Godly Fellowship

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. 1 John 2v15-17 (New International Version) says “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Here, we find that one having a love for the world cannot have love for the Father. However, I believe that the love for the world can creep in subtly; and as believers we need to be careful to guard against it.

One way in which we keep from loving the world is through our fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 3v13 (Classic Amplified Version) says “But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him].” In addition, 2 Timothy 2v22 (Classic Amplified Version) says “Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.” Beloved, do you have a body of believers with whom you are accountable to, who admonish, urge and encourage you? It is so important.

It is no wonder then that Hebrews 10v25 (Classic Amplified Version) says “Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.” Beloved, we need to be careful and take heed when we find ourselves forsaking or neglecting to assemble together. There is great strength, encouragement and need to fellowship with the brethren, particularly as the day of the Lord draws near.

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word and Your grace. Father, we know there are so many things that sometimes compete for our time, but we know it is so important to fellowship with the brethren. Help us to do just that Lord. Grant us the grace to receive their encouragement and admonition, and help us to be a source of encouragement and admonition as well in Jesus name, amen. Lord, may we not be found wanting when You come back for Your own in Jesus name, amen.