On-Purpose Living (Part 4)

Intro:

Ask: What are some things that it is more fun to do with other people as opposed to by yourself?

Life was meant to be together

Same goes for Christianity

Definition of fellowship:

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Fellowship)

Fellowship Definition: Bond of common purpose and devotion that binds Christians to one another and to Christ

Christian community (as opposed to ministry)

Need:

Place to belong

Family, Kingdom, Purpose

Dive in!

Body:

The Big Idea: You were formed for fellowship

2 Pictures of Fellowship:

Baptism

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

19 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,

Explanation

Fellowship?

Rick Warren

Why important?

“Participating in the fellowship of God’s eternal family.”

The support of the commentaries

Symbol of salvation

Second birth (physical family > spiritual family)

Not salvation itself

Wedding ring

Public declaration of faith

But why public? Fellowship.

Identifying with Jesus & inclusion in the body

Church initiation

One time act, ongoing implications

Family forever

“One another” (50x)

Kindness

Humility

Forgiveness

Unity

Application:

Personal baptism invitation

Keeping the main thing the main thing

Commit to new family

2 Pictures of Fellowship:

Baptism

Trinity

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

19 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,

Explanation:

Strongest support of trinity

One God, three persons

Name (singular)

“The trinity is God’s relationship to Himself.”

“God has always existed in loving relationship to Himself.”

Didn’t need a family (he already has one)

But he desired one

How baptism fits in

Getting practical

Relational harmony

Connecting with other Christians

Doing life together

Application:

Spending time w/ other Christians?

Phone numbers

Cultivate community together

Conclusion:

You belong here

Tonight: Recommit to fellowship

Be here

Text/hangout (outside of church)

Pray for one another.

PRAY

Lesson Overview:

The Big Idea: You were formed for fellowship.

2 Pictures:

Baptism

The Trinity

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

19 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,

Small Group Questions:

Why is it so easy for us to isolate ourselves sometimes?

How does Christian community and fellowship meet one of God’s primary purposes for our lives?

What are some issues that often hinder fellowship within Christian circles? What can be done to resolve these issues and strive for unity?

How does the call to baptism and the reality of the Trinity affect your perspective on the importance of fellowship?

What are some ways that you can take another step forward in prioritizing Christian community and fellowship in your life?