The Doctrine of Fellowship 14

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see that Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
3. Fellowship is our responsibility to actively be an encouragement to other brothers and sisters.
"But encouraging one another, and all the more…"
a. Fellowship serves to build each other up in growing love (I Thess 5:5-11)
b. Fellowship serves to confront us with the genuineness of our own salvation (Rom 9:1-5)
c. Fellowship serves to prove the genuineness of our love for other believers (2Cor 8:8-11)
d. Fellowship serves to confirm our willingness to serve other believers (2Cor 9:1-5)
i. Fellowship highlights what we already know and need to practice- <2Cor 9:1
ii. the practice of biblical Fellowship is an open source of encouragement for others- <2Cor 9:2
iii. The practice of biblical Fellowship prompts others to follow in like manner- <<2Cor 9:3
iv. Fellowship requires active accountability as part of its encouragement-<2Cor 9:4-5
• we like the accolades but not the work-so that are boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter
• we tend to put off to tomorrow… So that you may be ready, as I said you would be.
• Failure to follow through damages trust-otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated-to say nothing of you-for being so confident.
• Biblical accountability should be embraced not feared-so I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that i