Sermon: Summons – Part 2
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Summons Part
1
by Chris Cumming
In Part 1 of this sermon we defined and discussed the subject of Godly
Calling and how it permeates every aspect of our physical and spiritual lives.
In Part 2 of this sermon I wish to speak about the subject of fellowship. I
cannot tell you how many individuals have stated to me something along these
lines: "I know that I am a member of the ICG but there are no ICG members around
here so I go over to United [or some other stated church name] for the
fellowship." From their statements and my discussions with them, they define,
"fellowship" using their standard dictionary. The standard dictionary gives the
definition of "fellowship" as follows:
A. the condition or relation of being a fellow: the fellowship of humankind.
B. friendly relationship or companionship
C. friendliness.
Companionship means a pleasant association among people or the condition of being friends.
Friendliness means the quality or condition of being friends.
As we are about to see, the biblical meaning of the word goes far beyond what the dictionary says.
I did some Internet research to
see if I could find a good discussion on the biblical meaning of fellowship. I
believe I found one. I will read from this now with some minor editing to both
the text and the structure by me. Keep in mind that this text concerns itself
with the single biblical word, "fellowship."
The Biblical Meaning of Fellowship
As we go back into history and dig deep into the original languages of the
Bible, we will discover seven significant facts that help us to understand God’s
intended meaning of the word, fellowship.
FIRST FACT
The first fact concerns the meaning of the Greek root. Our English word,
“fellowship” is the translation of the Greek word, “koinonia [ko-i-no-ni-a].”
This Greek word is derived from the root, “koinos [ko-i-nos],” which was
a prefix in ancient Greek. If you were to add this prefix to words meaning
“living,” “owning a purse,” and “mother,” you would get words meaning “living in
community together,” “owning a purse in common,” and “having a mother in
common.” So we see that the root of the word, “fellowship,” means “to hold
something in common.”
Note: The question we have here is, "What do we hold in common with
members of other church organizations, even assuming these organizations are
true churches of God?" Do not answer this question until we look at the
remaining six facts.
SECOND FACT
Our second fact relates to the usage of the word, “fellowship.” The Greek word,
“koinonia [ko-i-no-ni-a],” was used to describe corporations, labor
guilds, partners in a law firm, and the most intimate of marriage relationships.
From the usage of the word, we can conclude that fellowship is a word denoting a
relationship that is dependent on more than one individual. It is an
interdependent relationship.
Note: The biblical word was used to describe corporations, labor guilds,
partners in a law firm and the most intimate of marriage relationships.
Biblically speaking the word is denoting this corporation; the ICG. In light of
Godly calling, with whom do you have more in common, members of this church or
some other church?
THIRD FACT
A third fact is that “fellowship” was never used to describe man’s
relationship to God before the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell in the heart
and mind of firstfruits. It is an exclusively post-Pentecost relationship [referring
to the beginning of the New Testament church in Acts 2].
Note: If the biblical word, "Fellowship" is now used to denote our
relationship with Almighty God, just where did God call you?
FOURTH FACT
A fourth fact about the meaning of “fellowship” can be gleaned by comparing it
to its New Testament synonyms. These are words which have overlapping but not
the identical meaning of koinonia [ko-i-no-ni-a]. The four synonyms of
koinonia in the New Testament are philos [phil-os], which means “related
by love for outward characteristics”; hetairos [he-t-air-os], meaning a
sharer in a common enterprise; sunergos [sun-er-gos], meaning a
fellow-worker; and metochos [me-to-chos], a participant. Each of these
words denotes a unity which is expressed outwardly. This is true of fellowship
but by contrast, fellowship is also an inner unity. This inner aspect of
fellowship may be seen in verses such as: 1 Corinthians 1:9
1 Corinthians 1:9-10
9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye
all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye
be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Note: Where is the "common enterprise" between different church organizations within the Body of Christ? We are not speaking to the word, "enterprise" here, but rather the word, "common." Church A has a unique work which can easily differ from Church B is style, means, administration and focus. Further, our real fellowship in God's church is a sharing in the unique Work of our church. Now, referring to 1 Corinthians 1, Paul is making reference to divisions. The various churches in the Body of Christ are, by definition, divisions. God has clearly and specifically scattered the brethren in this end time since the prophesied apostasy that took place. Our real fellowship is with the specific individuals called to the same organization we were called.
