Fellowship: The Fire That Ignites Our Faith

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, it's essential to find our home in the fellowship of our Heavenly Father, just as Jesus did. Jesus modeled a life of spiritual practices such as solitude, silence, celebration, worship, and prayer, which kept him constantly connected to God. If Jesus, the Son of God, needed these practices, how much more do we? Today, I want to focus on the practice of fellowship, an engagement that involves worship, study, prayer, celebration, and service with other believers. Fellowship is not just a social gathering; it's a profound spiritual practice that unites us in a common cause, allowing us to experience more of God's presence together than we could alone.

The essence of fellowship is beautifully illustrated in the analogy of a charcoal fire. Just as a single piece of charcoal grows cold when isolated, so do we when we separate ourselves from the community of believers. Together, we can sustain the fire of God's presence in our lives. Fellowship is not a cliché or mere small talk; it's a deep connection with others in the faith, much like the fellowship depicted in Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring," where individuals draw strength from one another in their noble quest.

Fellowship is about engaging in spiritual activities with others, such as reading scripture, praying, and serving together. These shared experiences allow us to contain more of God and sustain each other. In Alcoholics Anonymous, there's a saying: "I get drunk, we get sober." This highlights the power of community in healing and transformation. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we need both a personal program of spiritual practices and the fellowship of others to thrive.

Today, I encourage you to engage in mini-fellowships. Read scripture with someone, pray together, serve alongside another, or simply celebrate life with others. These small acts of fellowship can keep the fire of faith alive in ways we cannot achieve alone. Remember, fellowship is not just an activity; it's a vital part of our spiritual life that brings us closer to God and each other.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Fellowship: Fellowship is not just a social activity but a spiritual practice that unites us in a common cause, allowing us to experience more of God's presence together than we could alone. It is through this unity that we can sustain the fire of God's presence in our lives. [02:31]

2. The Analogy of Charcoal: Just as a single piece of charcoal grows cold when isolated, so do we when we separate ourselves from the community of believers. Together, we can sustain the fire of God's presence in our lives, drawing warmth and strength from one another. [03:22]

3. Fellowship Beyond Clichés: Fellowship is not a cliché or mere small talk; it's a deep connection with others in the faith, much like the fellowship depicted in Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring," where individuals draw strength from one another in their noble quest. [04:32]

4. Engaging in Spiritual Activities Together: Fellowship involves engaging in spiritual activities with others, such as reading scripture, praying, and serving together. These shared experiences allow us to contain more of God and sustain each other. [06:10]

5. Mini-Fellowships in Daily Life: Today, engage in mini-fellowships by reading scripture with someone, praying together, serving alongside another, or simply celebrating life with others. These small acts of fellowship can keep the fire of faith alive in ways we cannot achieve alone. [11:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - The Easy Yoke of Jesus
- [00:51] - Practices of Jesus
- [01:09] - The Practice of Fellowship
- [01:25] - Engaging in Common Activities
- [01:59] - The Nature of the Soul
- [02:31] - The Fire of God
- [03:22] - The Charcoal Analogy
- [04:32] - Fellowship Beyond Clichés
- [05:28] - Fellowship in Film
- [06:10] - Engaging in Spiritual Activities
- [07:20] - The Need for Fellowship
- [08:21] - Praying Together
- [09:42] - Serving Together
- [10:01] - Consolation in Fellowship
- [11:07] - Mini-Fellowships in Daily Life

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Fellowship

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) - "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."
2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV) - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what are some spiritual practices that Jesus engaged in to stay connected with God? [00:39]
2. How does the analogy of a charcoal fire illustrate the importance of fellowship among believers? [03:22]
3. What activities are mentioned in the sermon as part of engaging in fellowship with others? [06:10]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between true fellowship and mere social gatherings? [04:20]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might personalities united in fellowship be able to contain more of God than scattered individuals, according to the sermon? [02:14]
2. How does the analogy of the charcoal fire relate to the biblical concept of community found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12?
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that fellowship can help sustain one's spiritual life during difficult times? [09:29]
4. How does the sermon use the example of Alcoholics Anonymous to illustrate the power of community in spiritual growth? [06:25]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually isolated. How might engaging in fellowship have changed that experience? [03:22]
2. What specific steps can you take this week to engage in a "mini-fellowship" with someone, such as reading scripture or praying together? [07:34]
3. Consider the analogy of the charcoal fire. Who are the "briquettes" in your life that help keep your spiritual fire burning? How can you strengthen those connections? [03:22]
4. How can you move beyond small talk to create deeper connections with fellow believers in your church community? [04:20]
5. Identify a person in your life who might benefit from fellowship. What is one way you can reach out to them this week to offer support or encouragement? [09:29]
6. Reflect on the statement, "I get drunk, we get sober." How can you apply this principle of community support to your own spiritual journey? [06:25]
7. What is one spiritual activity you can commit to doing with others regularly to enhance your fellowship experience? [06:10]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Fellowship
Fellowship is more than just a gathering of people; it is a spiritual practice that unites believers in a shared purpose, allowing them to experience God's presence more profoundly together than they could alone. This unity is essential for sustaining the fire of God's presence in our lives. When believers come together in fellowship, they create an environment where spiritual growth and transformation can occur, as they support and encourage one another in their faith journeys. The collective strength of a community of believers can help individuals overcome challenges and deepen their relationship with God. [02:31]

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to join you in a spiritual activity this week, such as prayer or Bible study, to experience the power of fellowship together?


