Memorize the books of the Bible from Romans to 2 Thessalonians
1. What is the best strategy for implementing Biblical wisdom so we can experience the fulness of satisfaction and joy that the Lord offers us through Christian fellowship?
2. How are you going to make this strategy part of your own life?
Ephesians 4:11-16
The best (Biblical) fellowship is based on good Bible teaching, and is experienced by Christians as they use their gifts to help each other to obey and to apply what is taught in their lives. This involves effort on the part of all, but the results listed in this passage are more than worth it: personal maturity and strength, obedient unity among believers and a gathering of people which serves Christ more fully than the sum of all the individual contributions. (See Acts 2:41-47)
Acts 20: 26-30
First of all, in this passage we see what is meant by good Bible teaching: teaching " all the Counsel of God" - not leaving anything out because it is unnpopular. We also see that the believers at Ephesus had formed a local gathering under the guidance, teaching and direction of elected elders. Paul tells these elders to remember that the Holy Spirit (God) has brought them to be overseers of "the church of God which He bought with His own blood." (cf. Ephesians 5:25-27 where the church is called the bride of Christ). Serving this local gathering, they serve God's church, the body and bride of Christ. God has established local churches with elders to teach and protect Christians from false teachers who would ruin believers' lives with their false teaching.
Acts 2:41-47
Christian fellowship is the interpersonal relationship that the Lord makes possible for His people -- those who are of like mind and heart -- by their mutual relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Fellowship can be called "quality" to the extent that it produces relationships within which personal Christian growth and community growth occurs naturally and joyfully.
1. God commands it and expects it. Hebrews 10:23-25 (Note, however, God's purpose for fellowship as given in these verses.) Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 6:1-6.
2. We can mutually be encouraged by each others' faith. Romans 1:8-13, Philippians 1:25, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14.
3. To obtain wisdom - the key to spiritual growth and wisdom. Proverbs 13:20, 27:17.
4. To receive protection, comfort, correction and support. I Thessalonians 5:11-14, Hebrews 13:17, I Corinthians 5:1-5, 9:11-12
5 To give support... I Corinthians 9:11-12, Galatians 6:2,6, I Timothy 5:17-18.
6. To use your gifts that God has given you to build up the church. I Corinthians 12:4-31, Romans 12:5-8, Ephesians 4:11-16, Matthew 25:14-30.
At a sound Bible-teaching local church. I Timothy 3:15, 4:13,
Acts 20:26-31
NOTE: Not all churches are alike. We are warned to beware of false teachers. (Acts 20: 26-31, 1 Timothy 4:1-6, 2 Timothy 4:2-4, 2 Peter 2:1-3) Since we are given these warnings, we must assume that not all churches are sound, and we must act with discernment and wisdom in finding a church.
1. In light of the above passages, what is your attitude toward:
a. Joining and fellowshiping with this local church?
b. The pastor?
c. The teachers of this church?
(See I Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17)
2. What is the role of the local church?
Memory verses.
Name the books of the Bible from Romans to 2 Thessalonians
What are the things we should look for in finding a church? List in order of importance.