The text of the fourth fact continues.
Here, fellowship primarily focuses on our spiritual unity with Christ, an inner relationship. I suspect that Philemon.6, 2 Corinthians 13:14 and Philippians 2:1 also emphasize the inner relationship which is at the root of fellowship.
Philemon 6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of
every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Note: These good things and the acknowledging are manifested in the
specific calling God has given us.
2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of
the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.
Note: This "communion of the Holy Spirit" is always going to be primarily within the organization, Work and specific instructions God has called you to.
Philippians 2:1-5
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if
any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one
accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let
each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of
others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Note: How can we have the one accord and one mind we enjoy here with individuals in other organizations and at the same level of intensity and diligence? If we are to have the mind that was also in Christ, what is in His mind regarding us and our very specifically calling?
FIFTH FACT
Fifth, however, we must note that fellowship does not stop with being an inner
unity for it is primarily an action word! Koinonia [ko-i-no-ni-a] is used
nineteen times in the New Testament and in addition to being translated as
“fellowship” it is also translated by the words, “contribution,” “sharing,” and
“participation.” A close study of the usage of this word shows that action is
always included in its meaning. Fellowship, you see, is not just being together,
it is doing together! This is a point almost universally ignored by Christian
groups today.
Note: The friendships you may have or develop with individuals in other organizations will focus primarily on the dictionary definition of fellowship [companionship and friendliness] rather than the “contribution,” “sharing,” and “participation.” we see and experience in the biblical word, "fellowship."
SIXTH FACT
Our sixth observation concerning the meaning of “fellowship” is that it is a
unique relationship with Christ. We have a relationship of being “in Christ.” We
also have a relationship of being “a part of Christ’s body.” Fellowship [dictionary
meaning] is neither. It is not “being in” or “being part” but it is “doing
with” Christ. It is our partnership with Christ in fulfilling God’s will.
Note: The lion's share of any relationship "in Christ" is our specific Godly calling. We cannot do "with Christ" in other organizations to the same high level we do in the organization God calls us to.
SEVENTH FACT
Our final observation may be gleaned from the last and it is this: that
fellowship is not just doing anything together. It is only doing God’s will
together. Quite obviously, our fellowship with others is only as good as our
fellowship with Christ, our unity. And we can only participate with Him in doing
God’s will, for that is all He ever does! For this reason we must quit thinking
of Christian fellowship as primarily doing things such as having pot luck
dinners or watching football or playing basketball with other believers. These
have their place but they are only fellowship to the extent that rest, exercise,
and eating are doing the work of the Lord. Fellowship involves actively doing
God’s will. The things we usually think of as fellowship are certainly not the
primary meaning of the word!
Note: Every word of this seventh fact is about the will of God and that is what Godly calling is; doing the will of God.
The Biblical Definition of Fellowship
Now, with these seven observations, we should be able to give a biblical
definition to the word, “fellowship.” We can say that: “Fellowship is a
relationship of inner unity among believers that expresses itself in outer
co-participation with Christ and one another in accomplishing God’s will on
earth.”
So, we have seen that fellowship in its New Testament sense is an inner unity expressed outwardly. It is not just being together but doing together. It is not just doing anything together but it is working together to accomplish God’s will. Now we must ask, “Why is it so important to the church?” I think we shall see as we continue that:
Fellowship Is God’s Way of Accomplishing His Plan of Glorifying Christ
1. The importance of fellowship to the church can be seen first in the fact that fellowship occurred naturally as a result of the establishment of the church.
Nobody had to come to the disciples and other new believers on the day of Pentecost and say, “You need to practice fellowship.” The Holy Spirit had come upon these people and formed an inner unity and their natural inclination was to exercise it outwardly.
Acts 2:44-47
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every
man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread
from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to
the church daily such as should be saved.
This working together to accomplish God’s will continued in the church with the practice of leadership, its administration, activities, giving to the needy, exercise of different spiritual gifts, support of its missions, corporate prayer, group worship, and in other ways.
