Fellowship of the Gospel

Topics: fellowship

I. Recall past joyful fellowship

* Paul smiled with joy as he remembered God's people in prayer!

1. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all (Philippians 1:3, 4).
2. I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy (2 Timothy 1:3, 4).

II. Revive present faithful fellowship

* Paul celebrated the depth of fellowship in the cause of Christ!

1. In view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now (Phil. 1:5).
2. Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God (2 Corinthians 8:3?5).

III. Relish future confident fellowship

* Paul's confidence was in the author and perfector of faith!

1. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
2. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, July 5th, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Fellowship of the Gospel

An important Guideline of Life Groups: View your Life Group as brothers and sisters in Christ, bound together in an epic quest of a spiritual conquest for the gospel. Like Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring, we are on a great mission to defeat the forces of darkness and win souls for eternity (2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 3:5).

Getting Started:

1. How would you explain the unique biblical concept of the Greek word koinonia (fellowship, partnership, sharing, contribution)?
2. What can you do to encourage, inspire, and support others in the Body of Christ who have very different personalities, different gifts, different ministries, different styles, different ideas, and different ways of doing things?

Discussing Truths:

1. Can you recall past joyful fellowship of ministry partners?
2. How can you revive and inspire current faithful fellowship in others?
3. Where is your confidence placed for spiritual transformation of your character (Psalm 57:2; Psalm 138:8)?
4. Do you experience joy, like the Philippians, come from "the favor of participation in the support of the saints" (2 Corinthians 8:3-5; 9:6-8)?
5. Are there "unfinished projects" that you need to complete at your home? Aren't you glad that God is faithful to complete what He has started?
6. Discuss some practical applications that each person can employ to live out the truths in Hebrews 12:1-3. Let us FINISH WELL the race that is set before us.

Now What? Application:

1. What do you need to implement in your weekly schedule to finish well the race set before you? Don't give up (Hebrews 12:3).
2. Who are you praying for to return to the Lord? Many prodigals have experienced the beginning of a good work (Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:8-10), but have walked away and need to repent. KEEP PRAYING!