Fellowship in Christ (Php. 2:1; 1 John 1:3)

“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Eph. 4:13).

When we come together in the name of Christ, we come as the Body of Christ, and members in particular (1 Cor. 12:27). As the body can only function when each member performs its part, so we rely on one another. Let me give an example. My sister, who was diagnosed with cancer, phoned this week to give me an update on her health. The conversation went from how she was feeling, the medication she was taking, the cost of it all, to how her family was doing. In every topic, she always expressed her own sense of helplessness, but that she was convinced from God’s word that all things are working together for her good, according to His sovereign will in Christ, and how she loved to hear the Gospel day by day. I mostly just listened. But I came away with a deep appreciation for the grace given to her. She faces the very real prospect of a shortened life. And yet, though she does not know how all of this will accomplish God’s will; though she does not know how her decline in health, her constant sick feeling, how she seems to have so little influence to point her loved ones to Christ, and her sense of utter helplessness through it all; that she does not know what to do; yet, through it all, in all that she said, I could hear God’s upholding grace in her steady confidence in Christ. And so we had “fellowship” in our Lord together. I greatly benefited from all that she said. And I trust she benefited by telling me of Christ her hope.

Now, when we come together as a Church, our first priority should be to hear God’s word, to give thanks, to sing praises to our Savior, to make our supplications in prayer and to worship Him for His salvation. When we talk to one another, we should tell the wonderful things our great God and Savior has done for us, in plain, simple terms, as great sinners needing our only and great Savior.

The body is “fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth.” Never think you have nothing to contribute. When you gather with His people, bring the revelation of Christ to your heart in devotion to Him. Be quick to listen. Be slow to speak (James 1:19). Tell the Lord about your brothers’ and sisters’ needs. Encourage one another to look to Christ who sits on the throne of absolute sovereignty and victory over our sin, over satan, over this world, over death and over all of our enemies. Tell what great things the Lord has done for you. Tell how Jesus is your only hope. Be courteous (1 Pet. 3:8). Speak simply without the leaven of hypocrisy (Luke 12:1). You know Christ is your only hope. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so (Ps. 107:2). Think more highly of others than yourself (Php. 2:5-8). Read God’s word at home. Pour out your heart to the Lord at home. Pray for your loved ones throughout the week. Pray for one another in the Church. Pray for the ministry of the word. Ask the Lord to make Himself known to us and to revive us again (Ps. 80; Ps. 85:6). Ask Him to increase our faith and grow us in grace (Mark 9:24; Luke 17:5; 2 Pet. 3:18). Remember, we serve the Lord Christ! He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Eph. 3:20). When you come together, therefore, make it your priority to hear and worship, but as you are able, talk about Jesus and His love. Your brothers and sisters in Christ need to hear of Him from you.

The Church is the Body of Christ. Jesus said, “As ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40). Each one of us who believe Christ are members of His body (1 Cor. 12:27). Even the members of our physical bodies are members of Christ (1 Cor. 6:15-20). Our bodies are the temple of the Spirit of God. Your brothers and sisters in Christ were purchased by the precious blood of Christ (1 Cor. 6:20; Acts 20:28). Therefore, esteem them very highly for His love’s sake. These gracious words from Malachi bring tears of joy to my eyes when I remember those times I have had sweet fellowship in Christ by the words and kindness of my brothers and sisters:

“16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him” (Mal. 3:16-17).

Rick Warta