Embracing True Fellowship: Love Without Favoritism
Summary
Pastor Floyd Hughes delivers a sermon that delves into the essence of Christian fellowship, the pitfalls of favoritism, and the true nature of righteousness as reflected in the life and teachings of Jesus. He begins by drawing from Acts chapter 2, where the early church's growth is attributed to their devotion to the apostles' teachings, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. The pastor emphasizes the significance of community within the church, as seen in the early believers who met daily, praising God and enjoying mutual favor. He also touches on the practical transition from traditional church seating to using tables, which he argues are conducive to fellowship and learning.
The pastor then addresses the issue of favoritism within the church, recalling a time when casual attire became acceptable, yet some churches still turned people away for not adhering to a dress code. He references James, the brother of Jesus, who taught against such discrimination, urging the congregation to treat everyone equally and not judge by appearances. This theme of equality extends to the pastor's call for true righteousness, which goes beyond religious rituals and boasts of congregation size. He challenges the church to actively help others daily, sharing meals and extending love consistently, as Jesus did for both the righteous and sinners.
The sermon further explores the importance of treating everyone without discrimination, as Jesus did. The pastor encourages the congregation to engage with those they may not want to, following Jesus' example of staying at the table with kindness and acceptance. He reminds them that Jesus died for everyone, including the overlooked and marginalized. The pastor also discusses the significance of fellowship during holiday parties and community events, using the story of Matthew the tax collector to illustrate how Jesus associated with those deemed shady or sinful by society.
Personal stories are woven throughout the sermon, such as the pastor's conversation with another pastor concerned about spills on new carpet, and the acknowledgment that many of us have someone we're not eager to invite to the table. The pastor concludes with a prayer for the grace to love others as God loves us, and a reminder that Jesus seeks not only the perfect but also those who have made mistakes.
Key Takeaways:
- The early church's growth was not merely a result of their numbers but their commitment to communal practices such as teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This model serves as a blueprint for modern churches, highlighting the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive community that praises God together and enjoys mutual favor. [01:53]
- Discrimination based on outward appearances, such as clothing, contradicts the teachings of James and the inclusive nature of the gospel. The church must strive to be a place where all are welcomed equally, reflecting the impartial love of Christ that does not favor the well-dressed or wealthy over the poor and simply attired. [22:40]
- True righteousness in the Christian life is not about religious observance or boasting about church size but is demonstrated through practical acts of love and service. The church is called to be a living expression of God's love, sharing not just material goods but also our lives and tables with those in need, embodying the consistent love that Jesus showed to all. [20:43]
- Jesus' example of treating everyone with kindness and acceptance, regardless of their background or social status, is a powerful directive for Christians today. It challenges us to engage with those we might otherwise avoid, especially in settings like family gatherings or work events, and to treat everyone as equals, as Jesus did. [26:43]
- The story of Jesus dining with Matthew and other tax collectors and sinners serves as a poignant reminder that God's call extends to everyone, not just the socially respectable. Jesus' willingness to associate with those considered shady or wicked challenges us to reevaluate whom we invite to our tables and to whom we extend fellowship, mirroring the inclusive love of Christ. [11:21]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
> "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who 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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
2. James 2:1-4 (NIV)
> "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here’s a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, 'You stand there' or 'Sit on the floor by my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"
3. Matthew 9:9-13 (NIV)
> "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. 'Follow me,' he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the four key practices of the early church mentioned in Acts 2:42-47?
2. According to James 2:1-4, what behavior does James warn against in the church?
3. In Matthew 9:9-13, who did Jesus call to follow Him, and what was the reaction of the Pharisees to Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners?
4. How did Pastor Floyd Hughes describe the transition from traditional church seating to using tables, and what benefits did he mention? [03:03]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the early church's commitment to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer was so effective in their growth and community building? [01:53]
2. How does James' teaching on favoritism challenge the way we might treat people based on their appearance or social status? [22:40]
3. What does Jesus' interaction with Matthew and the tax collectors teach us about the nature of His ministry and the kind of people He came to save? [11:21]
4. How can the example of Jesus dining with sinners and tax collectors influence our approach to fellowship and community within the church? [13:09]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the early church's practices in Acts 2:42-47. How can you incorporate these practices into your daily life and within your small group to foster a stronger sense of community?
