Embracing True Fellowship: Serving God and Others

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we delved into the profound concept of fellowship within the church, emphasizing that it extends far beyond mere social gatherings or potlucks. True fellowship, or "koinonia," is about partnership and participation, where each member actively engages in the life of the church, contributing their unique gifts for the benefit of others. This requires authenticity and vulnerability, moving beyond superficial interactions to genuinely share our lives with one another.

We explored the idea that life is not about us individually, but about serving God and others. This is a counter-cultural message in a world that often promotes self-centeredness. The story of "Groundhog Day" served as a metaphor, illustrating how a self-focused life can lead to emptiness, while a life focused on others brings fulfillment and purpose.

Romans 12:3-8 was highlighted as a key scripture, reminding us not to think too highly of ourselves but to have sober judgment. This means recognizing our strengths and weaknesses honestly and using our God-given gifts to serve others. Each of us is a part of the body of Christ, and our diversity in gifts is what completes and strengthens the church.

We were challenged to identify our spiritual gifts and use them both within and outside the church walls. The gifts we possess are not for our own glory but are meant to bless others and build up the body of Christ. Participation in the church is not just about attendance but about active involvement and service.

Finally, we were encouraged to adopt a mindset of service, looking for opportunities to bless others rather than waiting to be served. This approach fosters a thriving fellowship that honors God and reflects His love to the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fellowship Beyond Socializing: True fellowship, or "koinonia," involves deep, authentic relationships where we share our lives and support one another. It's about being partners and participants in the church community, not just attendees. [16:43]

2. Life's Focus on Others: Embracing the mindset that "it's not about me" shifts our focus from self-centeredness to serving God and others. This perspective aligns with biblical teachings and leads to a more fulfilling life. [19:29]

3. Sober Judgment and Humility: Romans 12:3-8 teaches us to have a realistic view of ourselves, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses. This humility allows us to serve others effectively and fosters unity within the church. [24:01]

4. Diversity in Gifts: The diversity of spiritual gifts within the church is intentional and necessary. Each person's unique gifts contribute to the completeness and strength of the body of Christ, emphasizing our interdependence. [29:47]

5. Active Participation: Our spiritual gifts are meant to be actively used to serve others, both within the church and in the broader community. Holding back our gifts creates a deficiency in the body, while using them enriches fellowship and glorifies God. [39:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [16:43] - Understanding True Fellowship
- [19:29] - It's Not About Me
- [20:48] - Koinonia: Partnership and Participation
- [22:08] - Romans 12:3-8: Sober Judgment
- [24:01] - Embracing Humility
- [25:33] - The 360-Degree Mirror
- [26:46] - Philippians 2:3: Counting Others More Significant
- [27:50] - Gifts from God: A Grace Given
- [29:47] - Diversity Completes the Body
- [33:30] - Leaning into Your Strengths
- [35:23] - Participation Expected
- [36:04] - Being a True Participant
- [39:23] - Avoiding Gift Suppression
- [41:35] - Fellowship Thrives on Selflessness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:3-8
- Philippians 2:3

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the term "koinonia" mean, and how does it relate to the concept of fellowship in the church? [20:48]

2. According to Romans 12:3-8, what is the significance of having "sober judgment" about ourselves?

3. How does the sermon use the movie "Groundhog Day" to illustrate the message that life is not about us? [19:29]

4. What are some examples of spiritual gifts mentioned in the sermon, and how are they intended to be used within the church? [35:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the idea of "it's not about me" challenge the cultural norm of self-centeredness, and what implications does this have for our daily lives? [19:29]

2. In what ways does the diversity of spiritual gifts within the church contribute to its strength and unity, according to Romans 12:3-8?

3. How does the concept of "sober judgment" help us to better serve others in the church community? [24:01]

4. What does it mean to be a true participant in the church, and how does this differ from merely attending services? [36:04]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you tend to focus on yourself rather than others? How can you shift your mindset to serve others more effectively? [19:29]

2. Identify your spiritual gifts. How can you actively use them to serve both within the church and in your broader community? [35:23]

3. Think about a time when you may have thought too highly of yourself. How can practicing "sober judgment" help you to be more humble and effective in your service to others? [24:01]

4. How can you foster deeper, more authentic relationships within your church community, moving beyond superficial interactions? [16:43]

5. Consider the diversity of gifts in your small group. How can you encourage and support each other in using these gifts to build up the body of Christ?

