Christian Fellowship - How to have a Great Christian Fellowship

What makes for a great fellowship, whether in a cell group or in a church? There is only one simple attribute --- humility. We learn from Jesus, and from Paul and be empowered by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit within us. Abide in Christ, be humble and act out from the grace within will produce a great fellowship. More specific details are covered in ref: Php 2:1-18 

What is attractive? In the midst of darkness, and in the state of confusion, the one that shines the light and shows the path to follow will be the center of attraction. Believers are to be that light that shines.

Objective: All Believers should shine as a light in the midst of this evil and twisted generation by living a blameless life, no selfish interests, no manipulations --- holy life - separated in intention and behavior. Php 2:15.

Source of Our Power: Where can we find the power to live out such a life? Paul tells us in verse 16 holding fast to the word of life; which is to abide in Christ be led by the Holy Spirit and by the Grace of God. "Grace and Peace to unto you" is a frequent prayer of the apostles for the believers.

Extent: How much should we give in the service of others? Be sacrificial for others like Jesus. Paul's example: Php 2:17  Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

The Principle for Influencing Others: Reach down to bring them up.
Count not on your authority and ability to lord over others, but go down to their level to build connection and then bring them up to your level and even to Jesus'.

The One Attitude Needed: Humility - Have the same mind of Jesus.
Follow Jesus's example. God coming as man,（Php 2:7  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8  ... by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ) ...  In the simple act washing his disciples' feet to show humility at a very practical act.

Humility is shown in many other ways like:

• count others more significant(not better, but importance),2:3
• look into their interests, 2:4
• leading to one mind through the path of love. 2:2
• work out our salvation that is within us 2:13 with the attitude of thoughtfulness and urgency - don't miss any opportunity.
  (note: Jon Courson's Application Commentary, tells us that it is "to work out" and not "work for" nor "work on". Hence, we are already saved within and we need to draw from the secured saved state and the grace to live out the blameless life that shines.)
• do without grumbling or disputing --- simple obedience to Jesus. 2:14.

More behaviors:
 v20 genuinely concerned for your welfare
 v21 seek the interest of Jesus and not self.
 v22 as a son with a father -- mentor and mentee. development of successors
 v23,25  sending out to help with others
 v24 relationship - comrade: my brother, a fellow worker, a fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,
 v29 receive one another with joy and to honor such men.
 v30 complementing one another in the service of Christ --> v21
 Sharing one another burden - Php 4:14  Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

The attitude we have of others and to inspire them is given by Paul in:

Php 4:1  Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Now that we know, we should just follow.

Lim Liat (c) 25 Nov 2018 - 28 Nov 2018