The Value of Fellowship
Introduction:
It is easy to understand that fellowship has
great value. See Psalm 133: 1-3. Yes the early church knew this as our
text affirms.
Text: Acts: 23-37
23 And being let go, they went
to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and
elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their
voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made
heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who [a]by
the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27 “For truly against Your
holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate,
with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to
do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be
done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your
servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by
stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be
done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had
prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and
they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of
God with boldness.
32 Now the multitude of those
who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that
any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in
common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them
all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were
possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the
things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they
distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And [b]Joses,
who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son
of [c]Encouragement),
a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought
the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
1.
Companionship (Vs. 23)
·
Went to their own company. They
called out of the Lord. Those of like precious faith. 1 Peter 2: 9 –
10. 2 Peter 1:1. A common participation. John 17: 20-21.
·
Being in this fellowship means we
support one another because we are a part of the same family. 1 Timothy
3: 15. A household of faith, Galatians 6: 10.
·
Members of a family should support
one another, should sympathize with each other because we belong to the
same body, Ephesians 4: 16, 1 Corinthians 12: 25-26.
2.
Motivate Worship
·
Godly fellowship motivates
Christians to desire worship. In our text, what did they do? With one
accord, they prayed to God! Note the early church- Acts 2: 42.
·
Corporate prayer was considered a
vital part of the spiritual growth of the church, Jude 20- 21
·
fellowship prompts praise,
Ephesians 5: 19-20. This worship involves teaching and admonishing
colossians 3: 16.
3.
Strengthens (vs 31)
·
Fellowship with mature Christians
gives all involved strength, Romans 15: one, Galatians 6:2.
·
Ones faith may be made stronger by
fellowship, Romans 1: 11-12.
·
Christians grow when they interact
with one another, Proverbs 27: 17.
·
The value of fellowship is well
illustrated in Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12.
4.
Encourages service (vs 32-37)
·
Fellowship implies a joint
participation, Ephesians 2: 19-22.
·
Partakers working together for the
good of the whole. All had a part to play. An example is seen in Acts
11: 27-30.
·
The Christians in Macedonia
understood the concept of serving others, 2 Corinthians 8: 1-5..
5.
Promotes unity (vs 32)
·
One heart and soul, Romans 15:
5-6. Like minded, share common goals and desires, 1 Peter 3: 8.
·
Each member wants the body to
function at its highest level, 1 corinthians 12: 12-13. H member is
important and has There's a role to play. This role was given them by
God himself, 1 Corinthians 12: 18.
6.
Conclusion
·
our text instructs us in the great
value that fellowship has. Let us be thankful for this fellowship just
as the apostle Paul was, Philippians 1: 3-6.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford
The church of Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
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