Abide in Fellowship Pt 1
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Message in Print
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
Abide 08 – Abide in Fellowship - PT 1 - Acts 2:42-47
I need to start today by giving credit for some of the concepts today
to Joshua Harris
His book “Stop Dating the Church”
should be required reading for all Christians
I’ve taken some of his CONCEPTS & ADDED them to my own “Heart”
on this critically important subject
“Stop Dating the Church” – By Joshua Harris
Amazon.com - $9.35
Today – We’re going to talk about Abiding in Fellowship
& specifically, we’re going to talk about becoming
An essential, integral, functioning part of a local group of believers
Let’s Pray
We’re headed to Acts Ch 2
But on the previous page of your Bible (probably)
is actually the BEGINNING of the NT Church
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
If you are a Believer today – then you & I can trace
our Spiritual heritage back to THIS Vs (& really, further)
But from Acts 1:8 – to the day you were saved
there have been those who have “Given Evidence” (Witnesses)
to the New Life available to all in Jesus Christ alone
A few vs’s later – in Acts Ch 2 – The Holy Spirit falls on 120 believers
& the church - is LIT on fire
& the church - is LIT on fire
The first event is an “Open Air Sermon” – Preached by Peter
& 3,000 souls are saved
& then - Immediately we read
Acts 2:42–47 (ESV)
42 And they DEVOTED themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
THIS is the N.T. church - that we are part of - if we are saved today
There’s SO MUCH we could focus on in teaching these Vs’s
But for the ABIDE series
in regard to ABIDING in Fellowship
I need to FOCUS PRIMARILY on One WORD today
The word – DEVOTED
EVERYTHING in these Vs’s can be described & taught
as a part of our FELLOWSHIP
The Apostles Teaching (42)
The WORD Fellowship – KOINONIA (sharing in common) (42)
Breaking of Bread – Used of Communion & Eating together (42)
Prayers – both personal & corporate (42)
All who believed were together (44)
Had all things in common (44)
Giving (more than a tithe) to those in need (45)
Day by Day in the Temple together & Eating together (46)
Praising God & having favor with all the people (47)
The Lord adding to their number daily, those who were being saved
All of these verses are describing
what we can call in general - FELLOWSHIP
But I’d like to look very closely at the word DEVOTED
“they Devoted themselves” to this Fellowship
Because the word for DEVOTED
has a very similar meaning - as “ABIDE”
The NKJV translates this word – “continued steadfastly”
where we can see a similar meaning as “to Abide”
But IF we’ll dig in- just a little bit more - we’ll be able to see
a Critical SECRET to our Christian Growth & Maturity
If we’ll dig in – we’ll see the SECRET to – “Abiding in Fellowship”
The GK word is - PROS-KA-TEAR-O
STRONG’S – to adhere to, be devoted to, to continue all the time, to persevere and not to faint.
TDNT – to persist at, to remain with, to be loyal to.
LOUW-NIDA - to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of ‘despite difficulty’
THAT is what it means to be “Devoted To”,
to “Continue Steadfastly” - in the Fellowship of the Believers
& THAT is ALSO what it means - TO ABIDE
But there is something UNIQUE
about the GREEK word used here
it’s SIMILAR in definition – to our word ABIDE,
that we’ve been using all thru this series
ABIDE Meaning: to continue in a permanent state, a continuous “Living in Union”
But this Word for “Being DEVOTED”
to the Fellowship of God’s people
has a clear sense of Abiding in the Midst of DIFFICULTY
Look closely – these definitions are PACKED with emotion
they are words of PERSEVERING in DIFFICULTY
ADHERE to - be DEVOTED to - CONTINUE all the time
PERSEVERE – Not FAINT
PERSIST at, REMAIN with, BE LOYAL to
& the Last Definition (Louw Nida Lex) - really DRIVES it HOME !!
LOUW-NIDA
to continue to do something with intense effort . . . despite difficulty
I’ve been learning how to ABIDE in Fellowship for over 30 years
& in my experience – the “Despite Difficulty” part
is a absolute GUARANTEE
Who would agree with me – that it is a GUARANTEE
that to Abide in Fellowship WILL Always BE
In the MIDST of some Difficulty ??
