Master the Bible: How to Get and Keep the Big Picture of the Bible's Story

Chapter 6: Growi ng to Matur i t y , Ser i es 4

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to us – [3] that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellow ship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. [4] And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. c. We are called to accept one another in Christ, Rom. 15.5-7 – May the God of endurance and encourage ment grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, [6] that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [7] Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

2. For the purpose of edification and fruitfulness

a. Edification , “to be built up,” i.e., our goal is to so build up one another that each member may attain to the fullness of Christ, to maturity in Christ (Christlikeness), Eph. 4.9-15.

b. Fruitfulness , “to reproduce after kind,” i.e., our goal is to be used of God through the church in such a way as to raise up as many disciples as possible as quickly as we can for the sake of fulfilling the Great Commission, John 15.16.

3. To the glory of God

a. Whatever we do is to be done for God’s glory, 1 Cor. 10.31 – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.