Lesson4-Day 2 Devoted to Caring Fellowship
They devoted themselves to . . . fellowship (Acts 2:42)
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. . . (Acts 2:44-46)A Spirit-filled church is marked by members who devote themselves to "the fellowship." Being dvoted to caring fellowship begins with a conviction that Christ calls us to love his church as he loves his church. He laid down his life for us, and now we are called to lay down our lives for each other. Only the Holy Spirit can give us Christ's love for his people.
Romans 12:9-18 lists specific instruction about devoting ourselves to the fellowship.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Here they are some of those instructions:
- devoted to one another in brotherly love.
- honor one another above myself.
- share with thoes who are in need.
- practice hospitality.
- bless those who persecute me.
- rejoice with those that rejoice - mourn with they that mourn.
- live in harmony - live at peace with everyone.
- don't be proud - willing to associate with all people.
- don't repay evil with evil.
- be carefull to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
posted by Bill @ 9:46 AM
2 Comments:
Hey Bill!
What kind of feedback are you getting on the transperancy issue? I have not seen a breakthrough yet, have you? We seem to be more willing to discuss the church and what it needs as opposed to personal transperancy. The walls we put up have to come down if revival is going to advance. This was a very good
entry. Thanks
True! I am currently reading a book called "Crisis of Caring" by Jerry Bridges. I have only just begun the book, but the first couple chapters are spent defining "fellowship." Key to us understanding transperancy is knowing and practicing Biblical fellowship. He talks about a subjective and objective aspect of fellowship. It is not just feelings. There are aspects of fellowship with God and hence with other believers that are know only through the inherent relationship that we have in Christ. Christ is the vine and I am a branch. By being a Christ follower, I am graphed into a relationship with Christ. Likewise other followers are part of this same body (vine) also. It is not a choice it is a truth.
I have seen greater transperancy in my cell group since we have started the Fire & Reign study. People are talking about themselves more so than discussing the church or other things. I am experiencing greater transperancy.
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