Blessed Through Fellowship
Introduction:
What is fellowship? Fellowship could be
defined as joint participation. We see this sharing together in several places
in scripture. We’ve heard a great
deal about fellowship over the last decade and a half. Much of it is considered
from the angle of who we should not be in joint participation with. These are valid concerns. Today…we will talk
about from the perspective of fellowship with brethren.
I.
A Look at Acts 2.
A.
Acts 2:38-41 – 3000
souls obey gospel having surrendered to God’s term of grace.
B.
2:42 – rock solid
unity. Seen in how they dwelled
in:
1.
Apostle’s teaching.
2.
Fellowship.
C.
2:44a – the believers
were together.
1.
Eph. 4:4-6 – what is
the basis of our togetherness?
D.
2:44b – believers had
all things in common.
1.
What is mine is yours…attitude
of service.
E.
2:45 – believers were
unselfish.
1.
Here is where we have an
opportunity to make a real difference.
F.
2:46 – believers ate
together. Breaking bread
here…
1.
Refers to common meals
inside the homes of Christians.
2.
Nothing like being together
with one another!
G.
2:47 – believers
worshipped together.
1.
Your presence in worship is
a strengthening agent to other members.
a)
Your absence is a
discouragement.
b)
Heb. 10:24-25 – this
is the rationale behind these verses.
II.
Acts 16 – a look at what Paul & Silas
shared together.
A.
16:22-24 – Paul &
Silas put in prison for preaching the gospel.
1.
Look at the negatives: 16:23a – beaten up.
a)
16:23b – locked up; 16:24c
– chained up
2.
All of this could have
easily caused them to give up.
A.
How did Paul & Silas
emphasize the positive?
1.
16:25a – they looked up to God during this difficult
time.
2.
16:25b – they prayed up to God. 16:25c – they sang up.
3.
16:28 – they spoke up. They focused on the needs of
others.
B.
16:30 – people were won
to the gospel because of Silas & Paul’s “up’s.”
Conclusion:
A.
Isn’t it great to be a part
of something larger than self?
B.
Are you part of the Lord’s
Church?