July 5 AM
"OUR LIFE TOGETHER"
A Giving Fellowship
INTRODUCTION
1. We have seen that "fellowship" in the Lord's church is designed to
have...
a. The "intimacy" similar to that found in a "family"
b. The "interdependence" similar to that found among members of a
"body"
2. As we continue this study of fellowship, I want us to examine how
various "acts of worship" done in our public asssembles actually
contribute to building this sort of fellowship
3. In this lesson, I will look at one "act of worship", which of all
the things we do might be considered by some to be the least
"spiritual" and the least likely to build fellowship...
a. I am referring to the "collection", known also as the
"contribution", the "offering"
b. Which is taken up each first day of the week, often with little
thought on the part of some
I. SOME VIEWS OF "THE COLLECTION"
A. A WAY TO PAY THE BILLS?
1. Some might think the collection is a mere mechanical detail
necessary to raise money to pay the bills
2. Such would likely consider it to be a rude intrusion of
secular matters into an otherwise spiritual service
a. I.e., singing, prayer, Bible study, preaching...those are
spiritual activities
b. But taking up a collection...what does taking up money
(mammon) have to do with worshipping God?
3. This attitude toward the collection might say: "Hurry up and
pass the plate, so we can get on to more spiritual matters!"
B. A PRIVATE ACT BETWEEN THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS GOD?
1. Others may understand that there is a spiritual side to the
collection
a. That giving is an act of devotion to God
b. For I give back to Him as He has prospered me
2. This view looks at the collection solely as a private matter
between a person and His God, with no bearing on my fellowship
with others
II. A BRIEF SURVEY OF GIVING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
A. THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM...
1. There was a commendable spirit of giving for those in need
a. At first, the giving seemed to be informal, given directly
from giver to one in need - Ac 2:44-45
b. Soon, the process became systematic: brought to the
apostles, and then distributed to needy saints - Ac 4:32-35
2. From what is said by Peter to Ananias, this giving was a
"freewill offering", not a requirement - Ac 5:1-4
HERE WE HAVE CHRISTIANS IN ONE CONGREGATION HELPING EACH OTHER
B. THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH...
1. Responding to a prophecy about a coming famine - Ac 11:27-28
2. They sent relief "according to their ability" to the brethren
in Judea - Ac 11:29-30
HERE WE HAVE ONE CHURCH HELPING MANY CHURCHES
C. THE MINISTRY OF PAUL...
1. He was asked to remember the poor - Ga 2:9-10
2. On his missionary journeys, he was careful to do so
a. By giving instructions to the churches on how to collect
the money for the poor saints - 1Co 16:1-4
b. By encouraging churches to imitate one another's liberality
in giving
1) He motivated the Macedonians by telling them of the
Achaians' readiness and zeal - 2Co 9:1-2
2) He motivated the Achaians (Corinthians) by telling them
of the Macedonians' sacrificial participation - 2Co 8:
1-7
c. By imparting principles to govern proper giving
1) It must be willingly - 2Co 8:12a
2) It must be according to what one has, as God has
prospered him - 2Co 8:12b-14; 1Co 16:2
3) It must be with purpose (i.e., with forethought) - 2 Co 9:7a
4) It must be done cheerfully, not as a grudging obligation
- 2Co 9:7b; cf. 9:5
3. He writes of his plans to take these gifts to the poor saints
in Jerusalem - Ro 15:25-26
4. Which he eventually did - Ac 21:17; cf. 24:17
HERE WE HAVE MANY CHURCHES HELPING ONE CHURCH
III. THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF "THE COLLECTION"
A. A MEANS OF SUPPLYING NEED...
1. A way for Christians to supply the needs of their brethren
- cf. 2Co 9:12a
2. A way for Christians to supply the needs of preaching brethren
- cf. Php 1:5; 4:15-16; 2Co 11:8-9
B. A MEANS OF BUILDING AND STRENGTHENING FELLOWSHIP...
1. This is how Paul viewed the support he received from Philippi
- Php 1:5; 4:15-16
2. This is how Paul viewed the collection the Gentiles churches
were sending to their Jewish brethren
a. The Gentiles had been partakers (fellowship) in spiritual
things with their Jewish brethren, now they were simply
sharing (having fellowship) with them in material things
- Ro 15:27
b. The effect of such sharing was to create "longing" for one
another; i.e., more fellowship together! - cf. 2Co 9:12-15
3. Among the church in Jerusalem:
a. Such sharing was the ultimate proof that they were of "one
heart and one soul" (i.e., possessing true fellowship) - Ac 4:32
b. Such sharing was proof of their love for one another - cf.
