Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20. 1 John 5:14-15
The evil one, satan, is not frightened or deterred by many things that happen in our churches today. He doesn’t care one iota how much we talk about the footy, the weather and our work lives. Satan wants nothing more than to fill our churches with idle chit-chat and meaningless clutter. He wants nothing more than to make our fellowship times idle and hollow. He wants us to focus on our sports, our cars and our new house cleaning tips.
But he shudders when we talk about spiritual issues - our faith, the Gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan hates it when we encourage one another, bless one another and selflessly serve each other to build each other up in the faith. He hates it when we share Scripture together and even more so when we pray.
Fellowship based around the Word and our Lord and Saviour is a scary thing to the evil one. As Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 3:18 satan will oppose Christian fellowship. The evil one stopped Paul and his team from coming to the Thessalonians. He opposed them again and again because the fellowship that Paul encouraged was a dangerous thing.
Paul loved the Thessalonian believers so much that he couldn’t wait to find out how they were growing in their faith. Idle chit-chat was not an option for Paul. He yearned to know how their faith was working outwards and shining forth the light of Jesus. He was desperate to hear how they were leading more people to Christ and serving God in their local communities and cities. Such fellowship scares the evil one into opposition. Such fellowship attracts antagonism.
Think of the fellowship in your local church. Most congregations finish the sermon with a rousing song and then sip on tea and enjoy quaint biscuits and cakes. Look beyond that and ask yourself, ‘What’s the focus of fellowship in my church?’ Is it based around sports and cars and homes? Is it based on my achievements and my week? Do people stand around making idle chit-chat? Or do they talk about spiritual issues? Do people willingly encourage each other with Scripture? Do people talk about the Word of God that was preached and discuss its application and implementation in their own lives? Do people wrestle with the Word of God and seek to understand it more?
You can be the agent of change in your church. There are two ways to attack this issue. Firstly, like Paul, you can pray most earnestly (See 1 Thess 3:10) night and day that God would bless the fellowship times. Such prayer is in line with the will of God and we can be confident that God hears and answers such prayers. Secondly, you can be engaging in rich, deep & God focused fellowship on Sondays at church. Don’t be afraid to ask others the hard questions and to share what things from the sermon caused you to rethink or change your life. Share the things that challenged you personally. Whatever you do, rise above superficiality.
This is dangerous fellowship and will no doubt precede persecution. The evil one will be frightened into action as you begin to turn the tide during fellowship times at your local church. Go on, live dangerously!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
V Pray that God would use you to engage others in deep, meaningful fellowship that encourages and blesses others based on the Word of God. Pray that God would be raising up more and more people who are willing to go beyond the superficial each and every Sonday.
V Pray that God would continue to provide for the needs of the Richards in NZ as they work with Uni Impact. Ask God to supply their material needs so that they can concentrate on reaching the lost and making more disciples for Christ. Pray that many will come to Christ through their ministry.
Discussion Questions For Families and Groups
1. Is there a pattern to the fellowship in your local church?
2. How can you be changing that pattern?
3. What benefits do you see for your local congregation arising from deep, intimate fellowship based on the Word that was preached that morning?
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