Embracing Imperfection: The Power of Fellowship

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the concept of fellowship and the importance of community within the church, drawing inspiration from Jesus' selection of the twelve apostles as described in Mark 3:13-19. Jesus, despite being divine and capable of accomplishing His mission alone, chose to surround Himself with a diverse group of individuals, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. This decision underscores the value of community and the necessity of working together, even with those who may challenge us or differ from us.

The apostles, often referred to as Jesus' "dream team," were far from perfect. They included Peter, the impulsive leader; James, the intense; John, the polarizer; and others like Thomas, the anxious, and Judas, the betrayer. Despite their flaws, Jesus desired to be with them and entrusted them with the mission of spreading the gospel. This choice highlights the transformative power of grace and the potential for growth and unity within a diverse group.

Fellowship is not merely a social activity but a spiritual discipline that requires commitment and effort. It involves embracing those around us, even when it is difficult, and recognizing the privilege of being part of a community. Jesus' example teaches us that true fellowship is about more than just getting along; it is about being united in purpose and mission, supporting one another, and growing together in faith.

As a church, we are called to fight against selectivism and cliquishness, to commit to a common mission, and to embrace our group identity. By doing so, we can create a community that reflects the unity and love that Jesus modeled. This requires intentionality and a willingness to work through differences, but the result is a stronger, more vibrant church that can effectively carry out its mission.

Key Takeaways:

- The Value of Imperfect Community: Jesus chose a diverse group of apostles, each with their own flaws, to demonstrate that God can use anyone for His purposes. This teaches us that our imperfections do not disqualify us from being part of God's mission. Instead, they highlight the power of grace and the potential for growth within a community. [34:28]

- Fellowship as a Spiritual Discipline: True fellowship requires commitment and effort. It is not just about socializing but about being united in purpose and mission. This involves embracing those around us, even when it is difficult, and recognizing the privilege of being part of a community. [49:30]

- The Importance of a Common Mission: A shared mission unites us and helps us overcome differences. When we focus on the gospel and the call to make disciples, we are less likely to be divided by petty disagreements. This common purpose strengthens our community and enables us to carry out our mission effectively. [53:14]

- Commitment to Group Identity: As members of a church, we represent one another and the body of Christ. This identity should influence our actions and interactions, both within the church and in the wider community. By embracing this identity, we can create a community that reflects the unity and love that Jesus modeled. [01:01:20]

- The Challenge of True Fellowship: Building a strong community requires intentionality and a willingness to work through differences. It involves making commitments to one another and being willing to engage in difficult conversations. However, the result is a stronger, more vibrant church that can effectively carry out its mission. [01:02:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Fellowship
- [01:15] - The Dream Team Concept
- [02:45] - Reality of Difficult People
- [04:00] - Jesus' Example in Mark 3
- [05:30] - The Twelve Apostles
- [07:00] - Peter: The Impulsive Leader
- [08:30] - James and John: Sons of Thunder
- [10:00] - Andrew and Philip: The Relational Disciples
- [11:30] - Matthew and Thomas: The Anxious and the Accountant
- [13:00] - The Lesser-Known Apostles
- [14:30] - Jesus' Purpose for Community
- [16:00] - Fellowship as a Privilege
- [17:30] - Commitments for the Church
- [19:00] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Fellowship and Community

Bible Reading:
- Mark 3:13-19

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 3:13-19, what criteria did Jesus use to select the twelve apostles, and what does this reveal about His approach to community? [46:16]

2. How does the sermon describe the personalities and characteristics of the apostles, and what does this suggest about the nature of Jesus' "dream team"? [45:02]

3. According to the sermon, what are some of the challenges that come with being part of a diverse community, as exemplified by the apostles? [49:30]

4. What role does the concept of grace play in the formation and function of the apostles as a community? [46:16]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might Jesus have chosen to surround Himself with a diverse group of individuals, despite their imperfections, to carry out His mission? [46:16]

2. How does the sermon suggest that fellowship is more than just socializing, and what implications does this have for how we view our church community? [49:30]

3. In what ways does the sermon challenge the idea of selectivism and cliquishness within the church, and how does this relate to the apostles' example? [01:00:18]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of a common mission in overcoming differences within a community? [53:14]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you were part of a group with diverse personalities. How did you handle the challenges, and what did you learn from that experience? [49:30]

2. Consider the concept of fellowship as a spiritual discipline. What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to your church community, even when it is difficult? [49:30]

3. Identify a person in your church or small group who you find challenging to connect with. What practical steps can you take to embrace them as part of your community? [01:00:18]

4. How can you contribute to fostering a sense of unity and common mission within your church? What specific actions can you take this week to support this goal? [53:14]

