Embracing Fellowship: Walking in Light and Community
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of fellowship and community within the Christian faith, drawing from 1 John 1. The essence of the message is that just as Jesus came to be with us, we are called to be with one another. This is not merely about physical proximity but about genuine, heartfelt connection—koinonia. We began by reflecting on the cultural nuances of food and how being next to people can teach us new things, much like how Jesus' presence among us taught us about God's love and grace.
The heart of the message is the call to walk in the light, as God is light, and to avoid the darkness of sin. This requires honesty with ourselves and with others, acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness. True fellowship is rooted in Christ and is characterized by trust, faithfulness, and honesty. It is through this fellowship that we can encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and grow in our faith.
We also discussed the importance of being part of a community that challenges us and helps us grow. Just as I learned and grew in my competitive shooting days by being around others who were more experienced, we too can grow in our spiritual lives by surrounding ourselves with those who can speak truth into our lives. This involves being open to feedback and willing to make necessary changes.
Finally, we reflected on the legacy of our church community and the responsibility we have to train and encourage the next generation. This is not just about passing on roles but about instilling a deep love for the church and its mission. We are called to be faithful stewards of the ministry, ensuring that it continues to thrive for future generations.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Presence: Just as Jesus came to be with us, we are called to be with one another. This presence is not just physical but involves deep, meaningful connections that reflect the love and grace of Christ. True fellowship, or koinonia, is about sharing life together, encouraging one another, and growing in faith. [06:57]
- Walking in the Light: God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness. As believers, we are called to walk in the light, which means living in truth and avoiding the darkness of sin. This requires honesty with ourselves and others, acknowledging our sins, and seeking forgiveness. [09:38]
- Community and Growth: Being part of a community is essential for spiritual growth. Just as I learned from others in my competitive shooting days, we too can grow in our faith by surrounding ourselves with those who can speak truth into our lives. This involves being open to feedback and willing to make necessary changes. [15:33]
- Legacy and Responsibility: We have a responsibility to train and encourage the next generation of believers. This involves not just passing on roles but instilling a deep love for the church and its mission. We are called to be faithful stewards of the ministry, ensuring that it continues to thrive for future generations. [26:56]
- Self-awareness and Accountability: It takes self-awareness to recognize our own shortcomings and the humility to allow others to speak into our lives. We need people who can ask us hard questions and help us see areas where we need to grow. This accountability is crucial for walking in the light and growing in our faith. [22:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:29] - Cultural Reflections on Food
- [05:55] - The Importance of Being Next to People
- [06:57] - God With Us: The Manifestation of Christ
- [09:38] - Walking in the Light
- [13:31] - Lessons from Competitive Shooting
- [14:22] - The Role of Community in Growth
- [15:33] - True Christian Fellowship
- [16:49] - Seeking Feedback and Growth
- [21:04] - Sharing Stories Across Generations
- [22:54] - Self-awareness and Accountability
- [23:52] - The Legacy of Our Church Community
- [25:42] - Post-Pandemic Church Dynamics
- [26:56] - Training the Next Generation
- [30:42] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 1 John 1:1-10
- John 1:14
- Philippians 2:7-8
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 John 1:5-7 say about the relationship between walking in the light and fellowship with one another? How does this relate to the concept of koinonia mentioned in the sermon? [09:38]
2. How does the sermon describe the cultural significance of food and its connection to fellowship? What examples were given to illustrate this point? [02:29]
3. In what ways did the pastor's experience in competitive shooting illustrate the importance of community and learning from others? [14:22]
4. What role does self-awareness and accountability play in walking in the light, according to the sermon? [22:54]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "God with us" (Emmanuel) in John 1:14 and Philippians 2:7-8 deepen our understanding of fellowship and community within the church? [06:57]
2. What does it mean to walk in the light as God is in the light, and how does this impact our relationships with others in the church community? [09:38]
3. How can the church community help individuals recognize and address their own shortcomings and areas for growth? [16:49]
4. What are the implications of being a faithful steward of the church's mission for future generations, as discussed in the sermon? [26:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationships within the church. Are there ways you can deepen these connections to reflect the love and grace of Christ more fully? [06:57]
2. Consider a time when you were challenged to grow spiritually by someone in your community. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [14:22]
3. How can you create an environment of trust and honesty in your small group to encourage accountability and spiritual growth? [16:49]
4. What steps can you take to ensure that you are walking in the light and not deceiving yourself about areas of sin in your life? [09:38]
5. Identify one person in your church community who you can mentor or encourage in their faith journey. How can you begin to build that relationship? [26:56]
6. Reflect on the legacy you want to leave within your church community. What actions can you take now to contribute to the church's mission and future growth? [23:52]
7. How can you be more open to receiving feedback from others about your spiritual walk, and what practical steps can you take to act on that feedback? [22:54]
Devotional
Day 1: The Depth of True Fellowship
True fellowship, or koinonia, is not just about being physically present with others but involves deep, meaningful connections that reflect the love and grace of Christ. It is about sharing life together, encouraging one another, and growing in faith. This kind of fellowship requires vulnerability and openness, allowing others to see our true selves and inviting them to walk alongside us in our spiritual journey. In a world that often values independence and self-sufficiency, true fellowship calls us to embrace interdependence and community. [06:57]
