20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20 – 23)
17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17 – 18)
Just as we are enjoying our time discussing worship, it’s time to switch to the discipline of Fellowship. Let’s face it, many of us are not as committed to fellowship as we should be. So, as we contemplate our theme of God’s glory, I am providing two passages of scripture to encourage us to a higher level of commitment.
In the first passage (from John 17) Jesus in His powerful prayer leading up to His crucifixion says that He has given believers the glory He was given “that they may be one” as He is with the Father. There is a clear premium on unity, and I would argue by extension, a clear premium on fellowship. If we seek to live out the unity Jesus has with His Father, we must be committed fellowship.
The second passage (from 2 Corinthians 3) says we are being transformed into God’s image with “ever-increasing glory”. As believers, we are all in an important growing process together. I believe, therefore, that we should cherish the opportunity to do this transformation journey in fellowship, not as a lone wolf.
Please read the passages carefully and answer the following question.
Question:
How highly do you value fellowshipping with believers?
March 28, 2019 at 9:05 am
Proverbs 18:1 says…One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires. He rebels against all sound judgment. Someone is never so vulnerable to sin as when they’re alone.
The support I get in fellowship allows me to grow in areas that otherwise I may not.
Identifying with others who have the same goals, who share their failures and accomplishments also encourages me to steadfastness in Christ.
March 28, 2019 at 10:02 am
I highly value fellowshipping with believers even though I don’t experience it often enough. I enjoy my morning worship and fellowship with friendly people on Sunday mornings. It is a “family-like” feeling, knowing that almost everyone I see is there for the same purpose I’m there: to worship, praise, and give God glory. I even have no problem with the “turn around and shake hands” part.
However, that’s where it ends for me. I rarely see any of these people during the week. I think it would be great to be a part of a Bible Study, or even a nigh-out of fun with other believers. Even though I would cherish and value times like this, unfortunately, I tend to make my job dominate my time.
March 28, 2019 at 10:51 am
I value fellowship highly and I did t realize how important it was until I didn’t have it. Almost three years ago I moved from a church family and family and I miss them all. I have learned not to try and look for the “same” experience here since that won’t happen 😊. Thankful God has given me opportunities and platforms like this to have fellowship and community until I find where He wants me to be.
March 28, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Fellowship is of utmost importance to me because I see the value of the body. No man is an island. We need each other in such a tremendous way because we have been given different gifts but we are one body. A beautiful thing takes place when we fellowship with each other. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:26 that “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. I think this scripture verse exemplifies true fellowship.
March 28, 2019 at 1:25 pm
Oh I miss fellowship with others when I am in a place without any of the groups I am part of. There is a void. Sometimes though an angel leads one or more together in the most unlikely places for even the shortest time and a few sentences is enough to buoy me and them again. You feel as though those strangers are part of the loves in your life even though you may not know them or ever see them again.
I am blessed to find everso faithful followers of of our Lord and we share not only the Word, our fears if any, Faithful discussion on all topics that we overrun our allotted time. We always meet, study and leave in the Glory of His presence. Amen
March 28, 2019 at 3:42 pm
Yes and no for me.
Still not so sure that humans are all that in tune with other people’s feelings.
But when I forgive them and move on it gets better.
Lesson learned is to love my fellow being.
No one is perfect and yes fellowship is important
I know people who feel left out in a group etc and if there is a good leader they should not.
Inclusion is the key.
Stop thinking only of yourself.