The Committed Life (3)

“Continuing Steadfastly…In Fellowship”

Acts 2:42

Acts 2:42, And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,

in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

INTRODUCTION

The Bible revealed that the early church “continued steadfastly” in doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers.

Continued Steadfastly = To be earnest toward, persevere, be constantly diligent, to attend assiduously all the exercises, attend or give self…continually.

The first item on the list was doctrine (instruction, what has been taught). The second target of commitment was fellowship. Without question, it seems, the modern church has grossly misunderstood this subject. We have relegated fellowship to “dinner on the ground,” pizza parties and a myriad of other social gatherings. While these events have worth at some level…it is not fellowship, it is not koinonia. It is vital that we understand Biblical fellowship and commit ourselves to it, while understanding its value in our development…

I. PERCEIVING FELLOWSHIP

A. Defined.

1. Fellowship. [koinonia]

a. Depth. The word carries such a multitude of meanings that no

single English word is adequate to express its depth and

richness. It is a derivative of the word “koinos,” which means

“common.”

b. Defined. The share one has in a joint venture or relationship.

Partnership, participation, social intercourse, communicate,

communion, and contribution.

II. POSITIONED FOR FELLOWSHIP

A. Connected…To Him.

1. The Imperative Revelation. I John 1:6-7

2. The Most Important Relationship.

a. Fellowship…of Christ. I Corinthians 1:9, I Corinthians 10:16,

Philippians 3:10

b. Fellowship…of the Holy Ghost. II Corinthians 13:14,

Philippians 2:1

B. Connected…To His.

1. Directive. II Corinthians 6:14

2. Decision. Fellowship…of the Church. Galatians 2:9, Ephesians 3:8-11

III. PRACTICING FELLOWSHIP

A. Communion. [Relationship, unity, close association]

1. Agreed. [Unity in Relationships]

a. The Key.

i) His Warning. Matthew 12:25-26

ii) His Will. Ephesians 4:16

a. Joined. [Close-jointed, to organize compactly]

b. Knit. [to drive together, united] Psalm 133…

Acts 2:1

2. Engaged. [Involved in Relationships] Hebrews 10:21-25

B. Communication.

1. Intercourse. [social Intercourse = dealings or communication between

individuals or groups. The interchange of thoughts or feelings]

2. Interaction.

a) In Word. I John 1:3

b) In Worship. Ephesians 5:19-20

c) In Way. (Of Life) Hebrews 3:13, I Thessalonians 5:11,

I Thessalonians 4:16-18

d) In Witnessing. Philemon 1:6

C. Contribution.

1. Participation & Partnership. (Stewardship)

a. Time. Matthew 6:33

b. Talent. I Corinthians 14:12, I Peter 4:10

c. Treasure. Luke 6:38, II Corinthians 8:3-5, Hebrews 13:16

CONCLUSION

Let each of us choose…to commit to Biblical fellowship!