Learning, Fellowship and their Purpose
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Learning
Learning
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-15
Ephesians 4:11-15
(V.12) Equipping = True Learning
True Learning = Transformation
(v. 13) Transformation = Maturity
(v.14) Maturity means wisdom in living the Christian life
God's Word
How are we to do so in love?In the power and fellowship of the spirit
In the power and fellowship of the spirit
Stipulations
16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. 17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. 17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
I will be your leader and as such I will vigilantly prepare myself and be available to meet your needs in equipping you for service. I will also implore you to follow me as I follow Christ. See what I value, see how I use my time, see how I treat others, see how I value Christ. See how my life bears the gospel.
Ephesians 4:16-25
(v.16) Your connection to the body results in growth individually, which translates to the community
(v.17-19) Our individual “walks” with Christ necessitates usefulness of our minds to Christ, knowledge and understanding of God’s life, and soft hearts toward God.
(v.20-21) Possessing these characteristics requires our learning and being taught
(v.22-23) Our learning and being taught allows us to be renewed in the spirit of our minds
(v.24) Our renewed self is created in the righteousness and holiness of the truth you adhere to
(v.25) This allows us to be able to lay aside living falsely and speak truth to one another, because we are dependent on one another
How are we to do so in love?In the power and fellowship of the spirit
10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Cor
Takeaways
Learning requires active engagement
Requires active engagement
This means you need to participate in your own learning more than you currently do
The stakes in your learning to live the Christian life are much higher than in most educational environments
Your learning is closer to survival training than prepping for a test.
You have 2 Goals
To know God's truth
To obey God
This is a two-step process that is facilitated through the Holy Spirit
Indicatives and Imperatives
Indicatives may consist of facts, concepts, paradigms
Imperatives are commands that follow the indicatives
Examples: ; ;
Our issue is typically not in the command, but the reason for the obedience. We don't really know why we should do this and that. We never really see or know. You need to want to know more…
Smaller children always ask why. We seem to quit asking why so much and just don’t obey. The reason that we don’t obey is because we don’t “understand” the reason.
Fellowship
Fellowship
You will intend to seek first his Kingdom and be part of this fellowship. I want you to practice love as best you know how and learn how to be 'practioners of faith". In want you to actively engage your spiritual life and look to Renae, myself and all others you are in fellowship with to help you with whatever you need to that end.
3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 3:
Whomever does not want to do that is a visitor to us, and are welcome to join our fellowship at any time in the future, but is currently outside of that relationship.
1 John 1:3-7
So there are then three options:
(v.3) We have fellowship through the things we believe, through what is proclaimed to us
(v.4) Our fellowship is also with the Father and the Son
(1) Not be a part of class
(v.6) Our fellowship with God and one another is based on our obedience
(2) Be a part of class but not be in fellowship with those that seek that
"The existence of any Christian life together depends on whether it succeeds at the right time in bringing out the ability to distinguish between a human ideal and God's reality, between spiritual and human community. - Bonhoeffer, Life Together
(3) Be in fellowship
Example - Emily, we are in fellowship with her. She is a part of our life and we are a part of hers.As we begin a fresh start to the Sunday School year I wanted to frame our time together and speak about what my expectations are for us. and see if you want to be a part. If you do you are saying that you want to participate in fellowship with everyone else that accepts.
Fellowshiping is sharing in something with someone…a common sharing of something
Stipulations
In fellowship with God we partaking of…
I will be your leader and as such I will vigilantly prepare myself and be available to meet your needs in equipping you for service. I will also implore you to follow me as I follow Christ. See what I value, see how I use my time, see how I treat others, see how I value Christ. See how my life bears the gospel.
Grace ()
You will intend to seek first his Kingdom and be part of this fellowship. I want you to practice love as best you know how and learn how to be 'practioners of faith". In want you to actively engage your spiritual life and look to Renae, myself and all others you are in fellowship with to help you with whatever you need to that end.
7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.
The divine nature ()
The divine nature ()
4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
Whomever does not want to do that is a visitor to us, and are welcome to join our fellowship at any time in the future, but is currently outside of that relationship.
Gospel ()
Gospel ()
23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
So there are then three options:
Holy Spirit ()
Holy Spirit ()
1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
(1) Not be a part of class
Forgiveness ()
Forgiveness ()
7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
(2) Be a part of class but not be in fellowship with those that seek that
In fellowship with other Christians we partake of the same thing
In fellowship with other Christians we partake of the same thing
(3) Be in fellowship
11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Example - Emily, we are in fellowship with her. She is a part of our life and we are a part of hers.
Colossians 3:11-16
As you look at the following passage, what is the body of Christ called to specifically?
What it would it mean for you/ do for you if you were a part of such a fellowship as the one described here?
Make a list of the things you are supposed to do (the indicatives) at your table
Put on: a heart of compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience
Bearing with one another
Forgiving one another, who ever has a complaint against someone (forgive as you have been forgiven
Put on: Love, which is the perfect bond of unity
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts
Be thankful
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you
Teach and admonish one another through the different means available to you in corporate and private worship, with thankfulness in your heart
Their Purpose
Their Purpose
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
11 Prescribe and teach these things. 12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:11-16
The purpose of our learning and living in spiritual fellowship with one another is our salvation
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
Committing ourselves to doing the things we need to do will result in us having things in common, able to meet the needs of those among us and allow the Lord to add to our fellowship those who are being saved.