Young People's Group

Fellowship in the Gospel

by Mitchell Tan
May 31, 2018

UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL FELLOWSHIP

What is Biblical fellowship? Very often, we tend to water down the concept of fellowship. The apostle Paul had a Biblical understanding of what fellowship is.

“For your fellowship in the gospel”
Philippians 1:5

Fellowship is being able to have a special sense of bond with each other. Paul and the Philippian Church had a deep sense of bond based on the gospel. They were all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and had come to appreciate the close friendship that they had in Him. Young people, let’s also learn to have a fellowship that is based on faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

THE ASPECTS OF BIBLICAL FELLOWSHIP

1. LOVING RELATIONSHIP

There was a loving relationship between Paul and the Philippians. He wrote of how he longed for them with the affections of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:8). There was a deep sense of love that Paul had for the Church at Philippi. We too can cultivate such closeness with each other.

2. LASTING RELATIONSHIP

Paul’s friendship and fellowship with the Philippians lasted through the years. They continued in fellowship with each other from the day that they were converted till the time he was writing this epistle in prison. Their friendship stood the test of time and went the distance.

3. LORD JESUS-CENTRED RELATIONSHIP

The focus of their relationship was the Lord Jesus Christ. It was in Christ that they were able to develop their friendship. They spoke of Christ to each other. The title “Christ” is mentioned thirty-eight times in the epistle to the Philippians. Is our fellowship also centred on the Lord Jesus? It should.

EXPRESSIONS OF BIBLICAL FELLOWSHIP

1. REMEMBERING EACH OTHER IN PRAYER

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with joy …”
Philippians 1:3-4

The apostle Paul gave thanks to the Lord as he specially remembered the Philippian Church. He offered humble prayers to the Lord as he thought about their precious fellowship in Him. Young people, let’s also learn to remember each other in prayer with joy. I give thanks as I remember all who are serving the Lord at the Junior Camp. Many of you having been working hard during this week. May the Lord bless each one of you for your service to Him.

2. ENCOURAGING EACH OTHER IN THE LORD

“… For your fellowship in the gospel”
Philippians 1:5

When Paul was at Philippi, he must have taken time to encourage the brethren with the word. They developed a close fellowship with each other. There was sweet communion between Paul and the Philippians. There was the involvement of the Spirit of God in bringing them together (Philippians 2:1). Paul also took time to write to the Philippians to encourage them. Young people, let’s also seek to fellowship and encourage each other in the Lord. Let’s build friendships that will stand the test of time.

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