5. Reflect on your own tendencies towards selectivism or cliquishness. How can you work towards being more inclusive and welcoming in your church community? [01:00:18]

6. Think about the role of grace in your interactions with others. How can you extend grace to those around you, especially those who may be difficult to love? [46:16]

7. What is one specific way you can actively participate in the mission of making disciples within your community? How can you start this week? [53:14]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Embracing Imperfection in Community

Description: The value of an imperfect community is exemplified by Jesus' choice of the twelve apostles, a diverse group with various strengths and weaknesses. Despite their imperfections, Jesus saw their potential and entrusted them with the mission of spreading the gospel. This choice demonstrates that God can use anyone for His purposes, highlighting the transformative power of grace. Our imperfections do not disqualify us from being part of God's mission; instead, they serve as a testament to the potential for growth and unity within a community. Embracing our flaws and those of others allows us to experience the fullness of grace and the beauty of a diverse community. [34:28]

Bible Passage: "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are." (1 Corinthians 1:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a personal flaw or weakness you often hide. How can you allow God to use this imperfection to serve others in your community today?


Day 2: Fellowship as a Commitment

Description: Fellowship is more than a social activity; it is a spiritual discipline that requires commitment and effort. True fellowship involves being united in purpose and mission, embracing those around us even when it is challenging. It is about recognizing the privilege of being part of a community and supporting one another in faith. This commitment to fellowship reflects Jesus' example, where He chose to be with His apostles despite their differences. By prioritizing fellowship, we can grow together in faith and fulfill our shared mission. [49:30]

Bible Passage: "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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one person in your church community you find difficult to connect with. What is one step you can take this week to reach out and build a bridge of fellowship with them?


Day 3: United by a Common Mission

Description: A shared mission unites us and helps us overcome differences. When we focus on the gospel and the call to make disciples, we are less likely to be divided by petty disagreements. This common purpose strengthens our community and enables us to carry out our mission effectively. By committing to a common mission, we can create a community that reflects the unity and love that Jesus modeled. This requires intentionality and a willingness to work through differences, but the result is a stronger, more vibrant church. [53:14]

Bible Passage: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your church's mission that you feel passionate about? How can you actively contribute to this mission in the coming week?


Day 4: Embracing Our Group Identity

Description: As members of a church, we represent one another and the body of Christ. This group identity should influence our actions and interactions, both within the church and in the wider community. By embracing this identity, we can create a community that reflects the unity and love that Jesus modeled. This involves making commitments to one another and being willing to engage in difficult conversations. The challenge of true fellowship is to work through differences and build a strong community that can effectively carry out its mission. [01:01:20]

Bible Passage: "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on how your actions and words represent your church community. What is one change you can make to better reflect the unity and love of Christ in your daily interactions?


Day 5: The Challenge of True Fellowship

Description: Building a strong community requires intentionality and a willingness to work through differences. It involves making commitments to one another and being willing to engage in difficult conversations. However, the result is a stronger, more vibrant church that can effectively carry out its mission. True fellowship is about more than just getting along; it is about being united in purpose and mission, supporting one another, and growing together in faith. By embracing this challenge, we can create a community that reflects the unity and love that Jesus modeled. [01:02:21]

Bible Passage: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or disagreement within your community. How can you approach this situation with grace and a willingness to work towards unity and understanding?

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Quotes

"Dream teams is a concept that I think we all want. We want to be surrounded by easy people we love to be around, we laugh, we enjoy, we go deep. We want to be surrounded by people that really require very little work on our part to be around. It's enjoyable, you can't get enough time with them, and you complement each other's strengths. But I think reality shows, as you've lived life, many of us here maybe you youth haven't experienced this yet, this is a spoiler, as you get involved in jobs and as you get put on teams and as you get a part of maybe a ministry team at a church or a small group or a Sunday school or Bible study and all this stuff, all of a sudden you discover that there's people in there that they require extra grace from you." [00:26:06]

"Jesus goes up into the mountains and called to those whom he desired, and they came to him. He called who those that he what desired that means he wanted to be with this group of people he's about to call. And it says that he wanted to be with this group, he wanted keep this in the back of your mind as we move forward. And he appointed 12 whom he also named apostles so that they might what be with him. He wants to spend time with them, he wants to be around them and he also might send them out to preach and have the authority to preach and have the authority to preach and have the authority to preach and have the authority cast out demons." [00:27:06]

"Peter was impulsive. Remember, Peter's the one who drew the sword and cut off somebody's ear when Jesus was being arrested. This dude did not think. He just he was a man of action. And so Peter is one of the ones that Jesus would pick. And oh yeah, he would end up becoming the pastor, the preacher, the main representative of many of the apostles or all the apostles after Jesus would go. Of all people, if you are picking a team this is probably not the one that we would pick. Because he's a little unstable. And yet we know, as we see throughout Scripture, he was also the one that Jesus rebuked the most. And ultimately he would be the one that would be the strongest leader. The right leader. Despite all of these things that we would say would be downsides of him." [00:34:28]

