Church notes - 26th January 2020
Philippians 1:3 - 6
Hebrews 10:19 - 25
Philemon
The focus - Philemon's relationship with his slave Onesimus. Paul appeals on the basis of love.
True love - Love that imitates Christ's sacrificial love for us.
vs 6 - Partnership, sharing your faith
Gr. Koinonia.
Acts 2:42
Fellowship
A radical fellowship central to our faith.
Fellowship is not comfortable togetherness.
Fellowship is deeper than mere socialising.
Fellowship is a partnership based on we hold in common, Faith and salvation in Jesus.
Fellowship helps to deepen their understanding of God and His Word.
Fellowship - Partnership in vulnerability and encouragement.
The Lord of the Rings Parallel - The Fellowship of the Ring goes through trials on their journey, so they come out of it more than just friends.
Paul encourages Philemon and Onesimus.
We need to be vulnerable in our fellowship. Be open to challenge and rebuke.
vs 1, 2 - Philemon's church knew what Paul was saying to him.
vs 22
Paul assumes a fellowship that is not conditional, nor superficial
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Fellowship is not a maybe. It is a must. True Fellowship is a necessity, a gift from God.
Ephesians 2:19
Ephesians 1:3 - 14
We are brothers and sisters in Christ.
How seriously do we take fellowship as a gift from God?