There are SO MANY things we could focus on
about ABIDING in Fellowship
But I believe the most critically truth I could share is
We must Learn to ABIDE in Fellowship
In the MIDST of some Difficulty ??
This is our THIRD Practical Message in Abiding
In our 1st Practical Msg – we looked at HOW to PRAY –
IN SPITE of WHY we think CAN’T
In our 2nd Practical Msg – we looked at Abiding in God’s Word
IN SPITE of WHY we think we CAN’T
& in this 3rd Practical Msg – I want to talk about
HOW we can Abide in Fellowship
IN SPITE of WHY we think we CAN’T
Now – it’s Very Important – that I define
HOW I’m using the Phrase - Abiding in Fellowship
What I mean (for the msg today) by Abiding in Fellowship is;
becoming an essential, integral, functioning part of a local group of believers
(integral = “essential to the completeness”)
Every True Believer is part of the Universal Body of Christ
But the PRACTICAL & TANGIBLE way
that we FUNCTION as part of the Body of Christ
is by being an essential, integral, functioning part of a local group of believers
C.J. Mahaney
Every Christian is called to be passionately committed to a specific local church. Why? Because the local church is the key to spiritual health and growth for a Christian. And because as the visible “body of Christ” in the world, the local church is central to God’s plan for every generation.
The Local Church is the Visible “Body of Christ” in the world
& it is CENTRAL to God’s Plan, for every generation
& so Mahaney says: Every Christian is called
to be passionately committed to a specific local church
But IF in fact, that’s True - WHY do we see so FEW Christians
Passionately Committed to a Specific Local Church ?
Here are THREE Possible reasons
1) Our attitude toward church is “Me Centered”
Often we attend church for what we can GET out of it
Is it enjoyable – for me ?
Is it entertaining – for me ?
do I like the people, programs, activities ?
Most Christians come to church with a “What’s in it for me attitude”
We are taught to be consumers - & the best consumers
are the ones who find the Best Product, at the Lowest Price
So if I’m going to invest my 90 Min - or my $90
then I am going to shop around till I can get the most
out of those minutes & dollars
because that’s what good consumers do !!
& as soon as I can take my minutes, & my dollars –
& get more out of it somewhere else – then I gotta go . . .
cause that’s what good consumers do
they’re always looking around for the best deal in town
To me – this is the Number ONE reason
that Christians don’t ABIDE in Fellowship in our culture
The #2 reason – WHY we see so few Christians
really ABIDE in a specific Fellowship of believers
2) We are taught to be Independent
Dr Spock told us in the 60’s
that we get to have it OUR WAY – ALL the Time
But the only way we can have it our way
is to remain independent of anything
that might get in the way - of us having it OUR way
& so some Christians show up at church . . .
but they’re careful NOT to get TOO involved
because it may conflict with them Having things – THEIR WAY
They avoid putting themselves in a situation
where they might have to change or adjust their views & opinions
& then - if you ever cross their VIEW, or OPINION
they can quickly & easily move on down the road
because they have no real ties
3rd reason why so few Christians really ABIDE in Fellowship, is ;
3) We become church “critic’s” - like Siskel & Eibert
Do you remember these guys – with their “Thumbs UP,
Thumbs DOWN” reviews of the movies ?
2 thumbs down
1 thumb up – 1 thumb down
2 thumbs up – FOR TODAY – next Sunday it may change
Too often Christians take the Siskel & Eibert approach to church
They sit back in our Barka Lounger evaluating & determining
if they’re are sufficiently impressed – or NOT
& if they’re NOT impressed, well . . . then it’s their job to tell somebody
cause that’s just what they do
cause that’s just what they do
Criticism of The Fellowship of Believers is almost
Universally Accepted by Christians today
Very seldom do I hear of a Christian pointing out the SIN
of another Christian who is criticizing the body of Christ
& the enemy constantly feeds these Christians the BAIT
to keep them always DAMAGING the Cause of Christ
But Maybe all that these Christians NEED
- Maybe all that we ALL NEED
is a CLEARER perspective on how God sees the church
let’s just ZOOM OUT a bit - - to get a little bigger picture
I LOVE . . . My WIFE
In July, she will have been my BRIDE for 30 years
She has always been my BRIDE – I have always been willing
to CLIMB any Mountain, or SWIM any Ocean for her
I love her with a UNIQUE & a SACRIFICIAL Love
& when a person CARES for my wife, & my kids
when a person is CONCERNED for their well being
& is willing even to SACRIFICE to take care of them . . .
