kindness – Kingdom Life Principles

Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT2)
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.
44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.
48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

26 May 2018

Kingdom Life Principles

The Power of Fellowship Part 3

Continuing from Part 2, remember what Jesus expects of us. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

So now let’s focus on the Lord’s commands for our Kingdom community for everyday and/or the weekly worship gathering. What is your responsibility when you gather with your Christian friends?

1/ “Have salt in yourselves and have peace with one another” [Mark 9:50] When we choose not to fight with each other but keep the peace we obey God and love our brothers.

The context in Mark12 started with the disciples arguing about which one of them was the greatest. They had a lot to learn and Christ gave them a complete lesson on the extreme importance of being godly. Cutting off body parts and doing whatever it takes to live right must have left them embarrassed.

Have salt in yourselves (pres. imper.) points to the disciples’ need to “have salt” which is good (not worthless) within themselves continually. Here “salt” depicts what distinguishes a disciple from a nondisciple (cf. Matt. 5:13; Luke 14:34). A disciple is to maintain his allegiance to Jesus at all costs and to purge out destructive influences (cf. Mark 9:43-48).

The second command, Be at peace (pres. imper.) with each other is based on the first command and rounds out the discussion provoked by the disciples’ strife (vv. 33-34). In essence Jesus said, “Be loyal to Me and then you will be able to maintain peace with one another instead of arguing about status” (cf. Rom. 12:16a; 14:19). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.)

If you do not see peace in your local church know this, there is something very wrong with people inside the group that are not narrow road followers of Jesus. Prove your faith and salvation by being a peacemaker.

2/ “Be kindly affectionate to one another” (Romans 12:10) The actual meaning of this command is radical and unheard of. The Amplified Bible pulls out the Greek meaning with these words, “[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good. Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” Romans 12:9-10 (AMP)

Just as emotionally fond of your natural family [children, parents, etc.], we are told to have the same unflinching love for our local church family. The Greek word for “kindly affectionate” is a compound word, “philos” (a friend) and “storge” (cherishing one’s kindred, especially parents or children). – Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. The strength of this combination throws out the norm for the narrow road follower of Jesus. Cementing our families together with such self sacrificing love is a game changer and frankly few will go to this length in obedience to God’s will. But a local church that so loves each other shines so bright inside their city that people see God’s presence!

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
¹⁴ You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

3/ “Agree to have compassion on one another” (Romans 12:14-16; 1 Peter 3:8) The strength of this command is again the Greek words chosen to explain to us this action of love.

Be ye all of one mind. Romans 12:16. The word here used (ομοφρων) does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It means, of the same mind; like-minded; and the object is to secure harmony in their views and feelings. Having compassion one of another. Sympathizing, (συμπαθεις) entering into one another’s feelings, and evincing a regard for each other’s welfare. Romans 12:15. Comp. 1 Corinthians 12:26, John 11:35. The Greek word here used does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It describes that state of mind which exists when we enter into the feelings of others as if they were our own, as the different parts of the body are affected by that which affects one. 1 Corinthians 12:26. – Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament.

Decide to merge yourself so deeply into the lives of your brothers so that you can weep right along with your hurting Christian brother and also truly be excited and happy with them in their triumphs and victories. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” Romans 12:14-16 (NKJV)

4/ “Accept one another just like Christ accepted us” (Romans 15:7) Accept into your inner circle of friends all believers and give them hospitality and care.

Paul says, “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors.” Romans 15:5-8 (NLT2)

I love how Barnes explains what acceptance is all about.

Now the God of patience—The God who is “himself” long-suffering, who bears patiently with the errors and faults of his children, and who can “give” patience, may he give you of his Spirit, that you may bear patiently the infirmities and errors of each other. The example of God here, who bears long with his children, and is not angry soon at their offences, is a strong argument why Christians should bear with each other. If God bears long and patiently with “our” infirmities, “we” ought to bear with each other.

And consolation—Who gives or imparts consolation.

To be like-minded …—Greek To think the same thing; that is, to be united, to keep from divisions and strifes.

