Hebrews 10:24-25: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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. (NKJV)
In these last days as we await the return of our Savior Jesus Christ, God desires that we know Him and His will for us as partakers of the new covenant and members of the body of Christ. He desires that we know the truth; experience life abundant; gain discernment against false teaching and false emphasis (Matthew 24:10-13) and ultimately spend eternity with Him.
Today’s devotional highlights some important biblical reasons why it is important for all believers to be plugged into fellowship. Meditate on these reasons and let them spur you to go deeper in your walk with God and in relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ.
WHY DO YOU NEED FELLOWSHIP?
- You are born again of God’s incorruptible seed (1 Peter 1:23); you have great spiritual potential because God’s Holy Spirit indwells you but you need to grow in your new life. Believers grow together in community (Ephesians 2 vs 19-22; Ephesians 4:15-16)
- Ephesians 4: 11-16 : He has placed some in the body to aid growth; equip the saints for ministry and guard against deception.
- Fellowship is crucial to ignite your passion for a deeper relationship with God (it does not replace your walk with God but enhances your walk)
- Fellowship is crucial to ensure that you do not run in vain (Galatians 2:2; Proverbs 18:17; Acts 18:24-26)
- Fellowship is key for us to warn each other of sin because sin is deceitful and it is easier to be deceived when outside community (Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:19-26)
- Jesus is glorified and expressed in a fellowship where there is love (John 13:35; John 17:20-23)
- We bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6 vs 2)
IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES TO NOTE AS YOU FELLOWSHIP
- You are still responsible for your personal Christian growth (Hebrews 5 vs 12-14)
- You should not wait to be spoon fed but you should maximize opportunities available in church and fellowship in order to grow. Examine the scriptures and continue to know God for yourself. (Acts 17:10-12)
- It is very important to humble yourself and submit to spiritual authority (1 Peter 5 vs 5-6)
- Follow leaders only as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the gift of a new life in Christ. I am grateful that I belong to the body of Christ. Please help me to learn more and more about the benefits of belonging to community. Help me to remain constantly plugged into fellowship and retain the right attitude as I fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ in Jesus name. Amen.