1 Thessalonians 5:11-13 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."
Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to today to deepen your connection and share in true fellowship? How can you encourage them in their faith journey?
Day 2: Living in the Light of Truth
Walking in the light means living in truth and avoiding the darkness of sin. It requires honesty with ourselves and others, acknowledging our sins, and seeking forgiveness. This journey involves a commitment to transparency and integrity, allowing the light of God to illuminate every area of our lives. As believers, we are called to reflect God's light in a world that often embraces darkness. This means being willing to confront our own shortcomings and seek God's grace to overcome them. [09:38]
Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to bring God's light and truth? How can you take a step towards honesty and transparency today?
Day 3: Growth Through Community
Being part of a community is essential for spiritual growth. Just as one can learn from others in various aspects of life, we too can grow in our faith by surrounding ourselves with those who can speak truth into our lives. This involves being open to feedback and willing to make necessary changes. A community that challenges us and helps us grow is a gift, providing support and accountability as we navigate our spiritual journey. [15:33]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your community can you invite to speak truth into your life? How can you create space for their feedback and encouragement?
Day 4: Building a Legacy of Faith
We have a responsibility to train and encourage the next generation of believers. This involves not just passing on roles but instilling a deep love for the church and its mission. As faithful stewards of the ministry, we are called to ensure that it continues to thrive for future generations. This legacy is built through intentional discipleship and mentorship, investing in the spiritual growth of those who will come after us. [26:56]
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
Reflection: How can you invest in the spiritual growth of the next generation today? What steps can you take to mentor and disciple someone in your community?
Day 5: Embracing Self-awareness and Accountability
It takes self-awareness to recognize our own shortcomings and the humility to allow others to speak into our lives. We need people who can ask us hard questions and help us see areas where we need to grow. This accountability is crucial for walking in the light and growing in our faith. By embracing self-awareness and accountability, we open ourselves to transformation and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [22:54]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need accountability? Who can you invite to hold you accountable and help you grow in this area?
Quotes
Church, Jesus came to us. Jesus came to be next to his creation. Not to be served, but to serve, to die, to reconcile. This is the gospel, right? The gospel. [00:07:47]
If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness if we say we have not sin we make him a liar and his word is not in us. [00:09:38]
But it's the people, the people, the community took me farther than I could have ever gotten on my own. I got there by getting next to people. See, when I was starting out in these competitions, I didn't know anybody. I was in groups with a bunch of strangers. [00:14:26]
In verses six through seven, John is showing the need for true Christian fellowship. Christ. Pain to us. Showing the importance of being next to us. Modeling what it looks like to do life with one another. Right? His ministry. [00:15:44]
True fellowship, true koinonia is rooted in Christ and developed through trust, faithfulness, and honesty. When these things are true in my experience, it's harder to keep walking in the dark. [00:16:40]
What believers in your life can you ask these sort of questions to hey what do you in my life what can i do better who can speak truth into your walk with the lord who can speak truth into your marriage who can ask you hard questions about real things things that matter you have those types of people. [00:17:43]
Get next to people for your sake get next to people who are more spiritually mature than you for others get next to people who are not for the church get next to people that are different than you know the people inside this building outside the building work together. [00:19:23]
Psalm 145, 4, one generation shall commend your acts to another and declare your mighty acts. Declare, say it out loud. To begin with any of this, a starting point here, I think it takes some self-awareness, right? Some real introspection to say, I probably just, maybe I got it, right? [00:21:04]
I'm really thankful for truth-tellers in my life that show me my faults. I absolutely need that. I need people to know me, know my heart, know my struggles, know my sin tendencies, and I need to be next to these people. [00:21:37]
Christ came to be next to us. We need to be next to others. Christ came to us. We need to be next to others. Christ came to be next to us. We need to be next to others. [00:23:20]
You see, church, we have a responsibility to encourage the next generation, train the next generation. I'm not just talking about young people. I'm talking about this next generation of covenant church members. [00:26:19]
To bring them alongside, to show them this is who we are and this is what we do. Right? This is what the church is to be. This is how we love people and this is how we love the church. [00:26:34]
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