"Why would Jesus have assembled a group? He didn't need them. He didn't need them. He could have just done it all on his own and been a one-man show. But even Jesus seemed to know the importance of surrounding yourself with people. It's not like he needed an accountability partner when you're perfect and sinless. Probably not an issue. But I do think there are three reasons that he did surround himself. One, is he needed them for a testimony of what the kingdom can do. The fact that the kingdom of God can get these twelve stooges together. To perform something that has resulted in you sitting here today. Thousands of years later, God can use anyone, including you, to do great things for him and his kingdom." [00:46:02]

"Fellowship is a privilege, not a punishment. Some people want to think fellowship at church is a punishment. I don't want to deal with these people. I don't want to deal with that person. Do you know what they did to me ten years ago? I am done with them. And we view it as a punishment rather than what it really was intended to be a privilege. Think of the privileges the disciples had. They watched Jesus for about three years. They got to watch him, walk with him, hear him teach, see him do what he did. They had this incredible privilege and it left a profound impact on their life. That he even included them in that fellowship. And so it was a privilege for them. They gained much out of it. And we have to view things the same way. We grow when we have others. We help them grow when we are in their life." [00:49:30]

"Jesus gave them a mission that would go beyond their life, and they rose to the challenge of it. You see, we need to remember the great mission that's given to us. And yes, we do talk about, first and foremost, making disciples. You and I, if you are a believer here today, you and I are called to make disciples. If you haven't made a disciple in 10 years, something is broken. And we need to realize it is natural and normal for us to be introducing people to Jesus and helping people grow in Jesus. That's part of it. If you don't like it, take it up with the author. I didn't invent that. But there's also an importance of fellowship that is also a mission, that a church is united, that a church comes together." [00:53:14]

"Are there people that we like more than others in our groups? Thank you. Yes, there's some we get along with better. It's just natural. But does that mean that the others are not our problem? You can say it out loud, I promise. I don't bite. I don't bite. No. No, we fight for fellowship. We don't have an excuse. If Jesus can get this group together and perform what we are a result of, the gospel, the ministry that came from that, we have no excuses. We have no excuses. Other than we're being petty." [01:01:20]

"Great people are not attracted to average causes. Why I love this so much is because it's this. If we are just giving you, hey, come be a part of our church so you can sit in the pew and not have to deal with anyone and leave and then come back next week and do the exact same thing, then we're failing. You have been given a great mission. If you are a believer, you have been given a great job. To be a disciple maker, to be one who fights for the fellowship of the church, to be one who is like Jesus, to be one to reach your community, you're given a great mission and a great cause. And that is what unifies us all. There are no exceptions." [01:02:21]

"That is a bold mission. And rather than people be like, oh, I'm not going to do that, people rose to the challenge. And I throw that before you. We have a greater mission than this. That's a great mission. That's cool. Lots of great stories, all that. We have a greater mission and a greater purpose to reach Ephrata and surrounding areas for Jesus. And one of those things that we need to be doing is this great mission of fellowship with one another and sticking with one another. That is what we need to do and fight for it more than anything." [01:05:17]

"Three commitments of fellowship that we're going to have to as a church, all of us, all of us who are part of Grace Fellowship need to be mindful of and commit to. Not one, not two, but three. One is we're going to be committed against selectivism. I love teenagers. As you know, I worked for years with them. And as adults, you know, being on the older side of that, you know, part of life, it's very easy for us to just point out, you know, teenagers, they just all have their cliques. Which back when I was a kid, I always thought that. That was, you know, people who walked around clicking, you know, their fingers like that. I didn't know what it was. Well, they all have their cliques. Oh, they're just teens. They're cliques. Guess what? Adults have them too." [01:06:32]

"Second is this commitment to a common mission. I've harped on that. The gospel, first and foremost, making disciples and fellowship and unity within our church is a common mission. That if we are all focused on, we aren't divided. If all of us make the commitment to do that, we're not divided. We're not fracturing here as a church. We aren't seeing people that are looking around, maybe going to a different church, because we made the commitment to one another. Me to you, you to me. All of us to each other. Because we're committed to a mission." [01:07:29]

"My challenge for us is this. Your dream group are those that you commit to be a part of. And I don't mean to sound like that being flippant. But if we make a commitment to even people that we have a hard time being around, that's your dream group. That's your dream team. That's the people you need around you. That's the people that need you and you need them. That's who you need to do life with. But it's going to take a commitment from everyone." [01:08:52]

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Transcript
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