According to Christ Jesus—According to the example and spirit of Christ; his was a spirit of peace. Or, according to what his religion requires. The name of Christ is sometimes thus put for his religion; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Ephesians 4:20. If all Christians would imitate the example of Christ, and follow his instructions, there would be no contentions among them. He earnestly sought in his parting prayer their unity and peace; John 17:21-23. – Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament.

5/ “Have the same anxious concern (care) for everybody with no division” (no clicks) [1 Corinthians 12:25,26] Be as anxious for the health and well being of your fellow Christian as you do for your own wife, kids, or brother and sister.

Should have the same care. Should care for the same thing; should equally regard the interests of all, as we feel an equal interest in all the members and parts of the body, and desire the preservation, the healthy action, and the harmonious and regular movement of the whole. Whatever part of the body is affected with disease or pain, we feel a deep interest in its preservation and cure. The idea is, that no member of the church should be overlooked or despised; but that the whole church should feel a deep interest for, and exercise a constant solicitude over, all its members. – Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament.

6/ “Serve one another” (be a slave) (Galatians 5:13) Make yourself available to each believer helping them as you are able, filling in the gaps and weaknesses they have with your abilities and talents.

This is a given because Jesus made this clear from the beginning as we read in Matthew 23:11-12 (NLT2), “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” And in John He makes it clear that the Holy Spirit serves the Father and Jesus, and Jesus serves the Father. The Trinity highly values humility and service.

But to live it and not just generally feel we are humble, we must prove ourselves in how we conduct ourselves inside the local church. Do you passively go to worship services and run right out so you do not have to obey this command? Or do you stay and meet your fellow disciples and find ways to serve them? Do you connect with the others of your local church and obey Christ’s commands?

The Greek word translated serve (doulos) means to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary) :- be in bondage, (do) serve (-ice). – Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.

To willingly enslave yourself to the needs of others is not normal either, at least not in America. So taking serving seriously shows great love and humility.

7/ “Bear with one another” (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13; James 5:9) Suffer without complaint, bear with the irritations that your fellow believers carelessly rub against you.

As Paul says, “Accept life with humility and patience, making allowances for each other because you love each other.” Ephesians 4:2 (Phillips NT) Only a true believer mean enough to themselves to remember their past sin and changed to live in the meekness gained through salvation can make the allowances commanded here.
lowliness—In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves [Trench].

meekness—that spirit in which we accept God’s dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men, out of the thought that they are permitted by God for the chastening and purifying of His people (2 Sam. 16:11; compare Gal 6:1; 2Ti 2:25; Titus 3:2). It is only the lowly, humble heart that is also meek (Col 3:12). As “lowliness and meekness” answer to “forbearing one another in love” (compare “love,” Eph 4:15, 16), so “long-suffering” answers to (Eph 4:4) “endeavoring (Greek, ‘earnestly’ or ‘zealously giving diligence’) to keep (maintain) the unity of the Spirit (the unity between men of different tempers, which flows from the presence of the Spirit, who is Himself ‘one,’ Eph 4:4) in (united in) the bond of peace” (the “bond” by which “peace” is maintained, namely, “love,” Col 3:14, 15 [Bengel]; or, “peace” itself is the “bond” meant, uniting the members of the Church [Alford]).

– A Commentary: Critical, Experimental, and Practical on the Old and New Testaments.

All saints MUST learn that God sends people around you to teach you Christ-like character. Some lessons are harder than others, but the understanding that those who irritate you are the chiesels God uses to chip away the unwanted attitudes and character that is not Christlike. Make room for those Christians or like a spiritual mentor patiently help them to grow in the Lord.

8/ “Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32; James 4:11) Be easy and soft in attitude and action to all Christians in your local church.

And going right along with the last command, kindness is easy to show to the people you like, but it takes a concerted effort to love enough to be kind to the unlikable. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT2)

We are told to be kind to those that are hard to be kind to. When you are offended you want to be bitter, angry, throw harsh words back at them, and tell others how terrible that person is to do what they did to you. Inside and outside the church conflict happens. There are no excuses for anyone with a mean streak or evil tongue. Sometimes it is a simple misunderstanding. No matter what, we are called to be kind in spite of “those people”.

But also, there are no excuses for your revenge and anger either. No one can steal your joy. When unkind words or actions come your way what is truly in your heart comes out. Again meekness (that spirit in which we accept God’s dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men) is revealed in a true saint, but great pride and sin is exposed in those who react with “bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” Thank God for the test and repent!

