THE FOUNDATION FOR VICTORIOUS LIVING (2)

The blessed fellowship in Christ is the second part of the foundation for victorious living. Man, a gregarious being, must have fellowship with others. It is essential to his happiness and productivity. The fellowship of which John writes is the highest of all fellowships, the fellowship which is basic to a meaningful life. John says, ”What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ" - (1 John 1:3). Such divine fellowship gives beauty and undergirding to all legitimate human fellowships. The fellowship mentioned in verse 3 is two-pronged, a fellowship which reaches up to God and His Son and out to God’s family members. It is at once a heavenly and earthly fellowship.

Fellowship with God lifts us above the trivial plans and designs of this world; fellowship with God’s family gives us strength and purpose when the temporary relationships of life dissolve. Someone has said that fellowship is two fellows in a ship. Although this definition is simple and comical, it does suggest two elemental characteristics of the word: togetherness and enterprise. Fellowship implies unity of thought and activity. It is joint participation in a common venture. The fellowship of which John speaks is joint participation in God’s eternal purpose with God and His church.

In his book, "The Sensation of Being Somebody", Robert Wagner breaks down the meaning of self-esteem. He contends self-esteem is based upon three personal, deep-down beliefs: self-worth, belongingness, and productivity. Fellowship in Christ provides all three of these beliefs. What God has done for each of us at the cross creates in us a beautiful sense of worth. Walking with God in daily Christian living further conveys true worth and value to us. When we are part of God’s family we have belongingness. What could be more solidifying to life than being a member of an eternal family? Fellowship with God also means productivity as His purpose becomes ours.

Two responses must be made to the fellowship presented in this passage. First, appropriation is necessary. Fellowship may be available, but it must be appropriated. We enter it by faith (John 8:24), repentance of sin (Acts 17:30), confession of Jesus (Romans 10:10), and baptism into Christ (Acts 22:16). Second, appreciation should naturally overflow from our hearts. What an opportunity! What a blessing! This spiritual fellowship is so basic to victorious living that unless it is at the very center of our lives our reach for happiness will always fail. Abundant living cannot be predicated upon temporary relationships.

Word Affirmation: “ Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased." - Psalm 4:7 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“ When we are part of God’s family we have belongingness. "

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