1Jn 3:16-18
CONCLUSION
1. My point is simply this: The collection is just one means to promote
"fellowship" in the body of Christ!
2. As we give...
a. We are sharing (having fellowship) with those Christians whose
physical necessities cannot be met on their own (whether here or
afar)
b. We are sharing (having fellowship) with those who are preaching
the gospel (whether here or afar)
c. Indeed, we are sharing (having fellowship) with one another as we
work together as a local congregation by pooling our resources!
3. When thought of in this way...
a. Even this simple "act of worship" becomes a means for developing
our fellowship
b. What might be considered by some as secular intrusion into an
otherwise spiritual service is in fact an activity designed to
increase our spiritual fellowship that we have together in
Christ!
4. Thus it confirms the idea that we are not to view ourselves as
"isolated worshipers" when we come together; we are truly "A Giving
Fellowship!"
Our next study will continue examining the fellowship aspect of our
"acts of worship"...
July 12 AM
"OUR LIFE TOGETHER"
The Secret Of The Supper
INTRODUCTION
1. As we continue this study on "Our Life Together", we are looking at
how various "acts of worship" have a part in strengthening the kind
of fellowship Christ intends for His church
2. Our previous study looked at "the collection" or "contribution", in
which we saw that...
a. It not only supplies the needs of the saints and the preaching of
the gospel
b. But it also builds fellowship between the givers and the
recipients
3. In this lesson we will focus our attention on "The Lord's Supper",
which is also called:
a. The "breaking of bread" - Ac 2:42; 20:7
b. The "Communion" - 1Co 10:16
4. People who visit our services for the first time may often be
perplexed as to its meaning
a. Indeed, what IS its meaning?
b. And what does this observance have to do with "fellowship between
Christians"?
I. THE MEANING OF THE SUPPER
A. IMPORTANT ASPECTS ARE OFTEN POINTED OUT...
1. It is "a memorial" - 1Co 11:23-25
a. Instituted by the Lord Himself
b. To commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins
- Mt 26:26-28
2. It is "a proclamation" - 1Co 11:26
a. In which we proclaim our faith in the efficacy of Jesus'
death in our behalf
b. To be done till He comes again (so it also a proclamation
of our faith in His Second Coming)
3. It is to be "a period of extreme reverence" - 1Co 11:27,29
a. It is to be observed "in a worthy manner"
b. Out of respect for the supreme price Jesus paid for our
sins
1) E.g., the cruel torture and humiliation of His physical
body
2) E.g., the spiritual anguish suffered as the Son of God
bore the punishment for our sins - cf. "My God, My God,
Why has Thou forsaken Me?"
c. To make light of this memorial is to put one in the same
category as those who mocked Him as He hung on the cross!
4. It is "a time for self-examination" - 1Co 11:28
a. Reflecting upon our own spiritual condition in relation to
the sacrifice of Christ
b. Are we living in a manner that makes His sacrifice
worthwhile?
1) By our accepting the grace of God in our lives? - cf.
2Co 5:18-6:1
2) By living for Him? - cf. 2Co 5:14-15
c. Or are we by willful sinning, guilty of having...
1) "trampled the Son of God afoot"?
2) "counted the blood of the covenant by which [we were]
sanctified a common thing"?
3) "insulted the Spirit of grace"? - cf. He 10:26-29
d. Do we, by refusing to repent of our sins, "crucify again
for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an shame"? -
cf. He 6:4-6
5. It is "a communion" (sharing, fellowship) - 1Co 10:16
a. With the blood and body of Christ
b. Certainly, then, a "vertical" relationship and fellowship
with Christ as we commune
B. BUT THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE...
1. It also has something to do with "our oneness in the body of
Christ"! - 1Co 10:17
a. Though many, we are "one bread and one body"
b. Why? "for we all partake of that one bread"
c. There are at least two possible ways to view this...
1) Partaking of the one bread together "reminds" us of our
oneness, i.e., our fellowship
2) Partaking of the one bread together "strengthens" our
oneness, or fellowship
Both views are plausible, and both are accomplished,
whether or not that is what Paul actually had in mind
d. In this way "The Lord's Supper" is an act of worship in
which there is both:
1) A "vertical" fellowship (communion with the Lord's body
and blood)
2) A "horizontal" fellowship (communion with one another)
2. This helps us to see some implications in several passages
a. E.g., Ac 20:7 - "...when the disciples came together to
break bread..."
b. E.g, 1Co 11:33 - "...when you come together to eat, wait
for one another"
c. The Supper is designed to be a "communal" meal...
