Fellowship
“Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1.4, 5
The foundation upon which we base our attitude of thanksgiving is now stated. It is fellowship; however, it is not their fellowship of love with one another, wrought by the gospel, but their fellowship in reference to the gospel, with all who sought its success. It was their warm sympathy and ready interest in everything; pertaining to its service, at home and every-where. This had been one of their marked characteristics from the day when Lydia, their first convert, received the gospel; and a fresh proof of it the apostle had just received by the hand of Epaphroditus.
Interestingly enough is the fact that Paul found joy while incarcerated in a prison. While we aren’t certain where, exactly, he was confined; we can be assured that none of the prisons were luxury hotels with continental breakfast and maid service. As mentioned in a previous meditation, Paul’s “rememberer” was locked in a positive gear. He chose to make lemonade out of his lemons by sweetly submitting to the sovereignty of the Almighty.
While each of us has had our share of hardships and heartaches, our attitude should not be based upon our situation or circumstances. Our joy should be firmly established in the fellowship of the Gospel.
Throughout my life I’ve been blessed to have been a part of fellowships and Christian functions that are much larger than me. I have enjoyed the fellowship of rubbing shoulders with other Christians from various backgrounds and cultures. I have been amazed when I have heard brothers in Christ pray and preach the same Gospel to which I cling. I have been thrilled to hear of the expansion of the Gospel into lands I have never visited as missionaries tell of the power of God’s Spirit in transforming lives and bringing lost souls into the family of God.
The word “fellowship” translates the Greek word “koinōnía” and indicates a group who has a common share in a project. In this case, the project is the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though you and I may not be members of the same local church, God, through Christ, has established local assemblies for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is for continuing in the fellowship of the Gospel – supporting a local ministry with your attendance and contributions – using your spiritual gifts and talents along with financial assistance – being involved in the work of the local church personally are necessary in order to be a vital part of this fellowship. The word “fellowship” is a personal term indicating community. It’s impossible to have fellowship apart from personal involvement.
Do you remember the last time you attended a gathering of believers for the purpose of worship? Do you remember the feeling you had when hundreds of voices were lifted in praise? Do you remember the burden that was lifted by a single hug from someone who was concerned enough about you to stop and pray with you?
Might I suggest that you will never experience that type of fellowship reading a devotional book or watching a religious program on television? That devotional book will never hug you and most probably that TV evangelist will never bring you a warm meal after you’ve had surgery.
Those wonderful intangibles are only afforded as you become involved in a local assembly of believers. Furthermore, in order to realize these blessings you must be included among the group and involved in the work. And, in order to be a blessing to others a believer must fellowship together being found faithful in a local assembly.
This Sunday, leave the TV off and attend a real church. You might be surprised at the blessings you will experience.
Interestingly enough is the fact that Paul found joy while incarcerated in a prison. While we aren’t certain where, exactly, he was confined; we can be assured that none of the prisons were luxury hotels with continental breakfast and maid service. As mentioned in a previous meditation, Paul’s “rememberer” was locked in a positive gear. He chose to make lemonade out of his lemons by sweetly submitting to the sovereignty of the Almighty.
While each of us has had our share of hardships and heartaches, our attitude should not be based upon our situation or circumstances. Our joy should be firmly established in the fellowship of the Gospel.
Throughout my life I’ve been blessed to have been a part of fellowships and Christian functions that are much larger than me. I have enjoyed the fellowship of rubbing shoulders with other Christians from various backgrounds and cultures. I have been amazed when I have heard brothers in Christ pray and preach the same Gospel to which I cling. I have been thrilled to hear of the expansion of the Gospel into lands I have never visited as missionaries tell of the power of God’s Spirit in transforming lives and bringing lost souls into the family of God.
The word “fellowship” translates the Greek word “koinōnía” and indicates a group who has a common share in a project. In this case, the project is the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though you and I may not be members of the same local church, God, through Christ, has established local assemblies for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is for continuing in the fellowship of the Gospel – supporting a local ministry with your attendance and contributions – using your spiritual gifts and talents along with financial assistance – being involved in the work of the local church personally are necessary in order to be a vital part of this fellowship. The word “fellowship” is a personal term indicating community. It’s impossible to have fellowship apart from personal involvement.
Do you remember the last time you attended a gathering of believers for the purpose of worship? Do you remember the feeling you had when hundreds of voices were lifted in praise? Do you remember the burden that was lifted by a single hug from someone who was concerned enough about you to stop and pray with you?
Might I suggest that you will never experience that type of fellowship reading a devotional book or watching a religious program on television? That devotional book will never hug you and most probably that TV evangelist will never bring you a warm meal after you’ve had surgery.
Those wonderful intangibles are only afforded as you become involved in a local assembly of believers. Furthermore, in order to realize these blessings you must be included among the group and involved in the work. And, in order to be a blessing to others a believer must fellowship together being found faithful in a local assembly.
This Sunday, leave the TV off and attend a real church. You might be surprised at the blessings you will experience.
Copyright © 2024 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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