Transformative Fellowship: Connecting with God and Each Other
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of fellowship with God and each other, as articulated in the opening verses of 1 John. This fellowship is not merely about social gatherings or shared activities; it is a deep, spiritual connection that transforms us and unites us with God and fellow believers. We began by acknowledging the holiness of God and our role as stewards of His gifts, emphasizing that our giving is an act of faith and obedience, recognizing Jesus as our Lord. This act of giving is a reflection of our trust in Him and our commitment to His kingdom.
We then moved into a time of communion, a sacred practice that reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice and our unity in Him. Communion is an invitation to all who love Christ and seek to live in peace, a moment to confess our sins and receive forgiveness, reinforcing our fellowship with God and each other. This sacrament is a tangible expression of our shared faith and the grace we receive through Christ.
The sermon focused on the apostle John's message in 1 John, where he emphasizes that Jesus is the "logos," the divine mediator between God and humanity. John assures us that Jesus was both fully divine and fully human, a reality witnessed by the apostles. This truth is foundational to our faith, as it affirms that Jesus is the bridge that connects us to God, enabling us to experience true fellowship.
John's letter also challenges us to consider the nature of our fellowship. The Greek word "koinonia" used by John implies a deep sharing of life and identity, not just casual interaction. This fellowship transforms us, allowing us to share in the divine nature through the Holy Spirit. It calls us to be spiritually alive, to engage deeply with God and each other, and to live out our faith in tangible ways.
As we reflect on this message, we are encouraged to see those around us who are not yet in fellowship with God and the church. We are called to use language and actions that break down barriers and invite others into this transformative relationship. Our joy is made complete when we see new people come to life in Christ, experiencing the fellowship that brings true joy and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
- Stewardship as Worship: Our act of giving is not out of obligation but a declaration of Jesus' lordship in our lives. It is a reflection of our trust in Him and our commitment to His kingdom, acknowledging that all we have is from Him. [00:00]
- Communion as Unity: The practice of communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and our unity in Him. It invites us to confess, receive forgiveness, and celebrate our shared faith, reinforcing our fellowship with God and each other. [26:27]
- Jesus as the Logos: John emphasizes that Jesus is the "logos," the divine mediator who bridges the gap between God and humanity. This truth affirms Jesus' dual nature as fully divine and fully human, foundational to our faith. [47:51]
- Koinonia - Deep Fellowship: The fellowship John speaks of is "koinonia," a deep sharing of life and identity that transforms us. It calls us to be spiritually alive, engaging deeply with God and each other, and living out our faith in tangible ways. [51:24]
- Inviting Others into Fellowship: We are challenged to see those not yet in fellowship with God and the church, using language and actions that break down barriers and invite them into this transformative relationship. Our joy is complete when others come to life in Christ. [01:04:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Worship Through Giving
- [02:00] - Prayer and Holiness
- [04:00] - Communion Invitation
- [06:30] - Confession and Forgiveness
- [09:00] - Sharing the Lord's Supper
- [12:00] - Prayer for Healing
- [14:30] - Announcements and Community News
- [18:00] - Introduction to 1 John
- [20:00] - Jesus as the Logos
- [24:00] - Understanding Koinonia
- [28:00] - Fellowship with God and Church
- [32:00] - Invitation to See and Care for Others
- [36:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 John 1:1-4
- 2 Peter 1:3-4
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the term "logos" signify in the context of 1 John, and how does it relate to Jesus? [47:51]
2. How does John describe the nature of Jesus in the opening verses of 1 John? What senses does he mention to affirm Jesus' humanity? [47:51]
3. What is the significance of the Greek word "koinonia" as used by John in his letter? [51:24]
4. According to the sermon, what role does communion play in reinforcing our fellowship with God and each other? [26:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the "logos" help bridge the understanding between divinity and humanity for both Jewish and Greek audiences? [47:51]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our fellowship with God and each other transforms us? [51:24]
3. How does the practice of communion serve as a tangible expression of our shared faith and unity in Christ? [26:27]
