A Fellowship Begotten in Love
A. “I have you in my heart”
- Better than “on my mind”–>our thought can be full of:
- anxiety
- assurance
- Better than “on our lips”–>praise or blame
- Better than “on our nerves”
- We must have people “on our hearts,” then:
- their weaknesses and shortcomings are allowed for;
- their daily needs are cared for and sought for;
- their deepest feelings are prayed for.
B. “How greatly I long after you all,” v. 8.
A Fellowship Expressed in Service
A. A Saving Message
B. A Serving Ministry, 2 Kings 7:3
C. A Suffering Membership, partners in the Gospel
A Fellowship Enlightened by Hope
A. An Assured Hope: “being confident of this very thing,” v. 6–not resting on ourselves, nor on anything that we do, but entirely on Him.
B. An Advent Hope: “until the day of Christ Jesus,” v. 6.
- Of His Sovereign grace–He began it.
- By our yieldedness–He continues it.
- By His love and power–He will assuredly finish it, and “present you faultless,” (Jude 24) at “the day of Jesus Christ.”\
A Fellowship Knit by Prayer
A. Affection
B. Supplication