowship. They were not just devoting themselves to activities, but to a relationship. It is to be the same with us today.
Q: How can we have the kind of fellowship that encourages, edifies (Builds) and serves one another?
Q: How do we find the strength, the wisdom, and the courage to have true fellowship according to God's Word?
A: By reading the Word of God, and then by "Abiding" by what we have written.
One needs only to look to the Gospels within the Bible to see the many "One Another" commandments given by Jesus. Each of these commandments is done with the thought of having a proper Christian fellowship with each other - a fellowship based on "Agape love." Remember, Agape love is a supernatural love that comes from God and it is available to every believer. It is centered on the needs and welfare of the one loved. It will pay whatever personal price is necessary to meet those needs and foster that welfare.
Here are a few examples of how we can truly care for "One Another" through fellowship.
Fellowship includes serving one another. (Gal. 5:13)
Fellowship includes confessing to one another. (Jas. 5:16)
Fellowship includes admonishing one another. (Rom 15:14)
Fellowship includes comforting and encouraging one another. (1Thes 4:18, 5:11; Heb. 313)
Fellowship includes worshiping with one another. (Eph 5:19; Heb 10:25)
Fellowship includes always seeking the good of one another. (1Thes 5:15)
Fellowship includes being honest with one another. (Col. 3:9)
Fellowship includes being at peace with one another. (Mk. 9:50)
Fellowship includes showing hospitality to one another. (1Pet. 4:9)
Fellowship includes bearing one another's burdens. (Gal. 6:2)
There are many folks who don't want to go to church and fellowship with other believers - they would argue, "I don't need to go to church to be a Christian." I would say this; Jesus came to so that we could have a relationship with Him - not to give us a "Religion." Ministry flows through relationships - relationships come from fellowship.
If we stop meeting with other Christians we will run out of spiritual passion and dedication in a very short time. We are told in Proverbs 27:17, that, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." We do that when we fellowship.
Let's be disciplined on attending Church, and Bible studies - Let's become an asset to the body of believers as God intended us to be.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about the importance of fellowship from the Scriptures contained within this devotional?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you fellowshipping with other Christians at Church and Bible study?
APPLICATION: Make a commitment to attend Church activities so as to fellowship with other believers who have the common denominator of salvation through the blood of Jesus.
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