2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed favoritism in a church setting? How did it affect you or others, and what steps can you take to ensure everyone feels equally welcomed in your church? [22:40]
3. Think of someone in your life who might be considered an outsider or someone you typically avoid. How can you extend an invitation to them, similar to how Jesus invited Matthew? [11:21]
4. Pastor Hughes mentioned the importance of engaging with those we might not want to, especially during holiday gatherings. What practical steps can you take to stay at the table and show kindness and acceptance to everyone present? [26:43]
5. How can you actively help others daily, sharing meals and extending love consistently, as Jesus did? Identify one specific action you can take this week to live out this principle. [20:43]
6. Reflect on a time when you judged someone based on their appearance or social status. How can you change your mindset and actions to align more closely with the teachings of James and the example of Jesus? [22:40]
7. Pastor Hughes shared personal stories about the challenges of maintaining a welcoming environment in the church. What are some practical ways your small group can create a more inclusive and supportive community? [04:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Communal Christian Practices
The growth of the early church was rooted in their shared practices, which fostered a deep sense of community and spiritual unity. These practices included teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, all of which contributed to a supportive environment where believers could grow in faith together. The modern church is called to emulate this blueprint, creating spaces where all can participate in praising God and enjoying mutual favor. [01:53]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering a sense of community in your local church or among your circle of believers?
Day 2: Rejecting Favoritism in Faith
Discrimination, especially based on outward appearances, is antithetical to the gospel's message of inclusivity. The church must be a sanctuary where all are welcomed without prejudice, embodying Christ's impartial love that knows no bounds of wealth or social status. This commitment to equality is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel in breaking down societal barriers. [22:40]
James 2:1-4 - "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here’s a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, 'You stand there' or 'Sit on the floor by my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"
Reflection: Have you ever caught yourself making judgments based on appearances? How can you actively work to treat everyone you meet with the same love and respect?
Day 3: Living Out Practical Righteousness
True righteousness is not found in religious rituals or boasting about the size of one's congregation but in the daily acts of love and service to others. It is about sharing life and resources, extending the table to those in need, and embodying the consistent, unconditional love that Jesus demonstrated to all people, regardless of their status. [20:43]
1 John 3:17-18 - "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can demonstrate love and service to those in your community this week?
Day 4: Engaging with Kindness and Acceptance
Following Jesus' example, Christians are called to treat everyone with kindness and acceptance, engaging with those who may be different or whom society might avoid. This directive challenges us to extend fellowship to all, reflecting Jesus' own actions when he dined with tax collectors and sinners, showing that God's love is for everyone. [26:43]
Luke 14:12-14 - "Then Jesus said to his host, 'When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'"
Reflection: Is there someone in your life whom you have been avoiding because they are different from you? How can you show them kindness and acceptance this week?
Day 5: Inclusivity at God's Table
The story of Jesus dining with Matthew and other tax collectors and sinners is a powerful illustration of God's inclusive call. It challenges us to reevaluate our own practices of fellowship, encouraging us to open our tables and hearts to those who are often overlooked or marginalized, just as Jesus did. [11:21]
Galatians 3:28 - "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Who are the people in your life or community that you might have overlooked or excluded? How can you extend an invitation of fellowship to them this week?
Quotes
"Most of us are thinking of that person that we would fire rather than invite them to the table, but we should show the same level of mercy and grace that Jesus extended to us." [28:30] (Download)
"We pray that we would show no partiality because of the mistakes they've made in the past, because of the issues they have been unable to overcome, because of the trials in their life that make them maybe different from us." [29:09] (Download)
"Instead of walking away from the table when the undesirables show up, Jesus wants us to sit and stay with them. That's what He would do for us, and in showing mercy, grace, and love, we embody His teachings." [16:13] (Download)
"Jesus is saying that's not what it's about... I call people who are willing to love people all the time, every day of the year... that's what being the church is all about." [22:03] (Download)
"Jesus didn't just die for the rich people at the table; he died for the people that have to come in afterwards and clean the table and the people that weren't invited to the table, and he loves each and every one of them the same." [27:17] (Download)
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