If There Is Any Fellowship of the Spirit

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If There Is Any Fellowship of the Spirit

In a number of places  in God’s word,  Christians are instructed  to love one another.     So,  it is in love  that they admonish one another  when they see a fellow Christian  slipping into sin.     When a fellow Christian needs help,  they help one another out.     1 John 3:14  goes so far as to say,

We know  that we have passed  out of death  into life  because  we love the brethren.     He who does not love  abides in death.

So,  with a Christ centered love,  we care about one another’s feelings,  welfare,  life style,  salvation,  understanding of the love  and forgiveness of God,  and everything else  that pertains  to our journey here on earth  as Christians.

Paul wanted  to help the Philippian congregation  to realize this.     In Philippians 2:1-3  Paul explains,

If therefore  there is any encouragement  in Christ,  if there is any consolation  of love,  if there is any fellowship of the Spirit,  if any affection and compassion,  make my joy complete  by being  of the same mind,  maintaining the same love,  united in spirit,  intent on one purpose.    

Do nothing from selfishness  or empty conceit,  but with humility  of mind  let each of you  regard one another  as more important  than himself…

Paul wants us  to remember the love  and encouragement we get  in Christ.     It is because Jesus Christ  is our Savior  that we are enabled  to love one another,  to have a fellowship  of the Spirit,  and to have affection  and compassion  for one another.      When we remember  that we are serving the same Lord and God — that we are brothers and sisters  in Christ — that we begin to care  for one another spiritually.

When it comes  to false preachers,  we are to avoid them  like the plague.     2 John, verses 10 and 11 instruct all Christians,

If any one comes to you  and does not bring this teaching,  do not receive him  into your house,  and do not give him a greeting;  for the one  who gives him a greeting  participates  in his evil deeds.

That is scary.     When we know  who the one and only true God is,  we are not  to have a loving, Christ-like fellowship  with those who are out  to deceive Christians.      We certainly do share  the gospel  with the whole world.     But,  we do not fellowship  with those who despise salvation  through Jesus Christ alone.     Christians have the special bond  of one faith,  hope  and love  that rests  in the truths  of the Lord God Almighty.     We are called the children  of God  because of our faith.

2 John, verse 8 tells us why  we should not fellowship  with unbelievers.    It says,

Watch yourselves,  that you might not lose  what we have accomplished,  but that you may receive  a full reward.

We have the love  of God  and the salvation  of Jesus Christ.     We don’t ever want  to lose that.     We have to hold on tightly  to the truths  that God has proven  to us  in His word,  even though unbelievers will make  all sorts of remarks  intended to tear down  our faith.     We have a treasure  in Christ  that is worth more  than everything  in this world,  all put together.     For that reason,  we watch ourselves,  and do not fellowship  with those who deny Christ.

In the safety  of God’s eternal truths,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  You have proven  through history  that Your word  can be trusted.     You keep all  of Your promises.     Keep me safe  in Your word,  so that I may live  with You eternally.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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