But the importance of fellowship to the church does not rest solely upon the fact that it was the natural result of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Rather, its primary importance stems from the fact that:
2. Fellowship is the indispensable means of accomplishing the God-given purpose of the church.
Let’s read together the following verse:
Ephesians 3:8-11
...speaking to a specific calling; the will of God
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I
should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the
beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus
Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places
might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
We see in this passage that God has an eternal plan. The church has a part in accomplishing that plan. The phrase “through the church” in vs. 10 shows that the church is to be God’s instrument in accomplishing His plan. The purpose of the church as stated in vs. 10 is to show to the world the manifold or in Greek, the many-faceted wisdom of God. So then, the purpose of the church is to hold God up to the world and display every glorious aspect of His being for all to see.
What is important to see here is that no individual working alone could ever fulfill this plan of showing every perfection of God for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. So you see, the very nature of God’s plan necessitates the Godly capacities of many individuals added together to show His perfections to the world. You might say that God’s plan must be compared not to a solo but to a symphony. Its beauty is impossible to capture in one note no matter how loud. Only by a full orchestra playing together can the beautiful harmony be fully captured. And this is what the Church is, God’s orchestra! The Body of Christ is currently a number of separate and specific orchestras. In order to fully manifest God, each person must not only play his part in his or her orchestra but must play it together. So in God’s symphony—His plan, the score is the Bible which reveals His Son, Jesus Christ. The instruments are our spiritual gifts and natural abilities. And the indispensable means we use to perform is fellowship, our co-participation in accomplishing His purpose. It is only as we work together in this way that it is possible to accomplish God’s plan. This is why fellowship is indispensable to the specific church organization.
There is another group of people who are church-hoppers and non-participants. They think the church can make it without them. However, 1 Corinthians 12, which is the chapter on spiritual gifts and how God works the administration of the church, makes it clear that every single member of the body is necessary for its proper functioning. Because of the importance of fellowship, no one has the right to amputate themselves from the functioning body of Christ, the local church organization.
So, then, we see that the practice of fellowship, the outward exercise of our inner unity in doing God’s will, is not only natural but indispensable in accomplishing God’s purpose for the church. How, then, can we practice fellowship?
Practicing Fellowship
You can practice Fellowship by recognizing our goal and taking an active part
where you can best help.
People must recognize our goal. People often do not take part in a church because they see no clear purpose. As previously discussed, our purpose is to show God’s glory to the world in all the many ways He has instructed us in the Bible. We participate together seven days a week to glorify God, to do it His way, and to do it together.
You can practice fellowship by taking an active part where you can best help with this goal. You can discover where you can best help by recognizing your spiritual gifts and natural abilities and by knowing the needs of our church. Then help where you can make not just yourself, but the church as a whole, to be the most fruitful. If you do not know your spiritual gift, pitch in where you have a natural ability. As you work with others, your gifts will surface and you’ll find places you might function in our church according to your gifts and abilities.
Conclusion
There is a story of a man who spent the summers from his regular career as a
teacher on an oil pipeline. The first day, he was given a shovel and a piece of
ground and told to dig six feet deep and three feet wide. By noon, he had dug
down over his head and felt all alone at his work. By the middle of the
afternoon he was pretty discouraged as he thought of the miles of line still to
be dug. Finally, however, about five o’clock, he broke through into the trench
the man in front of him was digging. As he cleared away the loose dirt, this man
broke through into the next hole, and as they stood and watched, man after man
broke through until several hundred feet of ditch was visible and the teacher
felt quite a sense of accomplishment.
This is the way fellowship will affect us if we get in and dig together. With the unity of the Holy Spirit and a divine purpose, we must all put our shoulders to the plow until God’s plan is complete.
So let’s pull together. Let
everyone practice fellowship as naturally as did those on the day of Pentecost
that the many-faceted wisdom of God might be made known through this church.
~end of the text on the biblical meaning of Fellowship
Now someone might take issue with me for arbitrarily using a definition of
biblical fellowship simply taken from the Internet. Let us see how it compares
to our doctrine of Fellowship. As you know, our doctrinal text is divided into
a doctrinal statement and the longer doctrinal overview.
Let us begin with the doctrinal statement
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
Fellowship is the religious interaction of church members among themselves and
with God, a spiritual association through the Holy Spirit which transcends
normal social or business relationships. Since this fellowship comes through
being part of the body of Christ, it requires that one has repented, been
baptized and, consequently, has received God's Holy Spirit. The fellowship of
the brethren builds spiritual strength into both the individual and the Church
as a whole. Conversely, the Church may exercise its right to disfellowship one
who, by obvious attitude or action, opposes the gospel or causes disruption
among the membership.
