4 Realities of Real Fellowship Colossians 3:12-17
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Many times we look at fellowship as casual conversation, socializing, food, and fun, but real fellowship is more than just showing up for service; real fellowship means that we experience life together. Real fellowship includes unselfish love, honest sharing, practical sharing, sacrificial giving and sympathetic comforting. The New Testament church became a drawing power unto the lost, because the lost found real love and real help there!
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Jesus ministered in the context of a small group of disciples. He could have chosen more, but He knew 12 was about maximum size you can have as a small group.
Where do we find a small group for fellowship?
Matthew 18: 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Unfortunately, even being in a small group doesn’t guarantee you will experience real community.
Col. 3: 12-14 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Are you willing to really bear with one another, and forgive one another?
A. In real fellowship people experience authenticity! Authenticity isn’t superficial or surface-level chit-chat!
Real fellowship means men and women share hurts, reveal their feelings, confess their failures, disclose their doubts, admit their fears, acknowledge their weaknesses and ask for prayer!
Authenticity is the exact opposite of what you find in many churches!
Instead of an atmosphere of honesty and humility, there is pretending, role-playing, politicking and people there to promote their business!
I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
If a person isn’t authentic there won’t be any growth!
James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
B. In real fellowship people experience mutuality! Mutuality is the art of giving and receiving.
I Cor. 12:25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
Paul said in Romans 1:11-12 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
Over 50 times in the New Testament we are commanded to do different task to “one another!” Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
C. In real fellowship people experience sympathy!
Col.3:15-17 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
To become sympathy we don’t give quick advice, a quick offering, or just a quick pat on the back. No! We listen, share and care!
A quick fix or self-pity will just throw money or say “I’ll pray brother, but a sympathy stops, listens and acts!
D. In real fellowship people experience mercy! Real fellowship will bring with it: Love, Prayer and Grace. Real fellowship working through mercy will bring healing, peace and joy. Real fellowship breeds revival!
CEV II Cor. 2:7 “When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair.”
In closing remember, You will never be asked to forgive someone else more than God has already forgiven you!
Sources: The Purpose Drive Life
NKJ Bible
The Word For You Today
