(Clip) How is Your Fellowship with God
Tim Conway challenges believers to honestly evaluate and boldly affirm their personal fellowship with God as the true essence of the Christian life.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God, challenging believers to assess the depth of their relationship with the Father and Jesus Christ. It questions whether individuals can confidently declare that their life is characterized by walking in fellowship with God, acknowledging both the joys and struggles of this journey. The speaker highlights that true fellowship with God is a transformative experience that surpasses worldly pleasures, inviting listeners to reflect on their spiritual walk and the profound privilege secured through Christ's sacrifice.
Full Transcript
I come to the question of the hour. How is your fellowship with God? That's the question that I want us to think about. Every Christian ought to be able to say, doesn't John say it so boldly? He says, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.
I mean, are we all able to say that? Can we say that boldly? Can you come in here today and say that? Yes, I know it. That is my life. My life is one of fellowship with the Father and with His Son.
I know it since I've been saved. That is true. That is normative of my life.
That is descriptive of my life. That is true. I see it.
Oh, it's not where I want it to be. Some days, I can't find Him the way that I want to find Him. But as a rule, I have walked with the Lord and I know what that is.
And it's heaven on earth. It's as best as it gets here. And the little bit that I've tasted, I would not turn back from the world.
Can you say that? Can you say that dogmatically like He says it? Or are you seized by hesitation? Does conscience hold back? And look, you know what I'm talking about here. John hit on it. We're not talking doctrine here.
We're not talking just the knowledge, a head knowledge. I'm not talking about whether you made it to church on Sunday. I'm talking about this.
Can you say, I walk with the Lord? Can you say that? Are you walking with Him? Jesus Christ died to purchase us the privilege to walk with God. It's what He died for. That's what this is all about.
This excerpt was taken from the full sermon, Some Thoughts on Walking with God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The central question: How is your fellowship with God?
- John's bold declaration about fellowship with the Father and Son
- The importance of being able to say this confidently
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II
- Personal testimony of walking with the Lord
- Acknowledging struggles but affirming the reality of fellowship
- The experience of fellowship as 'heaven on earth'
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III
- Distinguishing true fellowship from mere doctrine or church attendance
- The necessity of experiential relationship over head knowledge
- Jesus' death purchased the privilege to walk with God
Key Quotes
“How is your fellowship with God? That's the question that I want us to think about.” — Tim Conway
“Jesus Christ died to purchase us the privilege to walk with God. It's what He died for.” — Tim Conway
“It's heaven on earth. It's as best as it gets here.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Regularly evaluate your personal fellowship with God beyond just church attendance or head knowledge.
- Seek to cultivate a daily walk with the Lord that is experiential and heartfelt.
- Remember that Jesus' sacrifice enables your privilege to live in close relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fellowship with God mean?
Fellowship with God means having a personal, ongoing relationship and communion with the Father and Jesus Christ, beyond just intellectual knowledge or church attendance.
Why is walking with God important?
Walking with God is the practical expression of living in fellowship with Him, reflecting a life transformed by Christ's sacrifice.
Can fellowship with God be imperfect?
Yes, believers may experience seasons where fellowship feels distant, but the goal is to maintain a consistent walk with the Lord.
How can I know if I truly walk with the Lord?
You can know by honestly assessing your relationship with God, your confidence in fellowship, and your reliance on Jesus' sacrifice for that privilege.
Is church attendance enough for fellowship with God?
No, fellowship with God goes beyond attending church; it requires a heartfelt, personal connection with Him.