Fellowship: Why is it so Important?

For the past two weeks, I have been reading through the book of Hebrews, which is an absolute gem of a book! Accompanying my study, I have been listening to John Piper’s sermon series on the book, which has been an extremely fruitful experience.

One of the major teachings in this book is the importance of paying very close attention to Jesus: Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1). Over and over again the author of Hebrews urges his readers to consider Jesus. The author lays down for us many clear reasons as to why we should consider Jesus. Firstly, Jesus is God, the creator of the universe. Secondly, as God, he is in control of the universe. Thirdly, he has made it possible for God’s people to be reunited with God the Father through his death on the cross and resurrection (Hebrews 1).

These amazing qualities of Jesus warrant our full attention of him. However, the author of Hebrews continues and presses even more compelling reasons for our undivided attention of Jesus by explaining that Jesus fulfils all that was promised through the Old Testament i.e. the law, the prophets, the sacrificial system (this will be explained in the upcoming “Who was Jesus” series).

The thing that has struck me is the importance of constantly considering Jesus: And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope (Hebrews 3:6). I believe in the doctrine that God chooses his people (Calvinism). But on this side of heaven, can we be assured of our salvation i.e. that God has actually chosen me? My answer is yes we can have confidence. See, this verse is highlighting for us evidence in life to see whether we are saved. The author writes: we are saved, which is stating a fact and then he throws in the conditional statement: if we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. The evidence is in our hope in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do you see this evidence in your life? Is your life fixed on Jesus? Note that he does not say we will be saved but rather we are saved. We contribute nothing to our salvation- it is purely the work of God in our hearts! Praise Jesus!

So, as the title says, why is fellowship so important? But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13). The one thing in our lives that is trying to destroy us is sin! If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit is at work in your heart showing you areas in your life that are opposed to God. The biggest danger in our life is if we take our eyes of Jesus. This may occur due to complacency and laziness or maybe a lack of rich fellowship. Fellowship (see Love: The Essential Ingredient for more on fellowship) is so important as the author of Hebrews points out. He encourages us daily to engage in rich Christian fellowship. Why? Rich Christian fellowship, according to the author, is to point us to Jesus. Life can get hard and in these times we may feel like throwing the Jesus towel in. Our only hope is in Jesus!

I will conclude with several questions:

Is your life fixed on Jesus?

Do you value rich fellowship?

Are you in a church or community group?

Do you know any Christians who need your love and encouragement to keep on considering Jesus?

Therefore, how important is church and community groups. We must value these times! I urge you to consider Jesus and encourage your brothers and sisters to likewise, consider Jesus!