Fellowship Rooted in Christ: Unity and Service
Summary
In our journey through the Book of Colossians, we have been reminded of the centrality of Jesus Christ in our lives and the importance of living in fellowship with Him and with one another. Today, as we conclude our study, we reflect on the profound truth that our fellowship with other believers is deeply rooted in our fellowship with Jesus Christ. This fellowship is not merely a social gathering but a spiritual communion that transcends cultural, social, and personal barriers. It is a call to live in unity, love, and service, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, provides us with a vivid picture of what true fellowship looks like. He mentions several individuals who exemplify this fellowship, such as Tychicus and Onesimus, whose lives were transformed by their relationship with Christ. Their stories remind us that even the smallest acts of service, when done in fellowship with Jesus, hold great significance in the Kingdom of God. This fellowship calls us to move beyond our prejudices, resentments, and immaturities, embracing a life of large-hearted living that deeply cares for the spiritual well-being of others.
As we prepare to celebrate our church's third anniversary, we are reminded that celebration is a spiritual discipline. It is an opportunity to declare the goodness of God and to invite others into the joy of knowing Him. Our celebration is not just for us but a testimony to the world of what God is doing in and through us. We are called to live lives that are open, vulnerable, and willing to suffer for the sake of others, embodying the love and unity that Christ has called us to.
As we reflect on our journey through Colossians, let us take stock of our lives. Are we experiencing a fullness of fellowship with Jesus and with each other? Are we living lives that are free of prejudice and resentment, empowered by the fullness of Christ to forgive and love? Let us respond in faith, repentance, and a commitment to live large-hearted lives, filled with the Gospel and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- Fellowship with Jesus as the Foundation: True fellowship with other believers is built on our fellowship with Jesus Christ. Without this foundation, our connections lack depth and spiritual significance. Our relationship with Jesus transforms our interactions, allowing us to serve and love others genuinely. [55:02]
- The Greatness in Small Acts: The story of Tychicus reminds us that there is greatness in small, faithful acts of service. Even the seemingly insignificant tasks, when done in fellowship with Christ, contribute to the Kingdom of God. We should not despise small beginnings or acts of service, as they can lead to eternal impact. [58:27]
- Overcoming Prejudice through Unity in Christ: The fullness of fellowship transcends human prejudices, whether racial, social, or personal. In Christ, we are called to unity and oneness, leaving behind our biases and embracing each other as co-heirs in the Gospel. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world. [01:06:02]
- Moving Beyond Resentment and Hurt: True fellowship requires us to move beyond past hurts and resentments. We are called to forgive and reconcile, just as Paul and Mark did. This is essential for experiencing the fullness of fellowship and unity within the body of Christ. [01:13:55]
- Large-Hearted Living: A life of large-hearted living is marked by a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of others. Like Epaphras, we are called to struggle in prayer for the maturity and assurance of our fellow believers. This kind of living reflects the heart of Christ and fosters true community. [01:23:20]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Centered on the Gospel
[08:29] - Prayer and Worship
[37:53] - Church Anniversary Celebration
[39:45] - The Discipline of Celebration
[40:40] - Invitation to Celebrate
[43:13] - Pastor Brandon's Return
[46:10] - Introduction to Colossians 4
[47:58] - Understanding Fellowship
[49:55] - Fellowship in the Early Church
[52:50] - Personal Stories of Fellowship
[55:02] - Fullness of Fellowship
[57:18] - The Example of Tychicus
[58:27] - Greatness in Small Acts
[01:03:07] - The Transformation of Onesimus
[01:06:02] - Overcoming Prejudice
[01:13:55] - Moving Beyond Resentment
[01:23:20] - Large-Hearted Living
[01:32:50] - Responding in Faith and Repentance
[01:34:13] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 4:7-18
- Ephesians 2:4-10
- Acts 2:42
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul emphasize about the nature of fellowship in Colossians 4:7-18? How does he illustrate this through the people he mentions? [55:02]
