What other scriptures emphasize the importance of fellowship and unity among believers? Paul’s Longing in 2 Corinthians 2:13 “I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there; so I said good-bye to them and went on to Macedonia.” • Paul’s unrest shows how deeply he valued the presence of a fellow believer. • Ministry momentum stalled until that fellowship was restored. • The verse sets the tone: believers are meant to walk, work, and worship together. Fellowship in the Early Church • Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” • Acts 2:44-47 – “All the believers were together and had everything in common… The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” • Acts 4:32 – “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” The pattern: shared doctrine, shared meals, shared resources, shared mission—growth followed. Unity Rooted in Our Identity • Ephesians 2:19 – “You are… fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.” • Romans 12:4-5 – “In Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.” • 1 Corinthians 1:10 – “Agree with one another… so that there may be no divisions among you.” • Ephesians 4:3-6 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace… one body… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Our unity is not optional; it flows from the very nature of the Church as one body. The Trinitarian Model of Oneness • John 17:21-23 – “that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You… so that the world may believe.” Christ roots our unity in the eternal fellowship of Father, Son, and Spirit—then ties it to our witness before the world. Practical Expressions of Togetherness • Hebrews 10:24-25 – “Let us consider how to spur one another on… not neglecting to meet together.” • Galatians 6:2 – “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • Philippians 2:1-4 – “Make my joy complete by being of one mind… looking to the interests of others.” • Colossians 3:14-15 – “Love… is the bond of perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body.” • 1 Peter 3:8 – “Be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers.” Fellowship is lived out in gathered worship, mutual encouragement, shared burdens, sacrificial service, and peacemaking. The Blessing of Dwelling Together • Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” • 1 John 1:3, 7 – “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son… If we walk in the light… we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus… cleanses us.” Unity brings refreshing, witness, spiritual cleansing, and joy. Bringing It All Together Paul’s yearning for Titus in 2 Corinthians 2:13 is one snapshot of a theme that runs from the Psalms to Revelation: God never intended isolated believers. The body thrives when every part is present, loving, serving, and united around the gospel. |
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