That person will find a SPECIAL place in my heart
because they are CARING FOR - what I Love so much
& if a person Disrespects, Criticizes, or Slanders My wife, or my kids
or if a person does something to cause
my BRIDE or my CHILDREN pain or difficulty
THAT person will also – have a SPECIAL place in my heart
but it’s not a GOOD special place
& so - If that’s true for me – with my Bride, & my Children
How much MORE TRUE is that - for Jesus Christ & His Church
Jesus Christ feels Infinitely Stronger about the Church
than I feel, about my own BRIDE
Jesus Gave Himself up, as a Sacrifice, for the Church
Jesus Laid down His life, for His Bride
Do you think that God saw Marriage - & said,
“Hey, we should pattern our love for the church after this marriage thing”
“Hey, we should pattern our love for the church after this marriage thing”
No – Of Course Not
God said, “In order to give them some small example of how I feel for the church,
I’m going to pattern MARRIAGE after My IMMENSE, Sacrificial Love for the church”
I’m going to pattern MARRIAGE after My IMMENSE, Sacrificial Love for the church”
Let’s turn over to Eph 5 - - it is ALWAYS used to teach on Marriage
But today – Just LOOK at it from God’s Perspective
Ephesians 5:25–27 (ESV)
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
The teaching continues to V.32 – where it says
Ephesians 5:32 (ESV)
32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
Guys - Jesus LOVES His Bride
BOTH the Universal Church - & the local church
& if we are Followers of Christ
If we are being Transformed into His image
If we are Putting on the Mind of Christ
Then WE will LOVE the church – BECAUSE Jesus loves it
Even WITH ALL its Flaws & Hang-Ups
& IF we could just BEGIN to understand a portion
of HOW MUCH Jesus loves His Bride
Then maybe we would Love the Bride of Christ
& maybe be a little more careful about causing Injury – to Her
If that’s not enough – How about the fact that
ALL TOGETHER we are called the BODY of Christ (1Cor 12)
Do we want to be Abide as PART of the BODY of Christ ?
Or do we want to inflict INJURY on the Body of Christ ?
By the way – As far as ABIDING ANALOGIES go . . .
DON’T TRY – separating a PART of your Body, from the rest
That’s NOT Pretty
All the PARTS are meant to Function - TOGETHER
Or how about the fact that we are called the TEMPLE of God !
The place where God is to be Worshipped & Honored
Do we want to Abide in the place where God’s Worshipped & Honored?
Or do we want to spray paint INSULTS on the walls ?
At times – we can ALL come up with GOOD REASONS
why we just CAN’T be
an essential, integral, functioning part of a local group of believers
But just think for a minute with me
When the Apostle Peter had DENIED Christ
& he had FALLEN so HARD in his Pride
What TEST Jesus gave him – in order to RESTORE him ?
How would Jesus KNOW if Peter had repented
& was ready to truly follow Him ?
In the FAMOUS “Breakfast by the Sea” text – in Jn 21:15-17
Three times Jesus asked Peter if he really loved Him
all Three times Peter responded YES, to the best of his ability
& all Three times – Jesus said – THEN;
Feed My Lambs
Tend My Sheep
Feed My Sheep
Sometimes – we read too much INTO this text
as we overly dissect the words for love, etc
The Clearest Meaning here is this:
“If you love Jesus, then care of His flock”
& YES – it’s TRUE - Sheep are – Stubborn, Stinky, & Stupid
But HOW can we say we Love the Good SHEPHERD
If we refuse to CARE for His SHEEP ?