2. In Ephesians 2:4-10, what is the basis of our salvation, and how does this relate to our fellowship with others?
3. According to Acts 2:42, what were the early believers devoted to, and how does this reflect the concept of fellowship discussed in the sermon? [46:10]
4. How does the story of Tychicus in Colossians 4 demonstrate the significance of small acts of service in the Kingdom of God? [58:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul’s description of Tychicus and Onesimus in Colossians 4:7-9 challenge our understanding of what it means to serve in the church? [58:27]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true fellowship with Jesus can help us overcome personal prejudices and biases? [01:06:02]
3. How does the concept of "large-hearted living" as described in the sermon relate to the way Epaphras is portrayed in Colossians 4:12? [01:23:20]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between forgiveness and fellowship, particularly in the context of Paul and Mark’s reconciliation? [01:13:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationships within the church. Are there any prejudices or biases you need to address to experience fuller fellowship? How can you begin to overcome these? [01:06:02]
2. Consider the small acts of service you perform in your daily life. How can you view these as significant contributions to God’s Kingdom, similar to Tychicus’s role? [58:27]
3. Think about a past hurt or resentment you may be holding onto. What steps can you take towards forgiveness and reconciliation, following the example of Paul and Mark? [01:13:55]
4. How can you practice "large-hearted living" in your community? Identify one person you can pray for this week, focusing on their spiritual growth and maturity. [01:23:20]
5. As your church approaches its anniversary, how can you participate in the celebration as a spiritual discipline? What can you do to invite others into this joy? [39:45]
6. Reflect on your fellowship with Jesus. Are there areas where you feel disconnected? What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him this week? [01:19:48]
7. Identify a specific way you can contribute to the unity and oneness of your church community. How can you actively work towards this goal in the coming month? [01:06:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Fellowship with Jesus as the Foundation
True fellowship with other believers is deeply rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Without this foundation, our connections lack depth and spiritual significance. Our relationship with Jesus transforms our interactions, allowing us to serve and love others genuinely. This spiritual communion transcends cultural, social, and personal barriers, calling us to live in unity, love, and service. It is a reflection of the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives, urging us to move beyond our prejudices and immaturities. As we engage in fellowship with Jesus, we are empowered to embrace a life of large-hearted living that deeply cares for the spiritual well-being of others. [55:02]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your fellowship with Jesus today, and how might this transform your interactions with others in your community?
Day 2: The Greatness in Small Acts
The story of Tychicus reminds us that there is greatness in small, faithful acts of service. Even the seemingly insignificant tasks, when done in fellowship with Christ, contribute to the Kingdom of God. We are encouraged not to despise small beginnings or acts of service, as they can lead to eternal impact. Tychicus and Onesimus exemplify how lives transformed by Christ can make a significant difference through humble service. Their stories challenge us to recognize the value in every act of kindness and service, no matter how small, when done with a heart aligned with Christ's purpose. [58:27]
"Whoever is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." (Luke 16:10, ESV)
Reflection: What small act of service can you commit to today, trusting that God will use it for His Kingdom?
Day 3: Overcoming Prejudice through Unity in Christ
The fullness of fellowship transcends human prejudices, whether racial, social, or personal. In Christ, we are called to unity and oneness, leaving behind our biases and embracing each other as co-heirs in the Gospel. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our fellowship with one another is a reflection of our fellowship with Christ, urging us to move beyond our prejudices and embrace a life of unity and love. This call to unity challenges us to examine our hearts and attitudes, seeking to align them with the heart of Christ. [01:06:02]
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a prejudice or bias you hold. How can you actively work to overcome it and embrace unity in Christ today?
Day 4: Moving Beyond Resentment and Hurt
True fellowship requires us to move beyond past hurts and resentments. We are called to forgive and reconcile, just as Paul and Mark did. This is essential for experiencing the fullness of fellowship and unity within the body of Christ. Forgiveness is a powerful act that reflects the heart of Christ and fosters true community. It requires us to let go of past grievances and embrace a spirit of reconciliation and love. As we seek to live in fellowship with one another, we are challenged to examine our hearts and attitudes, seeking to align them with the heart of Christ. [01:13:55]
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Large-Hearted Living
A life of large-hearted living is marked by a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of others. Like Epaphras, we are called to struggle in prayer for the maturity and assurance of our fellow believers. This kind of living reflects the heart of Christ and fosters true community. It challenges us to move beyond our own needs and desires, embracing a life of service and love for others. As we seek to live large-hearted lives, we are reminded of the transformative power of the Gospel and the call to live in unity and love with one another. [01:23:20]
"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: How can you actively support and encourage the spiritual growth of someone in your community this week?
Quotes
Father, we thank you that today, that as we sing songs, as we pray, as we study your word, or as we celebrate your goodness and your grace and your faithfulness, Father, we do that. Not because of anything that we generate on our own. God, it's not because of anything. It's because of everything that we have done. But, Lord, it all starts with you. [00:09:40] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Celebration is also a chance for us to declare to the world what God is doing. And so we want you to take advantage of that. We want to invite you to do that. So you're going to notice on your seats today are two invite cards. There are two for a reason, because it's not just for you. It's for you to give one, and for you to give one to somebody else. [00:41:08] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Because the Bible hasn't changed. We are supposed to live in and devote ourselves to fellowship, to building community and maintaining connections with others based on what we share together, which is our shared belief, our relationship with Jesus. Guys, that's why as a church, we say that we are not a church that offers community groups. We are a church of community groups. [00:50:02] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Because those momentary, small acts of faithfulness that's the fruit of Christ in your life and that's what grows our intimacy with Him, our faith in Him and that's what shows us and shows the world what fellowship is. And I'm feeling a little bold today. I'm bold enough to say this. If you show me someone who despises serving the Lord, you show me someone who rejects the small acts of serving in the church, of serving on the serve team, going on a mission trip, just meeting with somebody, you show me someone who is struggling to have intimacy with Jesus. [01:00:53] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The only way that we truly overcome prejudice and bias is with fellowship with Jesus and unity with his people. Because that unity is built on Christ. So all of our old former prejudices, former preferences, former ways of viewing the world, they all die. [01:06:26] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The last thing. We're going to write down today is this one. The fullness of fellowship with other believers. Brings large hearted living. It brings large hearted living. It's kind of a weird way to phrase that. How about that? [01:20:55] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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