9/ “Forgive one another” (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13) Grant your Christian brother a favor by delivering them from their wrong doing toward you and forgetting about it.

In the same section of Ephesians we used in the last command we find “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT2)

If it was easy to bear with one another, be kind to one another, and forgive one another we would not need to be commanded. But the miraculous transformation of salvation altered who we are from within. Christians, true followers of Jesus, have the Holy Spirit within driving us with floods of righteousness and grace.

John explains it very simply. “This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous.

So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them. 1 John 3:11-15 (NLT2)

“And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.” 1 John 3:23-24 (NLT2)

We really have only two choices hate or forgiveness. “If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NLT2)

10/ “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9) Change your attitude from isolationism to an open door policy. Without murmuring invite the church members over to your house and show them the same friendship you show your immediate family.

As it is written in Amplified Bible translation it is easier to understand, “Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ’s body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him). ” 1 Peter 4:9 (AMP)

From the beginning of the church we are taught to open our homes and share meals and friendship. But again many Americans will not make that big of step and really become best friends in Jesus. Instead we keep them at arms length but hang out with family and the ungodly. But with an Acts 2 culture shift and cementing our families together we have the power to influence the ungodly together.

11/ “Teach one another” (Colossians 3:16) In any caring community of people, becoming humble teachers by example and experience benefit all and help everyone excel. Just like parents teach their children to become mature, everyone must love God enough to become wise teachers and love each other enough to help each member of the church grow and mature.

The Amplified Bible says, “Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16 (AMP)

This does not mean we are all preachers, or we do not need preachers, but as parents, spouses, and friends we help each other grow in spiritual wisdom. Since wisdom is taking knowledge and seeing how it works or applies to our lives from God’s perspective. Information or random facts are useless if you need to repair the engine of your vehicle. But an experienced and wise repairman can carefully use his knowledge to fix it.

In fact we must take the responsibility of helping others understand and live the teaching and commands of Jesus. That is what a disciple of Jesus does, they make disciples.

Remember… FELLOWSHIP is living life together as a church full of BEST FRIENDS united in a strong partnership, close social union, deep communication, and common sharing.

It only works when it is driven by God’s love deep inside you, no political or antichrist social order forced upon men will ever duplicate this powerful life. So when you personally take these commands seriously, obey them joyfully, and freely give yourself to your local church you will begin to really experience the Kingdom of God here on earth!

Also, remember what Jesus expects of you. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

21 Jan 2017

Phase 3 Mature Servant: focus is adding godliness, brotherly kindness and sacrificial love, Step 6: adding your diligence to [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection

Step 6: With All Diligence Add Brotherly Kindness To Your Godliness

“And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection…” [2 Peter 1:7 AMP]

Steps 5-7 have everything to do with passion. Step 5 is experiencing a loving passion for God. Then Step 6 creates a passion to love fellow believers. And finally, Step 7 focuses on passionate love for the lost world around us.

As you mature, true, deep change grips your heart and soul. God’s passion and love bleeds through your soul. As John explains in 1 John 2:14, once you have a relationship with God that can be described by these words, “you have known Him…”, you find this deep and personal connection profoundly alters your spiritual DNA. Like spiritual fathers, mothers and grandparents, the third [mature]and fourth [teacher] phases of your spiritual journey floods your life with Christlike passion for others.

Godliness is rare in America, and from the polling and experiences of people, it seems to be rare in the local church. Not all the accusations are true, obviously, they were all false as they attacked Christ, but enough evidence points to this reality today to conclude that we are suffering from the vacuum of godlessness.

Less than 35% of Americans even attend church on any weekend. So, before you hope to travel in this narrow road of “fraternal affection,” we will have to see the “Christian” critics and quitters come back to church consistently and prove they have “brotherly love (kindness).” This cannot be you.