& CARING for His Sheep
is most often done – in the Local Church
Chuck Colson
Of course every believer is part of the universal church. But for any Christian who has a choice in the matter, failure to cleave to a particular church is failure to obey Christ
& Christians NOT wanting to ABIDE in Fellowship
is NOT JUST a 20th (or 21st Century) Problem
in the 1800’s Charles Spurgeon wrote this
Charles Spurgeon
I know there are some who say, “Well, I have given myself to the Lord, but I do not intend to give myself to the church.”
Now why not?
“Because I can be a Christian without it”
Are you quite clear about that? You can be as good a Christian by disobedience to your Lord’s commands as by being obedient?”
Spurgeon compared this problem - to TWO different BRICKS
1 Peter 2:5 (ESV)
5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Spurgeon says: A believer who refuses to be an integral part
of a local group of believers
is like a brick that refuses to be part of a house
A single brink, being kicked around on the ground
is of NO USE to the building of the house
it must become PART of the house, to become useful
The N.T. is very CLEAR on this matter
There are SO MANY places where the Bible SPELLS out
our Critical NEED to be Joined together as the Body of Christ
John 13 & 17 - All through Acts
Rom 12 & 15 - 1Cor 10 & 12
Eph 2 & 4 - Heb 10 & 13
1Pet 4 - All of 1Jn
& it just goes on & on & on
All thru the N.T. – the Apostle’s were constantly
planting & caring for individual local churches
MOST of the N.T. books were written to specific local churches
ALMOST Every time the word church is used in the N.T.
it is addressing (in context) a specific local group of believers
Certainly the Universal Church of Jesus Christ
is an UMBRELLA over all of the N.T.
But in the Practical sense of ABIDING in Fellowship
in MOST cases that means
being an essential, integral, functioning part of a local group of believers
& then – REMAINING with them – ABIDING in Fellowship with them
Continue “Living in Union” with them
If you’d like to take on this study – on your own
if you’d like to ABIDE in the Word
Regarding your need to ABIDE in Fellowship
Let me give you THREE Ch’s to really dig into
Eph 4 - Rom 12 - 1Cor 12
& we MIGHT go ahead & take next week
to review these 3 Key Ch’s on this subject
Does this mean that absolutely ANY church we walk into
we should make a Long-Term commitment
to ABIDE in the Fellowship there ??
NO – it doesn’t mean that
& I think we’ll take Next week to go over GUIDELINES
of how to choose a group of Believers to ABIDE in Fellowship with
We don’t have the time TODAY - to develop those guidelines –
or HOW you BEGIN to ABIDE in specific Fellowship
But what you can do TODAY
is make your way to one of the Discipleship Tables after Svc
I know it’s not that easy to go the first time - but give it a try
& I’m going to ask the Discipleship Table Leaders
to talk about ways - that the people at your Table
can BECOME a functioning part of THIS group of believers – ok?
The purpose of Today’s Msg is SINGULAR
It’s to Exhort you & to Encourage you – to become
an essential, integral, functioning part of a group of believers
in other words – Learn to ABIDE in Fellowship
ABIDE meaning – A Continuous “Living in Union”
Become an ABIDING PART of a Group of Believers
It is Critically Important for your Spiritual Growth
& it is Critically Important in Obeying the Commands of Christ
The GOOD NEWS is – God NEVER said
we had to find a PERFECT Group of Believers – to Abide in
If that were the case we’d all have to DIE & meet in Heaven
cause that’s the only place that’s gonna happen
But Jesus Christ – YOUR LORD . . .
HE LOVES Stubborn, Sticky, & Stupid SHEEP
& He has called YOU to Love them also - on His behalf
& He has called you to be UNITED with them;
as His Body – as His Temple - & as His Bride
as His Body – as His Temple - & as His Bride
Please – become
an essential, integral, functioning part of a group of believers
& then – ABIDE there !!
As Acts 2:42 says – Be DEVOTED to the Fellowship of the Saints
adhere to - be devoted to - continue all the time in
persevere – not faint
persist at, remain with, be loyal to
& continue with intense effort . . . despite difficulty
Remember – THAT, is what DEVOTED to - MEANS
Let’s Pray