Day 2: The Charcoal Analogy: Staying Warm in Community
The analogy of a charcoal fire illustrates the importance of staying connected to a community of believers. Just as a single piece of charcoal grows cold when isolated, so do individuals when they separate themselves from the fellowship of others. Together, believers can sustain the warmth and strength of God's presence in their lives, drawing encouragement and support from one another. This communal aspect of faith is vital for maintaining spiritual vitality and preventing spiritual isolation. By remaining connected to a community, believers can continue to grow and thrive in their faith. [03:22]

"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: In what ways can you actively participate in your faith community to ensure you and others remain spiritually warm and connected?


Day 3: Fellowship Beyond Clichés: A Deep Connection
Fellowship is not merely a cliché or small talk; it is a profound connection with others in the faith, akin to the fellowship depicted in Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring." In this fellowship, individuals draw strength from one another as they embark on their noble quest. This deep connection allows believers to support each other in their spiritual journeys, providing encouragement and accountability. By engaging in meaningful fellowship, believers can experience a sense of belonging and purpose, knowing they are part of something greater than themselves. [04:32]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your connections with fellow believers to create a more meaningful and supportive fellowship?


Day 4: Engaging in Spiritual Activities Together
Fellowship involves engaging in spiritual activities with others, such as reading scripture, praying, and serving together. These shared experiences allow believers to contain more of God and sustain each other in their faith journeys. By participating in these activities, individuals can grow spiritually and develop a deeper understanding of God's presence in their lives. Engaging in spiritual activities together fosters a sense of unity and purpose, as believers work together to fulfill God's calling in their lives. [06:10]

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42, ESV)

Reflection: What spiritual activity can you commit to doing with others this week to strengthen your faith and the faith of those around you?


Day 5: Mini-Fellowships in Daily Life
Engaging in mini-fellowships, such as reading scripture with someone, praying together, serving alongside another, or simply celebrating life with others, can keep the fire of faith alive in ways that cannot be achieved alone. These small acts of fellowship are vital for maintaining spiritual vitality and fostering a sense of community among believers. By incorporating mini-fellowships into daily life, individuals can experience the transformative power of fellowship and grow closer to God and each other. [11:07]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one small act of fellowship you can incorporate into your daily routine to nurture your faith and the faith of those around you?

Quotes


In our journey of faith, it's essential to find our home in the fellowship of our Heavenly Father, just as Jesus did. Jesus modeled a life of spiritual practices such as solitude, silence, celebration, worship, and prayer, which kept him constantly connected to God. If Jesus, the Son of God, needed these practices, how much more do we? [00:12:32]

In Fellowship, we engage in common activities of worship, study, prayer, celebration, and service with other disciples. This may involve assembling ourselves together in a large group or meeting with only a few. So it's quite simple; we take activities that we have already discussed somewhat to this point, only now we do those activities together with other people who are brothers and sisters of the faith. [00:83:58]

Personalities united can contain more of God and sustain the force of his greater presence much better than scattered individuals. The fire of God kindles higher as the brands are heaped together and each is warmed by the other's flame. The members of the body must be in contact if they are to sustain and be sustained by each other. [00:125:939]

It is almost precisely like if you have a charcoal fire if you're grilling something. You just take one of those little lumps of charcoal and put it off to the side, and pretty soon it will run out of fire and grow cold just by being isolated from those other little briquettes. You are a little briquette, and you need other briquettes. [00:197:159]

In Fellowship, as it is understood biblically, we are together with people in a great common cause. If you've ever read Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring," a band of people who are on a noble quest and draw strength from each other as they serve and talk and encourage—that's a sense of Fellowship. [00:270:479]

We are able to experience the power to be healed when we gather together. I will often go to small groups that are 12-step groups in AA, and it's a strange thing. We will read some from the big book, people will tell the story of how they are being given strength for life, and they'll walk out of there with my compass needle pointing north again. [00:382:259]

We need a program, but then we need a fellowship. We need to gather together with other people, so it is a fundamental need. Here's how you can do it today: it's just very simple, kind of miniature versions, little mini Fellowship. Read a passage of scripture with another person, and you might just talk as you go through that. [00:438:72]

Something happens when we pray with others. One of my best friends in the world is somebody who will struggle a lot with doubt and sometimes just be on the razor's edge. I remember saying to him one time, "Well, why don't you try being an atheist for a while?" and he just laughs like, "You know I can't do that." [00:509:34]

For this next season of life, you don't get to be an atheist because I have to have you praying. I can't pray right now in the way that I need prayer, but you can do that. So you do not have the luxury for this next period of time of being atheist. The day will come someday when you can, but not today. [00:542:58]

Today, go and serve someone with another person. Work is an opportunity for Fellowship in the discipline of service. Today, worship with another person. I came across this old hymn in a statement that I read from Dallas. To be consoled when we're going through something difficult is a wonderful thing. [00:582:899]

Celebrate with somebody. That's Babette's Feast. Go someplace and eat food you love to eat and drink food that you love to drink with another person, a group of people that you love to be with, and that is fellowship. All through the day, just in little moments, you can add fellowship. [00:651:3]

Welcome home. [00:673:8]

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Transcript
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