Is there anything like Christian Fellowship? What about its relationship with Christian Growth and how we will not be able to do without it?
1 Pet. 2:2 “as new born babes desire the milk of the word that you may grow thereby…”
There are several ways of looking at this verse. Let’s look at three of the ways here:
I. When someone becomes born again, for quite some time, he learns things about the new life gradually. No matter his age he is considered young in the faith. So just like a newborn being fed on milk in order to grow, growth is necessary for a young christian and would come as he or she studies the Word of God among others.
Ii. A second school of thought is that children are innocent. So as a new young christian, one must show ‘innocence’ in behaviour. For example a liar should now speak the truth. his doings must be clear and pure for all to see. Honesty must be his watchword so people can trust him and praise God for him as well. This innocence must affect things that corrupt the new life in Christ.
Iii. Also a new child does nothing but hunger or thirst for his meal and to sleep. A young christian should thirst for the Word, and life of God through the Holy Spirit that lives in us. So as he feeds on this divine food, he grows up in the Lord.
Christian Fellowship as a Walk in Obedience to God
In relation to christian fellowship, we grow through feeding on the Word.
As we fellowship with other christians, we are obeying the word of God that tells us to do so. God likes us to mix with other people so we can enjoy the various benefits, as shown in the following Bible verse:
Heb.10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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”.
We all know that one gains additional knowledge whenever he mixes with others be it at a programme or in a new environment. Also whenever one goes to a new township or area, whatever his interests are, he seeks to get a replacement for the ones he has left behind. For example when you move to a new town, you’ll look for a church similar to ones you usually like to worship in. The same thing happens when you become a christian.
Sometimes God brings people your way, who will lead you to a fellowship or a group you’re not aware of. Such a group should usually have a programme of activities and times to attend. The programmes may include Bible studies where you can interact with others, know their way of thinking, or how others interpret the Bible. Matured christians are also invited to give talks on various subjects. The importance and benefits of such groups cannot be understated. A church can also have such activities for its members.
Christian Fellowship during Pandemic
Do you realise that even during the pandemic there were ways of connecting? In fellowship we show the different spiritual and other gifts God has given each of us as individuals to the benefit of all.
It helps us learn from each other. We see others’ strengths and we are strengthened too. The same thing applies to weaknesses. It helps us to see what God is doing in other people’s lives vis a vis ours. We also learn about all aspects of life from the people we meet. God likes us to be together too. God approves of our being together because therein he is able to reveal himself in ways we haven’t thought possible.
Mathew 18:20 “…For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Coming together strengthens our faith in God when we see how he is dealing with us and others.
Ref 1 Cor 12:21. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:21 “The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you.’ The head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you.’” (NLT).
Helps us remember unique ways our fellow christians relate to God. For example someone who says long prayers; or prays in a certain way; preaches in a certain way; behaves in a certain way. Our dispositions as people and as christians all come to the fore. We pick things from people about how to live the christian life.
Yet still another verse that shows us the spiritual benefit of coming together as one in the Lord
1 Corinthians 14:26 “Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” (NLT)
Conclusion
There are other Bible verses to buttress our point on fellowshipping with other christians. But I will end with these few verses.
Are there any principles or guidelines we must use as we fellowship as christians?
If you’ve learnt something new about the importance of fellowship for a christian and also enjoyed this post, please leave me a comment and also share.