Note: Is this not an echo of what we discussed in the seven facts of the
definition I found on the Internet?
I will now refer to excerpts from the doctrinal overview
DOCTRINAL OVERVIEW
PARAGRAPH ONE
It is important that the membership of God's Church meet together for spiritual
purposes in order that the fabric of the Church and the spiritual state of the
individual may be strengthened. The Church also encourages social fellowship
among the members. It is a well understood principle that close camaraderie
between members of a group enhances both the conviction of the individual and
the strength of the entire group. It is one means of practicing the qualities of
love, outgoing concern and Christian harmony among the individual members of the
body of Christ.
Note: How can firstfruits of Church A attempt or maintain what I just read if they are invoking fellowship in Church B of the Body of Christ? Clearly all firstfruits can have relationships with any firstfruit in the entire Body of Christ, but when you factor in Godly calling and our own doctrine from the Word of God, the most meaningful relationships will be within the church organization that God created and specifically called you to.
PARAGRAPH TWO
...excerpt:
1 Corinthians 12 shows that God deals with His Church as a group in addition to
dealing with the individual members separately. "For as the body is one, and
hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one
body: so also is Christ" (v. 12). "For the body is not one member, but many" (v.
14).
Note: Throughout the doctrinal overview of this doctrine, the word,
"church" can have the meaning of the local church organization and/or the entire
Body of Christ, currently made up of several church organizations. In the first
sentence of Paragraph Two, the word, Church, could easily refer to both
meanings. However, it is very apparent that in respects to you specifically, He
is dealing with the organization He called you to.
PARAGRAPH THREE
The scriptures are filled with examples of God's faithful meeting together and
fellowshipping. Jesus' own example was to spend long hours with His disciples
whether in formal teaching sessions such as in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew
5:1) or informally, as when eating a meal (Matthew 9:10-11). After Jesus' death,
one finds constant reference to the disciples meeting together. Acts 1:13
describes the apostles assembled together "in an upper room." Acts 2:1 describes
the believers as "all with one accord in one place" for the day of Pentecost.
Other verses in Acts show Christians meeting together on the Sabbath day to hear
the Word of God (Acts 13:14,42; 16:13). Likewise, the Church is exhorted not to
forsake the "assembling of ourselves together" for religious worship (Hebrews
10:25). Even specific instructions are given to the members to "greet one
another with a holy kiss" (Romans 16:16). This was a custom of the day and
corresponds with the handshake of friendship practiced in our society.
Note:
---Was Jesus meeting with the disciples in these examples or with the brethren
referred to in Luke 9?
---Who is going to be more apt to be, "all with one accord in one place", the
firstfruit with the brethren of the church organization he was called to or with
those of another congregation in the Body of Christ?
---Who would you rather meet with on the Sabbath to hear the Word of God, those
of your organization or those of some other organization in the Body of Christ?
---Is it possible when one meets with brethren of another church organization
that he or she is forsaking the "assembling of ourselves together" for religious
worship?
---With whom are you more apt to greet with a holy kiss, one of your
congregation or one of another? Before you answer this one, notice part of a
commentary on, "Holy Kiss."
Holy kiss
[breaking into the commentary] - I say, it is an allusion to this custom
[of an actual kiss--prevalent in those days], for it is only an allusion;
the apostle did not mean that any outward action should be made use of, only
that their Christian salutations should not be mere complaisance [kəm-plā'səns--inclination
to comply willingly with the wishes of others], or expressed by bare words,
and outward gestures and actions, either of the hand or mouth; but that they
should spring from real love and true friendship, and be without dissimulation [feigned
appearance], hearty and sincere. ~John Gill
PARAGRAPH FOUR
Church fellowship is not an end in itself. The Church keeps clearly in mind the
supreme goal and commission that God has commanded in Matthew 28:18-20 and 24:14
of preaching the gospel to the world. To reach the whole world with the gospel
of Christ requires that the Church be a unified group, built of spiritually
strong members, welded together in purpose, doctrine and love. The fellowship of
the brethren helps build these qualities.
