Embracing True Fellowship Through Humility and Service
Summary
In the discourse delivered by Josh Yates, the focus is on the significance of gathering in fellowship as a Christian community. The central theme revolves around the biblical understanding of fellowship, humility, and the transformative power of engaging with God's word and serving others.
The concept of fellowship, or "koinonia" in Greek, is explored as a deep, spiritual connection among believers that extends beyond superficial interactions or communal activities like shared meals. True fellowship is rooted in the shared experience of God's love and the unity brought about by the Holy Spirit. This fellowship is not just about enjoying each other's company but is a profound partnership in the gospel, a mutual commitment to living out the teachings of Christ, and supporting one another in spiritual growth.
The importance of humility in fellowship is underscored by referencing scripture, particularly Philippians 2, which calls for believers to emulate Christ's humility. Humility is presented not as a sign of weakness but as a strength that allows individuals to put the needs of others before their own, to serve rather than be served, and to foster unity within the church. The talk emphasizes that humility is essential for true fellowship because it reflects the condition of one's relationship with God. A vibrant fellowship with God leads to a genuine love for others, while a lack of humility and self-centeredness can hinder relationships within the church community.
The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of living out this humility and fellowship. It involves reflecting on the cross of Christ, which reminds believers of the grace they have received and their need to extend that grace to others. It also involves prayer, seeking the power of God to overcome the natural inclination towards selfishness, and actively serving others in love.
A personal anecdote is shared about a community coming together to support a woman battling cancer by singing Christmas carols outside her window. This act of kindness exemplifies how simple gestures, rooted in humility and fellowship, can have a profound impact on individuals and the community.
The gathering of believers is not just about attending services but is an active, purposeful coming together to worship, learn, and grow in faith. The talk challenges the notion of being a consumer in the church, where one's focus is on personal preferences and benefits, and instead encourages a shift towards being a contributor, actively participating in the life and ministry of the church.
In conclusion, the message calls for a reevaluation of what it means to gather as a church, urging believers to remember the reasons behind their coming together: to worship God, to experience fellowship with one another, and to serve the world in unity and love.
Key Takeaways:
- True Christian fellowship goes beyond social gatherings; it is a profound spiritual connection that involves sharing in God's love and partnering in the gospel. This fellowship is marked by mutual support, encouragement, and a commitment to spiritual growth. [22:53]
- Humility is a cornerstone of fellowship and service. By emulating Christ's example of humility, believers can put the needs of others before their own, fostering unity and love within the church community. This humility is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of a strong relationship with God. [36:50]
- Reflecting on the cross of Christ is crucial for maintaining a spirit of humility and grace. Remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and the forgiveness we have received enables us to extend grace to others and avoid holding grudges, thus strengthening our fellowship. [43:04]
- Prayer is essential for seeking the power of God to overcome selfish tendencies and to serve others effectively. Through prayer, believers acknowledge their dependence on God's strength and guidance in living out the principles of fellowship and service. [44:44]
- The act of gathering as a church is an intentional and purposeful engagement that transcends mere attendance. It is about coming together to worship, learn, and grow in faith, moving from being passive consumers to active contributors in the life and ministry of the church. [07:48]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV)
> So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean by "being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind"? (Philippians 2:2)
2. How does Paul describe the humility of Christ in Philippians 2:5-8?
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the term "koinonia" in the context of Christian fellowship? [22:21]
4. What practical example of humility and fellowship was shared in the sermon involving a woman battling cancer? [45:14]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of humility in Philippians 2:3-4 challenge common cultural values about self-importance and personal ambition?
2. In what ways does the humility of Christ, as described in Philippians 2:5-8, serve as a model for Christian behavior within the church community?
