Spiritual Discipline of Fellowship, Church of Christ Sermon

mountaincreekch... The Spiritual Discipline of Fellowship is part of a monthly series in 2012 focusing on becoming a better disciple of Jesus. This sermon emphasizes that the fellowship of the Church is not optional, but a fundamental part of what it is to be a disciple.
Most think fellowship is only a blessing
a perk, fringe benefit
completely discretionary, take it or leave it
Extrovert and Introvert
Ac 2:42, 46
I. Fundamental In Relationships of New Testament
A. Jesus to Apostles
1. Mark 3:14 He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him,
2. Mark 4:10 explained parables to them
3. Matt 26:20 Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.
4. Mark 11:11 He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.
5. John 6:67-68 So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" 68 Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.
B. Early Church
1. Acts 1:14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
2. Ac 1:14 all with one mind
3. Acts 2:1 they were all together in one place.
II. Isolation Is Selfish
A. No unity w/out togetherness
1. John 17:11 I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.
2. John 17:20-21 I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
B. People proud not to need others
1. Avoid fellowship b/c nothing in it for you
2. Others need you
3. 1 Cor 12:12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
C. Discipline is about overcoming selfishness
1. Fellowship is a necessity of Love
2. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
D. Can't serve/help others without being with them
1. Rom 14:19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
a. How can you build up and avoid them?
2. Rom 15:1-2 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
a. To help them, make them stronger
III. Church Can Not Function Without Fellowship
A. Christians developing strong bonds w/ others
1. Encouraging one another
2. Sharpening one another
3. Correcting one another
4. Working together
a. Phil 1:27 I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
B. Worship is not just between me and God
1. Fellowship is necessary for corporate worship
2. Eph 5:18-21 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Attend congregational functions -- commit to being there
Have fellow disciples into your home
Include disciples in your entertainment -- movies, games, etc.
When people invite you, go