The Holy Spirit

Course: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church

Section Three: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts

Lesson 6

Lesson Title: The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

Text: Acts 2: 42 ‘And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers’

Introduction: Fellowship (Greek: koinonia).

When the Holy Spirit came upon the believers in the early church they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers’. ‘Continued steadfastly’ is the Greek word ‘proskartereo’ which means ‘to be constantly devoted to it’.

They were devoted to teaching and fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayer.

They were united by the life of Christ in them and the Holy Spirit upon them.

Breaking of bread was not a religious ceremony – Christ was their life and remembering the death and resurrection of Christ was part of their daily life.

It was breaking bread together as one body in Christ.

The importance of unity.

When the Early Church had a problem with distribution Acts 6:1

It was a major problem because if unity, love, and humility were lost then the power of the Holy Spirit would also be lost.

The Apostles told them to choose seven men full of the Holy Ghost to take care of it. Acts 6:3

They choose great men like Philip and Stephen. Acts 6:5

Introductory Story:

Herrnhut - Moravian Revival 1727

Count Zinzendorf had previously left the Herrnhutters alone, but on the 12 May 1727 he made a covenant that all at Herrnhut had to adhere to:

1. To emphasize points of agreement

2. Dedicate themselves to service of the Lord.

Prayer

16 July 1727 Zinzendorf mighty prayer with tears – community began to pray with power

22 July 1727 covenanted to meet often for prayer and worship.

13 August 1727 Moravian Pentecost. Many were baptised with the Holy Spirit at Herrnhut

Over the next 25 years 100 Moravians were sent out from Herrnhut as Missionaries.

See History of Modern Missions Lesson 6 ‘Herrnhut’

The Holy Spirit fell at Herrnhut when the people were united in fellowship.

Fellowship is essential for the power of the Holy Spirit to be present.

When fellowship is broken then the power of the Holy Spirit will be lost.

Fellowship means being ‘united in sharing’

Fellowship is ‘caring’ sharing’ and ‘loving’. It is the life of Christ expressed through His body.

Fellowship is contrasted by ‘a selfish spirit that seeks only to satisfy itself.’

A church that has envy and a competitive spirit may become successful if meetings are exciting but it will never see the power of the Holy Spirit.

For more on Fellowship see Fellowship (koinonia)