True Fellowship - Bible Baptist Church

David talks about a love that is more binding than natural biological affection.

Strengthened by shared purpose

1 Samuel 18:1 – The first time Jonathan heard David speak about his trust in the LORD to fight the battle with Goliath undoubtedly Jonathan completely relates to David. He finds a kindred spirit. Jonathan had made a run at the Philistines by himself when no one else would.
It’s an acceptance of the truth that goes beyond bloodlines. It goes beyond the love of a mother toward her son. It goes beyond the love of a father toward his daughter. It goes beyond the love of husband and wife.
David and Jonathan were blessed by the same things. What made David happy also made Jonathan happy. A true child of God is blessed by the same things Jesus Christ is blessed by.
This is one of the strongest reasons kids and young adults get connected to bad influences and bad ideas. They want to belong to something meaningful. They want to be accepted. So the idea that I can save something, save the planet, that’s the marketing for the ones who end up with the money. It’s particularly compelling if I make you feel righteous in your cause.
Why is the church here? Let’s apply shared purpose to a church setting. The purpose of our gathering is to be edified by gathering together and together magnifying Jesus Christ.

Strengthened by shared persecution

Jonathan knew his family line would not continue to be royalty after Saul.
Saul attempted to kill both David and Jonathan because of the blessing on David’s life.
Fellowship in shared experiences. Philippians 3:8-10 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
How many want to get to know Jesus Christ better?
- But some won’t because they’re not willing to go through anything while serving Jesus Christ.
- Clearly, getting to know Jesus Christ is not about more Bible reading. It’s about more Bible application together. Many of you here don’t even read your Bibles, so getting to know Jesus Christ isn’t even in the immediate future.
- I love what Joe said the other day about publicly serving God.

Strengthened by sharing what’s valuable

Jonathan gave David his royal stuff. Everything that pertains to Jonathan’s position as prince he gives to David. That’s in 1 Samuel 18:4.
David, in turn, promises to Jonathan to take care of Jonathan’s children. David promises to treat them with mercy when he becomes king instead of as rivals to the throne.
For God so loved the world.. You know the rest. He gave what was most valuable. Why? The question isn’t do you want to go to heaven or hell? Without Christ you’re already under the condemnation of God. You need Christ to save you from that wrath of God on sin residing in sinners like you.