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The Apostle Paul
Paul often asked the brethren to be followers of him, and in I Cor. 11: 1 he writes,
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ". He followed his Lord closely and
suffered with Him. We have noticed how the disciples forsook Christ and fled. Paul had
a similar experience. In II Tim. 1: 15 we read:
". . . . . all they which are in Asia be turned away from me . . . . .",
and in II Tim. 4: 16:
"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me . . . . .",
but he adds in verse 17, "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me".
If we endeavour to follow Paul as he followed Christ, we must not be surprised if we
share, perhaps in a rather small way, in this kind of experience. If we try to "hold fast the
form of sound words", some may turn away from us. We might be called to endure some
loneliness. If we are able to have fellowship with those who share our faith let us be
thankful, for it is indeed precious and helpful to enjoy such fellowship. But if we are
isolated, may we be enabled to hold fast the form of sound words.
A last word
Are you one of those who feel lonely? You feel your need of fellowship? The Lord
knows your need.
"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus" (Phil. 4: 19).
No.18.
Fellowship.
pp. 29 - 32
"truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (I John 1: 3).
The family were at home and auntie would probably call as she was expected to be in
the district. She came and brought her friends with her. They looked around in the
garden, but No! they could not stay for tea. They all came indoors for a chat and then
they went. One of the ladies who was quite a stranger to the family said to the lady of the
house, "Thank you very much for the fellowship". This remark caused a discussion in
the family. Was this just a polite way of saying, "Thank you for receiving us"? Did the
friend really think that wandering in the garden and polite talk inside the house
constituted real fellowship?