SF170 FELLOWSHIP - YOU WERE FORMED FOR GODS FAMILY ( Ecclesiastes 4 9-12)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Introduction
The purpose-driven life
Worship – You were created for God’s pleasure
Fellowship – You were formed for God’s family
We are a nation of loners
People are crying out for someone to care someone to understand them.
We feel isolated and alone
Technology has added to our isolation
Support groups are the going thing
We have Support groups for everything.
God formed the first Support group two thousand of years ago
He called it the church!
The Lord has given us the church is for fellowship!
Fellowship is experiencing life together
It is in the local church that we find the greatest source for genuine fellowship.
We have the unique opportunity to share our lives with each other.
1A. Membership Provides Stability in an Ever Changing World (4:9-10)
1B. Because He never changes
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
2B. Because His Word never changes
Matthew 5:18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
3B. Because His promises never fail
Psalm 89:28 My mercy I will keep for him forever, And My covenant shall stand firm with him.
4B. Because His purposes never change
Luke 19:10 "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
5B. Because His people never perish
John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
2A. Membership Provides Support in an Impersonal World (4:11)
1B. Everyone needs a personal relationship with God
Psalm 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, There is no God...
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
2B. Everyone needs someone who will encourage and support them.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Hebrews 3:13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
3B. Everyone needs someone who will restore them when they have fallen
Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3A. Membership Provides Safety in a Dangerous World (4:12)
1B. There are greater dangers than physical danger
Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
2B. Safety from the danger from without
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
3B. Safety from the danger from within
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
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.
This is the purpose of accountability
Ø Best done in a small group (10 or less)
Ø This is why we count people - Because people count!
Ø This is why we take roll - Because we want to help you stay close to the Lord!
Ø You are important to God, therefore you are important to us!
4B. The third strand is Jesus!
Application
Everyone needs a firm foundation for life…
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
Everyone needs support and encouragement in tough times
Everyone needs help in resisting the pull of sin and Satan.
Everyone needs a Friend…
“When you’re down and out, when you’re on the street,
When evening falls so hard, I will comfort you.
I’ll take your part.
“Oh! When darkness comes and pain is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled waters, I will lay me down.”
Paul Simon
Everyone needs a church home!
Everyone needs a small group!
Church is not to be, simply something we attend, it is to be who we are.
Look around, do you identify with the people here?
Ø If not, why not?
Ø It may be our fault.
Ø Or it may be your fault.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
1A. Membership Provides ________________________ in an Ever Changing World (4:9-10)
1B. Because _____________________ never changes
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
2B. Because His ___________________ never changes
Matthew 5:18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
3B. Because His ______________________ never fail
Psalm 89:28 My mercy I will keep for him forever, And My covenant shall stand firm with him.
4B. Because His ___________________ never change
Luke 19:10 "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
5B. Because His ____________________ never perish
John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
2A. Membership Provides ________________________ in an Impersonal World (4:11)
1B. Everyone needs a personal relationship with God (Psalm 14:1; Ecclesiastes 3:11)
2B. Everyone needs someone who will __________________________ and support them. (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13, 10:25)
3B. Everyone needs someone who will __________________ them when they have fallen -2)(Galatians 6:1
3A. Membership Provides ________________________ in a Dangerous World (4:12)
1B. There are greater dangers than physical danger
Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
2B. Safety from the danger from _________________ (1 Peter 5:8-9; Hebrews 13:17)
3B. Safety from the danger from _________________
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
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.
4B. The third strand is Jesus!