Last time I asked you to think through what the text describes–a triumphal parade of believers carrying the truth of the gospel to the world–and how that should effect the way you share the gospel with those around you. And then we also discussed how the gospel can be a pleasing aroma to those that hear it and believe and how the gospel can be a foul stench to those who reject it. I also addressed the importance of sharing the truth for the right reason–not for your own gain but only for the glory of God. Throughout the Bible we receive many warnings against those who aim to use God’s word to benefit themselves. This should cause us to evaluate our motives when we desire to draw other people to Christ. And finally, I pointed out that because we now have the new covenant of grace, we have so much more of a glorious message to share. This should excite us to tell others about how Christ made a way for sinners like us to become part of the family of God. It should make us all the more ready to evangelize because Christ died once for all and all we are asked to do is accept this great truth.
This week we are focusing on fellowship. Fellowship with believers is such a huge responsibility but it has so many great benefits. We are asked by God to show his love to a hurting world through the way we treat each other. We should look differently, act differently and view other people differently because of what God has done for us. Striving for peace requires us to forgive others and avoid bitterness. How will you make changes in your life this week when it comes to fellowship?
- Read 2 Cor. 2:5-11, 5:11-21 and 6:14-7:1
- Are there any issues that you have with another believer that are keeping you from fellowship with them? Do you need to forgive someone? What can happen if you resist forgiving a fellow Christian? (v.7 & 11)
- Are we to have different standards of viewing people because we are followers of Christ? What does that look like? How can we avoid regarding people “according to the flesh”? How was Christ an example to us of what it looks like to display the ministry of reconciliation? How did Christ make it possible for us to be reconciled to each other as believers?
- What does it mean to be “unequally yoked with unbelievers”? How can you practically live that out in your life right now, while also being kind, gentle and humble? Why is it important to remain steadfast in our relationship with God and other believers while also maintaining a good example in front of non-believers?
- Read Hebrews 12:14-17
- Why is it so important to strive for peace with other believers? How are you striving for peace in your life so that others can see the Lord through your actions? What “root of bitterness” do you need to weed out? Are you holding on to some past hurt? Are you finding it difficult to forgive someone? How can you work to make that situation right again?
- How will I make fellowship part of my routine?
- Today I will…
- Tomorrow I will..
- This week I will…
- This month I will…
Rags to Royal 