4. What does it mean to be spiritually alive, as described in the sermon, and how does this relate to our fellowship with God? [54:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of fellowship. How can you deepen your spiritual connection with God and fellow believers this week? [51:24]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of using language and actions that invite others into fellowship. Identify one person in your life who is not yet in fellowship with God. What specific steps can you take to reach out to them? [01:04:01]
3. Consider your approach to giving. How can you view your acts of stewardship as a form of worship and a declaration of Jesus' lordship in your life? [00:00]
4. Communion is a time for confession and forgiveness. Is there a sin or burden you need to confess to God or a fellow believer this week? How can this act reinforce your unity with Christ and the church? [26:27]
5. The sermon mentions the joy that comes from seeing new people come to life in Christ. How can you actively participate in creating an environment that welcomes and nurtures new believers? [01:01:27]
6. Reflect on the idea of being spiritually alive. What changes can you make in your daily life to live out your faith in tangible ways? [54:16]
7. How can you use your unique gifts and talents to contribute to the fellowship and mission of your church community? [58:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship as an Act of Faith
Our act of giving is a profound declaration of Jesus' lordship in our lives. It is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual practice that reflects our trust in Him and our commitment to His kingdom. By acknowledging that all we have is from God, we become stewards of His gifts, using them to further His purposes on earth. This perspective transforms our giving from an obligation to an act of worship, where we joyfully participate in God's work and express our gratitude for His provision. [00:00]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can practice cheerful giving this week, viewing it as an act of worship rather than obligation?
Day 2: Communion as a Celebration of Unity
Communion is a sacred practice that reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice and our unity in Him. It is an invitation to all who love Christ and seek to live in peace, offering a moment to confess our sins and receive forgiveness. This sacrament is a tangible expression of our shared faith and the grace we receive through Christ, reinforcing our fellowship with God and each other. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the profound connection we have with fellow believers, united by the love and sacrifice of Jesus. [26:27]
"For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread." (1 Corinthians 10:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart for the next communion service, focusing on unity with Christ and fellow believers?
Day 3: Jesus as the Divine Mediator
John emphasizes that Jesus is the "logos," the divine mediator who bridges the gap between God and humanity. This truth affirms Jesus' dual nature as fully divine and fully human, a reality witnessed by the apostles. Understanding Jesus as the "logos" is foundational to our faith, as it assures us that He is the bridge that connects us to God, enabling us to experience true fellowship. This divine mediation is not just a theological concept but a living reality that transforms our relationship with God and each other. [47:51]
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of Jesus as the mediator in your personal relationship with God?
Day 4: Koinonia - A Transformative Fellowship
The fellowship John speaks of is "koinonia," a deep sharing of life and identity that transforms us. It calls us to be spiritually alive, engaging deeply with God and each other, and living out our faith in tangible ways. This fellowship is not just about social gatherings but a profound spiritual connection that unites us with God and fellow believers. Through "koinonia," we share in the divine nature through the Holy Spirit, experiencing a transformative relationship that impacts every aspect of our lives. [51:24]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in "koinonia" within your community, fostering deeper spiritual connections with others?
Day 5: Inviting Others into Transformative Fellowship
We are challenged to see those not yet in fellowship with God and the church, using language and actions that break down barriers and invite them into this transformative relationship. Our joy is made complete when we see new people come to life in Christ, experiencing the fellowship that brings true joy and fulfillment. This call to invite others is not just an evangelistic effort but a reflection of our desire to share the love and grace we have received, extending the invitation to experience the life-changing power of fellowship with God. [01:04:01]
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can intentionally reach out to this week, inviting them into a deeper fellowship with God and the church?