Note: How can a firstfruit do this if he is in frequent or constant
fellowships with other organizations?
PARAGRAPH FIVE
Talking together, playing together, or working together helps give single
identity, common goals and shared characteristics. That the Church should be
unified cannot be doubted. "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have
put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,
there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus"
(Galatians 3:27-28). God's Church is a true melting pot. "For He [Christ]
is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of
hostility [the social and racial barriers]" (Ephesians 2:14). There are
many other scriptures which allude to the unity of church members. For example,
Ephesians 4: "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace"
(v. 3). Notice especially Psalm 133:1: "Behold, how good and pleasant it is for
brethren to dwell together in unity! (See also 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1
Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:13, etc.)
Note:
---How does one get single identity with ICG members if his attendance is with
some other group in the Body?
---Are there not inherent social barriers between the various groups of the
Body?
---How does one keep the unity of the spirit if he is constantly away from his
own called to congregation?
PARAGRAPH SIX ...an excerpt
The key principle concerning Church fellowship is to realize that such
associations among brethren are through God and His Spirit.
Note:
---How does one separate Godly calling from this statement?
---Clearly, as this paragraph goes on to state, we have fellowship with any
firstfruit because we first have fellowship with Christ and the Father by power
of the Holy Spirit. However, where should your strongest firstfruit
relationships be based one what we have read thus far in the doctrine?
PARAGRAPH EIGHT ...an excerpt
The Bible lists many ways which Church fellowship benefits the individual. The
stronger members are expected to help those newer or weaker in the faith.
Note: Where will a firstfruit be more effective in helping those weak in
the faith, his or another congregation in the Body?
PARAGRAPH NINE
We are also instructed to "exhort one another every day" (if need be)
as outlined in Hebrews 3:13 and other scriptures. And Christians are reminded to
pray for one another during times of physical duress such as illness or whenever
there is need (James 5:16-20). This helps build the Church into a tight family
unit with everyone helping each other.
Note:
---Where should the firstfruit be building a tight family unit; here or there?
---If one is there most of the time, how can he be exhorting brethren here?
PARAGRAPH TEN
Peter admonishes the Church to have "love of the brethren" (1 Pet. 3:8).
Christians are exhorted to forbear one another and to forgive each other
(Colossians 3:13), putting on "love, which binds everything together in perfect
harmony" (v. 14). Members are instructed to "teach and admonish one another in
all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in
your hearts to God" (v. 16).
Note: How can we be
binding the congregation here together in perfect harmony if we are mostly over
there?
PARAGRAPH ELEVEN ...an excerpt
The brethren are also urged and enjoined to help fulfill one another's physical
needs.
Note: Should this be done here in our congregation or that of another
church organization?
PARAGRAPH TWELVE
The fellowship of the brethren is an important topic. Social contact among
members builds a unified church and serves to strengthen the members spiritually
and physically, and in the process the entire Church becomes a more powerful
tool in God's hands. In practice, such fellowshipping takes the form of informal
chatting before and after services, visiting in each other's homes, attending to
the sick and those who have physical needs, attending organized church socials,
participating in athletics together, performing music together, etc. Baptized
members of God's Church also bring with them to Church services and social
functions their children and other non-baptized persons in their family. The
Church, of course, extends a warm welcome to any non-baptized person who desires
to attend its services or social functions.
Note:
---How can one help to build a unified church here if he is there?
---The doctrine calls this a process. How can the process proceed if we are
mostly absent?
---The doctrine says this unified church is a powerful tool in God's hands. How
is this possible if parts are missing and just how effective are these "parts"
going to be in another congregation's separate process?
---The doctrine speaks to chatting, visiting, attending the sick, attending
socials and performing music together. How is this done if the ICG member is
absent?
I could easily go on with the nine remaining paragraphs, but I am sure you see
the overwhelming bond between Christian Fellowship and Godly Calling. This
entire doctrine is about Godly Calling.
Virtually every aspect of your lives in the Salvation Process is about Godly Calling.
So go now and continue to answer
that specific summons God has put into your hands.
Further Reading and Study
The Importance of a Local Congregation
by Jim Josephsen
See:
Godly Calling – who has the power here? by
Chris Cumming
See:
Soldiers of Christ – they have no say; they merely obey
by Chris Cumming