Theme: Strengthening our Faith
Topic: Spiritual Growth through Fellowship
Main Texts: Acts 2:40-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 27:17
Key verse: Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” (NKJV).
Introduction:
Fellowship means all believers have a common spiritual association with Christ, to exalt Him and meet the needs of one another. Apostle John (1 John 1:1-10) explains that this transcends fellowship with disciples to fellowship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Having fellowship with God means we walk in the light of God; we are in an eternal relationship with Him and we can have fellowship with one another. Our relationship remains secure even if we sin because the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. However, the sin must be confessed so as not to hinder fellowship with God. Fellowship with the Father and the Son is therefore a relationship with Jesus as Saviour (1John 5:12-13); not walking in sin (1 John 1:5-6); walking in accordance with the light of God’s word (1John 1:7); and regularly confessing our sins (1John 1:8-10). Clearly, biblical fellowship causes spiritual growth because Christ is its foundation.
Q1. (1a) Read 1 Cor. 12: 7-14; 1 Cor. 14:26; Matt. 18: 19-20. Why is it important for Christians to fellowship with other believers? (1b) What could happen if as Christians we do not take time to assemble together? (Eccl. 4:9-12; Esther 4:14; Acts 1:4-14).
Paragraph 2:
Spiritual growth through fellowship is not just about Christ being its foundation; it edifies the Church. The Early Church was focused on prayer, bible reading and fellowships held in meetings and informal gatherings (Acts 2: 42-47). It was a spiritually sound, healthy church filled with reverence for the power of God. The needs of the saints were met as they resolved to assemble together (Acts 2:46). Assembling together was a daily continuous commitment to house fellowships to further God’s Kingdom, united with one mind, centered on Christ. Spiritual growth through fellowship also encourages Christians through loving relationships that help them stimulate each other to love and good deeds by sharing scriptures, praying, meeting each other’s needs whilst assembling together (Hebrews 10:24-25). It helps believers to remain in the faith and avoid the devil’s strategy of discouragement (1 Peter 5:8).
Q2. (2a) Read Hebrews 10:24-25, Eccl. 4:9-12, Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 3:13. How can we glorify God by encouraging brethren in VFC? (2b) What should we do individually to stir up one another to love and good works? (2c) How can we ensure that a “consumer attitude” and “busyness” do not cloud our need to assemble together with brethren?
Paragraph 3:
The devil’s strategy is to prevent us from committing to regular assembling together in unity with Christ, the object of our spiritual worship. Our commitment and responsibility to one another should lead to faithfulness, openness, and honesty through mutual accountability and encouragement. This establishes that fellowship is not a solo journey, but a communal one hinged on Christ and His Church (Romans 12:4-6).
Q3. (3a). What will you do to ensure your growth and that of others through spiritual fellowship?
Prayer: Father, as we strengthen our faith, help us to grow in fellowship, looking out for one another in mutual commitment to your word and as a united body in Christ. in Jesus Name, Amen.