6. What steps can you take to ensure that you are an active participant in your church, rather than just a passive attendee? [36:04]

7. How can you apply the principle of "counting others more significant than yourselves" in your daily interactions, both inside and outside the church? [26:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Fellowship as Authentic Partnership
True fellowship, or "koinonia," is about forming deep, authentic relationships within the church community. It goes beyond socializing to involve genuine sharing of our lives and supporting one another. This kind of fellowship requires vulnerability and authenticity, where each member actively participates and contributes their unique gifts for the benefit of others. It is about being partners and participants, not just attendees, in the life of the church. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and unity, as everyone is encouraged to engage meaningfully and support each other in their spiritual journeys. [16:43]

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (ESV): "That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

Reflection: Think of a relationship within your church community that could benefit from deeper authenticity. What steps can you take this week to foster a more genuine connection with that person?


Day 2: Embracing a Life Focused on Others
In a world that often promotes self-centeredness, the message of focusing on serving God and others is counter-cultural. Embracing the mindset that "it's not about me" shifts our perspective from self-centeredness to a life of service. This aligns with biblical teachings and leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. The story of "Groundhog Day" serves as a metaphor, illustrating how a self-focused life can lead to emptiness, while a life focused on others brings fulfillment and purpose. By prioritizing the needs of others, we reflect God's love and find true joy and satisfaction. [19:29]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who could use your help or encouragement today. How can you serve them in a way that reflects God's love and shifts your focus from yourself to others?


Day 3: Practicing Sober Judgment and Humility
Romans 12:3-8 reminds us to have a realistic view of ourselves, acknowledging both our strengths and weaknesses. This humility allows us to serve others effectively and fosters unity within the church. By recognizing our God-given gifts and using them to serve others, we contribute to the body of Christ. Each of us is a part of the body, and our diversity in gifts is what completes and strengthens the church. Practicing sober judgment means being honest about our abilities and limitations, and using our gifts to bless others rather than seeking our own glory. [24:01]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. How can you use your strengths to serve others this week, and how can you seek help in areas where you are weak?


Day 4: Celebrating Diversity in Gifts
The diversity of spiritual gifts within the church is intentional and necessary. Each person's unique gifts contribute to the completeness and strength of the body of Christ, emphasizing our interdependence. This diversity is what makes the church a vibrant and dynamic community. By embracing and celebrating our differences, we can work together to fulfill God's purposes. Each member's contribution is valuable, and when we use our gifts in harmony, we build up the body of Christ and glorify God. [29:47]

Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Reflection: Consider the unique gifts you bring to your church community. How can you use these gifts to complement and support the gifts of others, fostering unity and growth within the body of Christ?


Day 5: Active Participation in Service
Our spiritual gifts are meant to be actively used to serve others, both within the church and in the broader community. Holding back our gifts creates a deficiency in the body, while using them enriches fellowship and glorifies God. Participation in the church is not just about attendance but about active involvement and service. By adopting a mindset of service, we look for opportunities to bless others rather than waiting to be served. This approach fosters a thriving fellowship that honors God and reflects His love to the world. [39:23]

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively participate in serving your church or community this week? How can you use your spiritual gifts to make a meaningful impact?

Quotes

"I think a lot of people go to church, they hear fellowship and they assume it's a potluck and it's a lot more than that. It's so much more for us that it gets worked into the DNA of everything that our church does from a leadership perspective to a leadership team. There should be a lot more be an emphasis on fellowship." [00:16:08]

"And the reason we do that is because we don't feel like belaboring somebody or maybe we're a private person and it's not their business. We have our excuses for why we don't actually do life deeply. Now, I'm not going to lie. It would be something very probably traumatizing for some of us if you're like, how are you doing? Let me begin to tell you. And for the next 20 minutes, you know, you're like, oh my goodness. All I wanted to know was how they were. So I get that. I get that. But I think we need to figure out that we have avenues in the church that at least we are able to be authentic, are able to be real with one another, and really do life deeply." [00:16:43]