1) Even as the Passover, from which the Lord took elements
to institute the Lord's Supper, was a communal meal
2) For this reason I personally question such practices as:
a) Observing the Supper by one's self when camping
b) Observing the Supper on Sunday night when just one or
a couple of the congregation are partaking
c) Taking the elements to the sick or shut-in who were
unable to assemble with the saints
However, these are things I am willing to leave in
the realm of "opinion"
III. PRESERVING THE "FELLOWSHIP" ASPECT OF THE SUPPER
A. THOSE WHO ASSIST US IN PARTAKING CAN HELP...
1. The fellowship aspect of the Supper can be alluded to from
time to time
a. Those who lead the song in preparation for the communion
might point out when a song refers to the shared nature of
this supper (e.g., the song entitled "The Lord's Supper")
b. Those making comments or reading Scripture might
occasionally make reference to the relationship between
Christ's death and our fellowship with one another - e.g.,
Ep 2:13-16
c. Prayers offered can include thanksgiving for the
reconciliation between men made possible by that suffering
of Christ which we now commemorate
2. By occasionally making a connection between the "communion"
and the "collection"
a. It is true the "collection" is not a part of the
"communion"
b. But taking up the "collection" immediately following the
"communion" need not be thought of as simply "a matter of
convenience"
c. What better time is there to have "fellowship in the matter
of giving"?
1) We have just completed having "fellowship in the matter
of the communion"
2) It is the death of Christ who has made our fellowship
possible - cf. Ep 2:16
3) And it is His sacrificial example we are to follow - cf.
2Co 8:7-9
B. AS PARTICIPANTS AND PARTAKERS...
1. We should keep in mind the significance of Paul's statement in
1Co 10:17
a. "For we, being many, are one bread and one body;"
b. "...for we all partake of that one bread."
2. We should think not only of the communion we are having with
the Lord, but with one another as well
3. We should make every effort to be present when the church
"comes together to break bread" - cf. Ac 20:7
CONCLUSION
1. The fellowship we enjoy in Christ...
a. Was made possible by His death on the cross
b. Is strengthened whenever we participate together in the "breaking
of bread"
2. Is this how you view the Lord's Supper?
a. Or do you consider it simply as a personal act of worship?
b. With no bearing on your relationship with other Christians?
3. The "fellowship" aspect of the communion has not often been pointed
out in teaching about the Lord's Supper, and for this reason it has
been called "The Secret Of The Supper."
I hope that this "secret" is no longer a secret to us, and that we
might get more out of the time we spend together around "The Lord's
Table"...
July 19 AM
"OUR LIFE TOGETHER"
The Place Of Prayer And Song
INTRODUCTION
1. We have seen that the "collection" and the "Lord's Supper" include
in their design the element of strengthening fellowship...
a. The "collection" supplies the needs of the saints, but it also
increases fellowship between the givers and the recipients
b. The "Lord's Supper" is indeed a memorial and communion with the
Lord, but our partaking of it together also involves a communion
together as one body
2. There are two other "acts of worship" in which we engage when we
assemble that also have as a purpose (or at least as an outcome)
that of nourishing fellowship among Christians...
a. One is "prayer", and the other is "song"
b. Both involve expressions of praise and devotion to God, but is
that all?
3. In this study...
a. We shall examine how these activities can build fellowship with
each other
b. And seek to examine whether or not we are utilizing them as we
should
I. THE FELLOWSHIP IN PRAYER AND SONG
A. CAN BE ILLUSTRATED BY THE EXAMPLE OF THE EARLY CHURCH...
1. They were quick to join themselves together in prayer
a. In response to the threat of persecution - cf. Ac 4:18-20,
23-24,29-33
b. In the face of actual persecution - cf. Ac 12:1-3,5,12
2. They had fellowship in singing as well
a. While enduring imprisonment - Ac 16:25
b. Note the connection of singing with praying
B. WHY SUCH FELLOWSHIP IN PRAYER AND SONG?
1. Because of the value of prayer, and especially collective
praying
a. Prayer is a wonderful source of strength and peace - Php 4:
6-7
b. But there is also a special value when brethren pray
together!