3. How does the act of gathering as a church, as emphasized in the sermon, differ from merely attending a service? [07:48]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between one's fellowship with God and their ability to genuinely love and serve others? [40:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you put your own interests before others in a church setting. How can you apply Philippians 2:3-4 to change your approach in similar situations in the future? [34:28]
2. The sermon emphasized moving from being a consumer to a contributor in the church. What specific steps can you take to become more actively involved in your church community? [05:38]
3. Think about the personal anecdote shared in the sermon about singing Christmas carols to a woman battling cancer. What simple act of kindness can you perform this week to show humility and fellowship to someone in need? [45:14]
4. How can you incorporate regular reflection on the cross of Christ into your daily routine to maintain a spirit of humility and grace? [43:04]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of prayer in overcoming selfish tendencies. What specific prayer can you incorporate into your daily life to seek God's strength in serving others? [44:44]
6. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with humility. What practical steps can you take to emulate Christ's humility in that area? [35:41]
7. How can you encourage unity within your small group or church community, especially when disagreements arise? [28:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Fellowship Beyond the Surface
True Christian fellowship is a profound spiritual connection that involves sharing in God's love and partnering in the gospel. It's a relationship that goes deeper than casual social interactions, marked by mutual support, encouragement, and a commitment to spiritual growth. This kind of fellowship is a reflection of the unity and love that the Holy Spirit cultivates among believers. [22:53]
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: Who in your community can you encourage this week to spur them on toward love and good deeds?
Day 2: Embracing Humility in Community
Humility is a cornerstone of fellowship and service, allowing believers to put the needs of others before their own. By emulating Christ's humility, unity and love are fostered within the church community. This humility is a reflection of a strong relationship with God, not a sign of weakness, and it is essential for true fellowship. [36:50]
1 Peter 5:5 - "In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility in your interactions with others today?
Day 3: Reflecting on Christ's Sacrifice
Maintaining a spirit of humility and grace is crucial for Christian fellowship, and reflecting on the cross of Christ helps believers remember the grace they have received. This remembrance enables us to extend grace to others, avoid holding grudges, and strengthen our fellowship. [43:04]
Colossians 3:12-13 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive, as Christ has forgiven you, to restore fellowship?
Day 4: Prayer as the Power to Serve
Prayer is essential for seeking God's power to overcome selfish tendencies and to serve others effectively. Through prayer, believers acknowledge their dependence on God's strength and guidance in living out the principles of fellowship and service. [44:44]
James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: How can your prayer life today reflect a dependence on God's strength to serve others?
Day 5: Engaging in Intentional Gathering
The act of gathering as a church is an intentional and purposeful engagement that transcends mere attendance. It is about coming together to worship, learn, and grow in faith, moving from being passive consumers to active contributors in the life and ministry of the church. [07:48]
Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Reflection: What is one way you can move from passive attendance to active contribution in your church community this week?
Quotes
1) "We gather together to worship the Lord, we gather together to fellowship and we're going to see that this morning." [08:55]
2) "The church works the way it's supposed to when each part is working its part properly and then we grow in love for each other." [15:12]
3) "Your true fellowship with others shows the condition of your fellowship with your savior." [40:50]
4) "Reflect on the cross of Christ... when we remember the grace that we've been offered, we can then offer grace." [43:04]
5) "It's an arrogant person that believes that they don't need God's word, that we don't have to be in God's word and be saturated in it." [44:10]
6) "We're called to in Christian Fellowship... humility is a big, hairy word and it's hard to live out." [34:59]
7) "We need unity in Christ... we've got to gather, we've got to reach the lost, we've got to gather the Saints, we need to grow in our walks with Christ together." [28:09]
8) "The church is not this building... when We Gather here, that's when the spirit of the Lord fills this place because he dwells in us." [14:41]
9) "We're called to give the gospel, to speak the truth in love, not to make people projects, but because we want people to know how Jesus has changed our lives." [06:42]
10) "See people would be attracted to what fellowship and the gospel lived out in the body of Christ really looks like as we live in True Fellowship with God and each other." [48:05]
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