Divorcing from your fellow believers, and claiming the local church does not meet your needs, proves John’s warnings. “Those who say that they are in the light but hate other believers are still in the dark. [10] Those who love other believers live in the light. Nothing will destroy the faith of those who live in the light. [11] Those who hate other believers are in the dark and live in the dark. They don’t know where they’re going, because they can’t see in the dark.” [1 John 2:9-11 GW]

John spells it out for us. “They left us, but they were never really with us. If they had been, they would have stuck it out with us, loyal to the end. In leaving, they showed their true colors, showed they never did belong.” [1 John 2:19 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.]

Remember, John explains, “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” Darkness is clearly Satan and His domain.

Ephesians 6:12

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Col. 1:13

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”

1 Thes. 5:4-5

“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”

The excuses for staying away from weekend church gatherings are endless and sickening. But the fact is, anybody who loves sports proves it by how he lives and supports his team. On the weekends and day off, he puts off chores and family to watch the game. Or she sneaks to the gym for dance, exercise, and tennis. People spend many hours doing what they really want and love, and ignore what they hate.

The Greek word is “to detest (especially to persecute); by extension to love less :- hate (-ful).” To love football more than joining the Christian team at a local church gathering, is loving “religion” less. It is loving your Christian brother LESS! And this is the point, whether people are willing to admit the word “hate” or “detest” for what they feel about the church. There is no love, that’s for sure. Anyone in this state, is in darkness, and not a Christian, whether they protest my words or not!

It Takes a Godly Person to Love Other Christians

So the whole concept of this step is clear, it takes a god-like person to love people in close quarters who are not your children or relatives. It takes a commitment of kindness to put up with people’s flaws and weaknesses, their cultural differences, and their immature attitudes and actions. Parents do this with their kids, but many Christians refuse to see that some fellow believers are spiritual babies or children.

If you are a spiritual child you want to think of yourself and not others. To only focus on getting spiritually fed and supported is selfish and childlike. Conflict and problems always follow children, and if you are a parent you know this. Read 1 Corinthians and see how much trouble an immature church can get into. But mature, godly people find the Lord enlarging their hearts to be kind to their Christian family no matter what.

And this brotherly kindness does not come easily, it takes a lot of forgiveness, patience, and a whole lot of godliness to develop true brotherly love for the people who make up a local congregation of the church. This is why Peter says to exercise [use] your godliness to develop brotherly kindness. This is not an easy step for anyone. It takes diligence and willpower to love Christians that are not likable.

And remember this, we are not led to believe that you receive a membership card from heaven, making you a member of the large international group called the “Church” in some kind of abstract way, ignoring the real world of a local church of Christians.

You are not free from being joined to the team of a hard working group of local people, “the called out ones” of your city. For example, you cannot be an NFL player, unless you are a member of a local NFL team. Once you are off the local team, you may be qualified, but unless another team picks you up, you are retired and just a fan. God has no fans, He only has players called disciples.

You must take a position on a team and take on the responsibility of helping your team members accomplish the goals God gives. Also you must encourage and help fellow members develop their skills which makes your team stronger. And you most definitely must learn to work together for the good of the Kingdom.

Take the first church as the pattern. Acts chapter two describes the powerful start of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Three thousand believed the words of Peter, left their circle of friends and united into a brand new community of people who also were committed to Jesus. They did not just believe in their heads, go back to the way they lived, and expect to go to heaven. Repentance demanded a total, revolutionary change of direction and life immediately.

Here is the Word, “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’”

“And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

“46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

True salvation brings radical change and a new allegiance that is supernaturally imprinted inside a new Christian. “And they continued steadfastly” is based on a Greek word with powerful meaning. It covers these actions, “to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor) :- attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).”

The Acts record reveals the instantaneous reversal of three thousand people from their old lifestyle and the cementing of a new “team” of furiously committed people to Christ and each other. Their love bonded them into a strong and unbreakable fellowship. They went to extremes in their care for and support of each other, even though many just met! Obviously, the core leaders, were with Jesus about three years, but the heart of God’s care was created inside these new disciples very quickly.

And we too are ordered to focus and keep the family together just like they did so long ago. “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart…” [1 Peter 1:22 NKJV] And repeated again “Continue to love each other.” [Hebrews 13:1 GW]

The Godly Serve and Help Others Through Brotherly Love

But, the work comes after the initial excitement of new life and the supernatural grace that surges inside the young Christian. Mature believers must work hard to keep the unity of the team by nurturing the babes and immature in Christ, being examples of patience and love, and leading in the purposes and work of God.