1) Jesus taught the value of collective prayer - Mt 18:
19-20
2) James taught the value of the prayer of a righteous man;
how much more, then, the value of many righteous people
praying! - cf. Jm 5:16
2. Because of the value of song, and especially collective
singing
a. Singing certainly is appropriate as an individual
expression of praise - cf. Jm 5:13
b. But when done together, it can also serve as a form of
mutual teaching and admonition - cf. Col 3:16
c. This can lead to increased blessings, as such collective
singing...
1) Nurtures a heart of thankfulness to God - Col 3:16
2) Can lead to our being "filled with the Spirit" - cf. Ep 5:18-19
II. HOW WE CAN USE PRAYER AND SONG TO BUILD FELLOWSHIP
A. FIRST, MAKE PRAYER AND SINGING MEANINGFUL IN YOUR PRIVATE
DEVOTIONS...
1. You DO have private devotions, don't you?
2. Learn to lean on God in prayer - believe in the power of God
to answer prayer!
a. For God is One Who hears our prayers - cf. Ps 65:2
b. And those who look to God in prayer will find Him to be One
Who answers, prompting us to pray even more - e.g., Ps 116:
1-2
3. Learn the joy of singing praise to God
a. David did, and found it to be both pleasant and beautiful
- Ps 147:1
b. I have found it helpful to listen and sing along with those
singing hymns recorded on tapes
The more experience you have in your personal devotions, the
more you will get out of your public devotions with others!
B. SECOND, AS WE PRAY AND SING TOGETHER, EXPEND SOME EFFORT...
1. Listen attentively to the prayers, making them your own
2. When appropriate, don't hesitate to offer a hearty "AMEN!"
3. As we sing, be sure you are making melody "with the heart"
- cf. Ep 5:19
a. New Testament worship stresses the spiritual side, not the
physical side
b. Don't worry how you sound, but sing from the heart!
c. Remember, our countenance is often a good indicator of the
condition of our hearts - cf. Pr 15:13
Just as you get more out of attending a sports event by
getting involved in the game, so one gets more out of our
assemblies by getting involved in the collective activities!
C. THIRD, SIT CLOSER TOGETHER...
1. What good is it to teach and admonish one another if we can't
hear each other?
2. Sitting close together, people are more likely sing out
3. There is more of a sense that we are engaged in these
activities together as a family when we sit together
a. When you attend with your physical family, don't you like
the idea that you are worshipping God "together"?
b. Doesn't sitting together "as a family" help nourish that
idea?
c. Shouldn't we, then, as the family of God "sit together"?
D. FINALLY, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES TO SING AND PRAY
TOGETHER...
1. In our regular assemblies
2. In gospel meetings
3. In special singings
4. In home Bible studies, or home singings
For the more you do it, the more you get out of it; some
people never experience the joy of fellowship in prayer and
song because they do it so rarely!
CONCLUSION
1. In Jm 5:13, James wrote:
"Is anyone among you suffering?
Let him pray.
"Is anyone cheerful?
Let him sing psalms."
2. While we can certainly do this on our own, God does not intend for
this to always be the case; consider what Paul wrote in Ro 12:15...
"Rejoice with those who rejoice,
and weep with those who weep."
3. The fellowship Christ intended for His church to enjoy involves a
sharing together in the songs and prayer we offer to God!
To ignore or otherwise not fully appreciate this part of "Our Life
Together" is to deprive ourselves of some of the greatest blessings
found in the family of God, the church.
July 26 AM
"OUR LIFE TOGETHER"
An Accepting Fellowship
INTRODUCTION
1. Our study so far pertaining to "Our Life Together" has focused on
important concepts related to Christian fellowship:
a. That the nature of our fellowship in Christ...
1) Is to be patterned after that found in a family ("An Intimate
Household")
2) Is such that we are truly interdependent upon one another
(No Life Outside The Body")
b. That even those "acts of worship" ordained by God have as a
purpose to strengthen fellowship...
1) The "collection" supplies the needs of the saints, but it also
increases fellowship between the givers and the recipients
("A Giving Fellowship")
2) The "Lord's Supper" is indeed a memorial and communion with
the Lord, but our partaking of it together also involves a
communion together as one body ("The Secret Of The Supper")
3) Both "prayer" and "singing" contribute as well ("The Place Of
Prayer And Song")
2. Another important concept in developing the type of fellowship that
should exist in the church of our Lord is that of "acceptance"
a. It is easy for there to be acceptance in a family because of the
physical ties
b. It is also easy in social organizations that are based upon
things the members have in common
But in the church, it not always easy; for you have a gathering
of people of various backgrounds, lifestyles, and interests
3. How can a thriving fellowship exist in the midst of such
differences?
