Fellowship
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: FWPSM
2 Corinthians 13:11-14 (ESV)
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Sermon Outline
“Fellowship” moves us into deeper relationships where we grow through life with God and His people.
1. A Spiritual Fellowship
v14 “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
2. A Participatory Fellowship
v11-13 “…rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace. Greet one another…”
3. A Healthy Fellowship
v11 “live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
v14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God…”
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, you have called us into fellowship with yourself and one another, but we have often chosen isolation over community, selfishness over service, and resentment over reconciliation. We have failed to love one another with patience, humility, generosity, and grace. Forgive us for withdrawing from others, using people, and neglecting the unity of your church. By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, restore us to joyful communion with you and with one another, so that our life together reflects your peace and love to the world. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
Why is community important?
Why is community hard?
How is “fellowship” more than friendship? What are the qualities of deeper relationships?
What role does enjoying things together play in fellowship? What happens when having fun is the only commonality?
What role can joining together to accomplish something play in relationships? What happens when the only commonality between people is working together on a task?
What are some implications from Jesus’ phrase “it is more blessed to give than receive”? (Acts 20:35) How can this guide how you approach relationships?
If you find yourself in a relationship where you give but the other person is taking advantage and not contributing – what are appropriate responses or choices you can make?
How can you let the Holy Spirit guide you when you recognize conflicting desires in yourself that are problematic? Do you recognize any patterns in yourself that threaten peace in relationships?
What encouragement or help can you draw from the promise that God will be with you? What about that can sustain you when you feel all alone?
How is the grace that comes from a loving God through Jesus Christ a source of healing and help? How does peace with God begin to change you and your understanding of relationships? What can a relationship with God re-shape in you to stir growth and maturity?