Paul challenges believers to be diligent and work hard at this. “Through the peace that ties you together, do your best to maintain the unity that the Spirit gives… This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God’s Son, until we become mature, until we measure up to Christ, who is the standard.” [Ephes. 4:3, 13 GW]

Peter adds, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” [1 Peter 3:8,9 NKJV]

After holding to the conviction that it is God’s will, we unite and love as brothers, and the next step is actually developing brotherly affection for the saints. Remember the Lord taught, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:2] This means investing in your spiritual family, by focusing on serving and helping them in the faith, their value will grow in your heart.

This is how we are instructed to accomplish this change of heart. “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”

The more you intentionally invest in your Christian brothers, the more you will cherish them! The full depth of this exciting spiritual step is that you become consumed with the growth and blessing of your fellow believers. They are more important to you than anything of this world. If you think of sports, it would be like being a player-coach.

“So those of us who have a strong {faith} must be patient with the weaknesses of those whose {faith} is not so strong. We must not think only of ourselves. [2] We should all be concerned about our neighbor and the good things that will build his faith. [3] Christ did not think only of himself. Rather, as Scripture says, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” [4] Everything written long ago was written to teach us so that we would have confidence through the endurance and encouragement which the Scriptures give us. [5] May God, who gives you this endurance and encouragement, allow you to live in harmony with each other by following the example of Christ Jesus. [6] Then, having the same goal, you will praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [7] Therefore, accept each other in the same way that Christ accepted you. He did this to bring glory to God.” [Romans 15:1-7 GW]

“Brothers and sisters, I encourage all of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to agree with each other and not to split into opposing groups. I want you to be united in your understanding and opinions.” [1 Cor. 1:10 GW] Therefore, you must know the tricks and traps of the devil. “False prophets were among God’s people {in the past}, as false teachers will be among you. They will secretly bring in their own destructive teachings. They will deny [contradict] the Lord, who has bought them, and they will bring themselves swift destruction.” [2 Peter 2:1 GW]

Now before you get false ideas, I want to make sure you understand that unity and harmony does not mean compromise and acceptance of false doctrine or evil practices. The early church was united and devoted to the apostles’ doctrine. To keep the unity of all for the sake of maturing them to be like Christ demands that the church will have to remove false Christians from their team.

God’s word instruct us, “Now, what I meant was that you should not associate with people who call themselves brothers or sisters in the Christian faith but live in sexual sin, are greedy, worship false gods, use abusive language, get drunk, or are dishonest. Don’t eat with such people.” [1 Cor. 5:11 GW] “Brothers and sisters, I urge you to watch out for those people who create divisions and who make others fall away {from the Christian faith} by teaching doctrine that is not the same as you have learned. Stay away from them.” [Romans 16:17 GW]

Don’t be confused here! It is loving and kind to stop children from hurting themselves or someone else. It is also normal to protect children. And parents always correct and guide their children. This is the power and importance of Christian fellowship. God established the positions of mature church leaders: missionaries, evangelists, preachers, teachers and pastors to guide and protect the infants and immature from themselves and the devil. Like shepherds of old they are raised up to supervise the fulfillment of all these things: the unity and fellowship of the team, the maturing and strengthening of the team, and the safety and protection of the team.

Fellowship is living out brotherly kindness through the powerful bond of the passionate love of God. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high,

He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”

9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. [Ephesians 4:1-16 NKJV]

So What is Necessary For You to Achieve Step 6?

1/ Decide that the church, yes, the organized church with spiritual leaders, is God’s church. Yes there are false teachers and false cults and movements. So be careful and find God’s people. It does not matter what you like, it matters who they are. If you have divided yourself from them you are in error and resistant to God’s authority. Humble yourself and repent, and quickly find a local congregation of Christians that follow the clear teaching of the Bible, and submit to the pastor’s authority.

2/ Then commit yourself to the work of the ministry of fellowship. And be clear, fellowship is living the “one another commands” within the local church of the New Testament. This is the only way to develop brotherly affection, diligently exercising your passion for God by loving the people He loves deeply, His family, which now is your eternal family.