Quotes
"I want to invite us just to come forward. We're going to continue our time of worship through giving. And I just want to say a quick word that we do this not out of obligation, but because we say yes and amen to the Lordship of Jesus. And we recognize that it is Him who gives all that we have. And really, we're just stewarding what we have. And so we take time every week to give. We give a portion back of what Jesus has entrusted to us. So this is out of faith and obedience. We say, yes, you are Lord. And we trust you with all that you have entrusted to us. So would you pray with me?" [00:15:13] (39 seconds)
"On the night of Jesus' betrayal, he took bread, and he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to the Lord Jesus Christ, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. And in like manner, after supper, he took the cup. When he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink of this, all of you, for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. Amen. I want to invite ushers to come forward, and we're going to pass the elements tonight. Lord, please ask. That you hold on to them, and we'll partake of them all together at the end. And also, if you're visiting with us, know that you are welcome to receive." [00:24:07] (46 seconds)
"The apostle John is one of Jesus' closest disciples. He wrote a letter to remind the early church of this truth. He wanted them to know that faith isn't about just head knowledge. It's not about just what you know or what you believe. It's about relationship. relationship with God and with others. Not superficial relationship, but deep, rich relationship where you are known and you know others thoroughly." [00:40:08] (29 seconds)
"John writes with the heart of a pastor, calling us back to what truly matters, the certainty of Christ, the call to love, the assurance of our salvation. He speaks to the church that was struggling with doubt, division, and deception. These things sound a lot like our world today, right? For as many things that change, so many things stay the same. The church was struggling with doubt, division, and deception. And John doesn't just point out the problems. He reminds us of the foundation of our faith, that Jesus is real." [00:40:41] (43 seconds)
"John's using similar language to his gospel account to point to Jesus, calling him this word, or logos. He uses this term to connect with the Jewish and Greek audiences. Calling Jesus logos is presenting him as this divine mediator, the one who bridges the gap between God and humanity. He's the logos. He is the divine one who put on flyers to show business to his church. the one who had the power of the flesh to be with us. God incarnate." [00:47:07] (34 seconds)
"And John says that this word of life, Jesus, brought eternal life and it was revealed to them and they proclaimed it to the world. And the main purpose of this proclamation is to enjoy fellowship with God, the Father, Jesus, the Messiah, and the church. So why do we have new life? It's to enjoy fellowship. Fellowship with God, the Father, Jesus, the Son, through the Spirit and with the church. The fruit of eternal life is in Christ is fellowship with God. Fellowship with the church." [00:50:49] (35 seconds)
"Now, what exactly is John referring to when he says fellowship? Now, when we think of fellowship, we probably think of getting together to share a meal or do something together and share conversation and kind of rub shoulders with one another, right? So we'll get together and have a Bible study and fellowship, or we'll grab coffee and have fellowship together, or like we do once a month, we'll have a potluck and we'll have fellowship." [00:51:24] (27 seconds)
"And really what we mean is that we're going to engage with each other, doing a common thing, right? We're going to read the Bible together. We're going to grab coffee together. We're going to eat a meal together, and we're going to share life. We're going to talk about things. We're going to pray together. We're going to laugh. We're going to cry. We're going to do these things together, right?" [00:51:54] (22 seconds)
"In Christ, we're made alive by the spirit of God. And in a very mysterious way, we share things, right? We share in Christ's divinity. In a very mysterious way, in Christ, we share in his divinity. We're no longer the same. Our eyes are open to the realities of sin and death in a brand new way, which helps us understand our need for Christ's sacrifice for us." [00:53:02] (26 seconds)
"John ends this portion that we read today in verse four. He says, these things we write so that our joy may be made complete. John and the others in the body of Christ were full of joy when new people came to life in Christ. when new people were transformed and made to be spiritually alive humans. John and the others in the church were overjoyed." [01:00:34] (30 seconds)
"John's a spectacular example for us because he understands his culture, he cares for them, and he uses language that's going to break down barriers that's gonna help people bring into fellowship with God and the church. He demonstrates this love and this care for people. People that are different from him, people that are on the outside looking in." [01:04:33] (27 seconds)
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