It is important to note that what the Pharisees did was a perverted form of fellowship. To be set in the midst means to stand out. What the Pharisees did might be a physical depiction of it, but spiritually, people are set in the midst of our churches when we don’t grow up with them.
They begin to stand out in their immaturity. They are set in the midst of the congregation. They are the only believers still struggling on certain levels. They are still without any spiritual gifts. They still lack understanding of spiritual things. Those people have been made to stand out. But the purpose of fellowship is that we all grow together into the fullness of Christ.
People have been set in the midst financially, spiritually, socially, academically and physically because of perverted fellowships, fake friendships, unhelpful partnerships and imbalanced systems. Any growth in a part of the body that doesn’t correspond to growth in other parts is abnormal and unhealthy. Scripture admonishes us to take responsibility for our own growth, but not for ours alone. Under Christ’s direction, one person or group doesn’t grow; the whole body does.
Eph.4.16 – Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. [NLT]
In this conference, don’t be set in our midst. Come up with us. Grow up with us. Understand with us. See with us. Fellowship with us.
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32, NKJV)
Jesus’ prayer for Peter is still His prayer for you. He wants you to lift others up with you. Strengthen your brethren.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 KJV
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
True fellowship involves exhortation, warning, comforting and support of all the brethren. This may not all come from a pulpit sermon, so we all must be involved and pastors may have to get down to the brethren so they are not members who are just among us.
Questions for Discussion
Have you felt odd in a place of fellowship before? How was it and why?
Is anyone apart from the believer himself responsible for bringing them up and along in the Christian journey?
How can we make our growth cause growth in other brethren?
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Pious D. Serwonu