I. THE NATURE OF OUR DIFFERENCES
A. THE DIFFERENCES IN A CHURCH CAN BE MANY...
1. Differences in "race" (white, oriental, African-American)
2. Differences in "nationalities" (American, Canadian, Mexican,
etc.)
3. Differences in "political ideologies" (conservative, liberal,
libertarian, etc.)
4. Differences in "economic status" (poor, wealthy)
5. Differences in "lifestyles" (simple, extravagant, etc.)
6. Differences in "secular interests" (sports, computing,
hobbies)
7. Differences in "spiritual maturity" (weak in faith, strong in
faith)
B. ALL THESE DIFFERENCES POSSESS POTENTIAL FOR DISRUPTION...
1. Prejudice or bigotry in any one area can destroy the unity
(and fellowship) in a local congregation
2. Even on a more innocent level, "cliques" can develop among
those who have things in common
How can we be one and enjoy fellowship with so many
differences?
II. GOD'S ATTITUDE TOWARD "ACCEPTANCE"
A. GOD IS NOT ONE TO SHOW PARTIALITY...
1. He revealed Himself to Israel as One who shows no partiality
- Deut 10:17
2. Paul wrote of God's impartial judgment to come - Ro 2:9-11
3. Peter also wrote of God's impartiality - 1Pe 1:17
B. GOD IS WILLING TO ACCEPT ALL...
1. This was the purpose of the vision shown to Peter, and the
Spirit falling upon the Gentile listeners - cf. Ac 10:34-35
2. As Peter would relate later at the Jerusalem conference, God
makes no distinction - Ac 15:7-9
3. And in his last epistle, Peter wrote that the Lord desires all
to come to repentance - 2Pe 3:9
C. GOD WANTS US TO BE ONE, AND ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER...
1. Even as Christ has received us, so we are to receive one
another - Ro 15:7
2. Putting on Christ in baptism, our differences lose their
significance as we contemplate our oneness made possible in
Him - cf. Ga 3:27-28
III. APPLYING THE CONCEPT OF "ACCEPTANCE"
A. DO NOT PRACTICE "PARTIALITY"...
1. By showing favoritism towards some, and prejudice towards
others - Jm 2:1
2. As an example, consider Jm 2:2-9
a. Where we are told to accept the poor as well as the rich
b. This principle can be applied in many other areas where
there are differences
3. We must also beware of "reverse partiality" (e.g., where the
poor despise the rich, out of envy)
B. PUT ON THE "NEW MAN" THROUGH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL...
1. Whatever our differences, we are all to become like Christ -
Col 3:9-10
2. As we do so, our differences lose significance - Col 3:11
3. For as we develop Christ-like character, the potential for
partiality lessens - Col 3:12-15
a. We will have a heart of compassion, not ice
b. We will be kind, not cruel
c. We will be humble, not proud
d. We will be gentle, not harsh
e. We will patient, not intolerant
f. We will be forgiving, not judgmental
g. We will be loving, not bigoted
C. THOUGH DIFFERENCES LOSE THEIR SIGNIFICANCE, THIS DOES NOT MEAN
DIFFERENCES CEASE TO EXIST...
1. A Jew is still a Jew, and a Gentile is still a Gentile
2. The poor are still poor, and the rich are still rich
3. Divine guidelines governing some differences must still be
respected
a. The servant must still honor his responsibilities as a
slave - cf. Col 3:22-25
b. The differences in responsibilities between male and female
must still honored - cf. Col 3:18; 1Ti 2:11-12; 1Co 14:
34-38
Just as all members are to submit to the "elders" - 1Ti 3:
1-7; He 13:17
CONCLUSION
1. As we grow in Christ, putting on the "new man who is renewed in
knowledge according to the image of Him who created him", we are
more likely to fulfill the admonition of Paul:
"Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us,
to the glory of God."
- Ro 15:7
2. Only as we accept one another without partiality can we hope to
attain to the level of fellowship the Lord intended for His people
to enjoy in the family of God
Are you contributing to "An Accepting Fellowship"? Are you willing to
accept others, even as God has accepted you?