"Life isn't really about you. It is about other people. And he begins to focus on others, making others happy, being a blessing to other people. Now, for those of you that have watched this movie, I don't know if you know this, but they have done the trivia on this that when you count up the amount of days that it would have taken for Phil, the actor or the main character, to have learned to play piano professionally, he would have learned to play piano efficiently as he does in it, to do all the things that he does in it. And when you count how many days are in the movie, he lives an equivalent of 34 years in the same day. That's a nightmare, unless it's Christmas." [00:18:29]

"Can you say that with me? It's not about me. Life is not ultimately about you. Sorry. There's a lot of people in our world that think it's all about them. And they make it all about them. And it's easy for that mindset to get into us that we need to look out just for ourselves when you have, as I've mentioned in previous weeks, you have computer software that customizes everything to, hey, you might be interested in watching this. Hey, you may want to buy this." [00:19:29]

"So be invested with it. Koinonia gives us this idea of being a participant as well. Not just a partner. You're a participant. You're not just going to be sitting idly on the side. If you are a member of this church, if you are a believer, you are a participant. You, in order to have fellowship, are going to have to get your hands dirty with other people around you because they're going to get their hands dirty with you. With you. Because you have a mess and I have a mess. Every single one of us has a mess. And if we are truly about complete fellowship, we understand that and we still love each other and we still invest in one another." [00:21:11]

"Let your lives be a sacrifice. I beseech you, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God. And he talks about that, and then he starts to make it very practical when he gets to verse 3. Yes, we're making our lives a sacrifice to God, but we're also, that's going to require us to make sacrifices with one another. And in verse 3, Paul says this, for by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. If I were to paraphrase that, it's not about me." [00:22:08]

"We would never say it that way, but at the very heart of it, that's what it is. And Paul says, get over yourself. Knock it off. Get a grip, okay? Stop thinking that way. Rather, think with sober judgment. Sober judgment. If we were to think of an antonym of sober, obviously some of us would think inebriated or drunk, and that is an idea of a person that when they are inebriated or if they're drinking too much alcohol that they lose their sense. They lose their rationale. And he's saying, be sober. Be honest. Be of sound mind. Be sane is another way to say it in the Greek." [00:24:01]

"Your spiritual gifts, ultimately, and Paul even says, he says, I say by the grace given to me, and we're going to see in this past where he refers to the fact that the gifts you have, the abilities, the spiritual gifts that God has given you, they're from God. You didn't earn them. There's nothing special about you that you're able to say, hey, God, you know that gift of generosity? I'd love to have that. Give it to me. There's nothing about you. We believe that spiritual gifts are given to each person as God designs it, not you." [00:27:50]

"He says, for as in one body we have many members, we have noses, we have eyes, we've got fingers. For as in one body we have many members and the members do not. You do not all have the same function. Your eyeball doesn't do what your thumb does, okay? So we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members one of another. We are all different. We're all different. Some of you have the spiritual gift of faith. Some of you have a spiritual gift of teaching. Some of you have a spiritual gift of mercy, hospitality. All these things that we see scripturally in 1 Corinthians 12 especially, you have them. But they weren't given to you for yourself. This is a big issue. We have to remember that our gifts are not for us to think how great we are because we didn't earn them. They're from God." [00:28:47]

"Your gifts are to be used to bless the lives of others around you. And he says the reason is this. You know what? We are one body. You are my brothers and my sisters. I am your brother and sister. Sorry. We are. We're family. And my gifts are to be used for you. Your gifts are to be used for me. And we all are dependent upon one another. We are individual members." [00:30:06]

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, that's where he's saying you've been given those spiritual gifts. By grace, by God. That's it. That's the only way you got them. Let us use them. If prophecy in proportion to our faith, you declare truth with this. If service in our serving, the one who teaches in his teaching, the one who exhorts in his exhortation, the one who contributes in generosity, the one who leads with zeal, the one who does acts of mercy with cheerful." [00:34:43]

"Every act of suppressing my gift and saying, eh, they don't need me. Eh, I'm not needed here. Eh, I'm too tired. I have a full -time job, blah, blah, blah. Every time you suppress it, you're neglecting the body. We know that when we eat, there's certain minerals, and things that we're supposed to get into our system. And oftentimes, I did the research this past week. week, the most neglected nutrients in our body are calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These are the three most neglected for all of us. And so some of us take a multivitamin to try to balance that out because there's a deficiency. When I hold my gift back, I'm causing a deficiency in the body here. And that isn't good." [00:39:23]

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Transcript
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