RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL

LESSON FORTY-TWO

SUNDAY, 18TH JUNE 2017

TOPIC: MEANINGFUL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" - Acts 2:46
BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 2:44-47

INTRODUCTION:

A tree cannot make a forest, neither a soldier make up an army. There has always been a cricial need for relational interation among Christians alike. For fellowship to be meaningful and beneficial, it must go beyond the realms of preaching, teaching, fasting, studying, praise/worship and other spiritual activities. It must be full of deep felt concern and care for the emotional and physical wellbeing of one another in the household of God. Effective fellowship is putting oneself in the shoes of others to feel what they are passing through (Romans 12:15).

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Meaning of Christian fellowship
2. Benefits of Christian fellowship

MEANING OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship means spending time together in sharing of personal experiences and learning from them (Psalm 133:1-3). Christians are enjoined to have fellowship with God and also with one another (Hebrews 10:25). However, Christian interation should transcend the confines of spirituality. It should extend to all areas of human physical, emotional and physiological needs (Acts 2:42-46). Through genuine fellowship, Christians will understand each other's strengths and weaknesses rather than being judgmental (Romans 14:1, 13). Believers must support one another when rejoicing or facing challenges (Proverbs 27:17). All these must be done without selfish or ulterior motives but in line with the will of God (Colossians 3:23).

BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Some of the benefits of Christian fellowship are summarised thus:
a. It is an atmosphere to share personal day to day experiences and learn from each other (Proverbs 27:17).
b. It allows for personal growth and accountability (Ephesians 4:15).
c. It helps one to receive and render support for crucial family needs e.g. childcare, job opportunities, business ideas and important information (Galatians 6:10).
d. It brings about effective mentoring to avert worldly influence (1Timothy 6:20).
e. It provides ample support and encouragement in times of adversity (Galatians 6:2).
f. It creates opportunity for joy, mutual comfort, unity, encouragement and peace (2Corinthians 13:11).
g. It brings about answers to ones prayers and the prayer of others (1Thessalonians 3:11-13).

CONCLUSION:

Christian fellowship is crucial to both spiritual and physiological growth of the church. The household of God should be a safe haven for support and encouragement in times of need. Hence, all efforts must be geared to making adequate provisions for the spiritual as well as the physical needs fo the worshippers within the confines of the church.

QUESTIONS

1. Discuss the meaning of Christian fellowship.
2. Mention at least five benefits of Christian fellowship.

Thanks for sharing God bless you.