Message: “The Power of Fellowship” from Joe Summers

Joe Summers - November 3, 2024

The Power of Fellowship

The Power of Fellowship Lesson Objective: To understand the biblical foundation and importance of fellowship, examining its role in building unity, encouraging growth, and strengthening believers. The goal is to encourage believers to deepen their relationships with each other and God through active fellowship. Primary Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles… And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” - Context: The early church community, newly empowered by the Holy Spirit, gathered regularly, sharing meals, learning together, and supporting one another. - Key Insight: Fellowship here is more than mere association; it’s a devoted, intentional partnership centered on faith, love, and shared purpose. The Need to Belong Across individuals, societies, and even eras, humans consistently seek inclusion over exclusion, membership over isolation, and acceptance over rejection. The crowd shouted Hosannah when Christ entered the city. Most suggest that Hosanna means save us in Hebrew thus the crowd was accepting Christ as the Messiah. As compared to the crowd shouting crucify him when confronted by Pilate. Are these the same people? I. Introduction to Fellowship - Definition: Fellowship comes from the Greek word koinonia, meaning partnership, sharing, or communion. It implies a deep bond of unity and purpose. - Importance: Fellowship strengthens our faith, provides encouragement, and keeps us accountable. It’s the way we experience God’s love through each other. - Illustration: Like coals in a fire, we burn brightly when connected. But separated, our passion and faith can cool. Fellowship keeps us “on fire” for God. - Modern Relevance: With today’s isolation and digital distractions, true fellowship—being present, engaged, and accountable—is a vital need. II. Fellowship in the Old Testament - Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – " Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Application: Fellowship brings strength, support, and resilience. When one falls, the other lifts them up. - Example: Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:14-16) - Aaron acted as Moses’ spokesperson, sharing Moses’ calling and task of confronting Pharaoh. Their partnership demonstrates that fellowship provides us with people who can help us overcome our fears and limitations. - Reflection Question: Who in our lives encourages us spiritually? How are we supporting others in their spiritual journey? - Scripture Reference: Psalm 133:1 – "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" - Application: Unity in fellowship is both pleasing to God and a source of blessing. - Example: The Israelites’ Festivals (Leviticus 23) - Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles were national times of gathering, worship, and remembrance. These festivals united Israel as one people under God. - Practical Point: Today, fellowship gatherings, whether church services, Bible studies, or community events, serve a similar purpose—fostering unity, shared values, and collective worship. --- III. Fellowship in the New Testament - Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” - Application: Fellowship unites believers in God’s light and purifies relationships, keeping us honest, accountable, and united in faith. - Example: Jesus and His Disciples (John 15:12-17) - Jesus called His disciples friends and taught them to love one another. This friendship became the model for the disciples' relationships with each other and with the church, where love, care, and sacrificial giving were central. - Reflection: Are we cultivating friendships in Christ like Jesus did with His disciples? Are we open to forming meaningful bonds that encourage and uplift? - Scripture Reference: Hebrews 10:24-25 – "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…" - Application: Regular fellowship meetings offer motivation to continue in good works and maintain our spiritual fervor. - Example: The Early Church’s Devotion (Acts 2:42-47) - The early believers met daily, praying and sharing meals, embodying unity and care. Their fellowship was both communal and spiritual, centered on learning, worship, and mutual support. - Practical Point: Small groups, Bible studies, and fellowship gatherings today mirror this early model. They give believers a way to feel connected and supported, helping avoid the dangers of isolation. IV. Living in Fellowship Today - Practical Ways to Embrace Fellowship: - Serve Together: Engaging in ministry or mission projects unites people with a common purpose. - Breaking Bread: Sharing meals and prayers offers a deeper connection and opens opportunities for meaningful conversation and prayer. - Encouraging Accountability: Accountability groups, prayer partners, or small discipleship groups offer spiritual growth and strength. - Example: Barnabas and Paul’s Partnership (Acts 11-13) - Barnabas encouraged and mentored Paul, and together they strengthened the early church. Their fellowship demonstrates the power of shared mission and mutual encouragement. - Reflection: In what areas can we serve with others? How can we initiate fellowship in our church or community to build unity and strengthen our faith? V. Closing Challenge and Encouragement - Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:20 – "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Jesus’ Promise: Jesus assures His presence in our gatherings, showing that our fellowship has both spiritual and relational power. - Call to Action: Challenge the congregation to prioritize fellowship as a means of growing closer to God and one another. Encourage everyone to consider ways they can strengthen or initiate fellowship within their lives. - Final Prayer: Pray for unity, strength, and the courage to seek and sustain meaningful fellowship in Christ’s name.