Do you sometimes wonder if going to church is really necessary? Have you ever thought, "I just need God—I don't need other people"? If so, what the Bible says about Christian fellowship will transform your perspective.
In Romans 1:11-13, the Apostle Paul reveals something profound about the Christian life that many believers today are missing. Let's examine what Scripture teaches about our need for one another and why genuine believers should have a longing desire to fellowship together.
The Apostle Paul's Heart for Fellowship
"For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established: That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me." - Romans 1:11-12 (KJV)
Notice Paul doesn't say, "Well, I guess I should visit you sometime." He says "I long to see you." This reveals a heartfelt desire—not obligation, but genuine longing for Christian fellowship.
What Paul Wasn't Bringing
Paul wasn't coming to Rome with buckets of spiritual gifts like some kind of traveling miracle show. The spiritual gift he refers to is the blessing that comes when believers fellowship together under the Holy Spirit's influence. When Paul would minister to them using the gifts God had given him, they would receive a spiritual blessing—and so would he.
The Biblical Foundation for Christian Community
God's Design for Fellowship
Contrary to the popular "just me and Jesus" mentality, Scripture makes it clear that God designed us for community. In John 15:12-17, Jesus establishes the foundation:
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:12-13 (KJV)
God didn't set up Christianity as an isolated, individual experience. He commands us to love one another and specifically designed the church as His body working together.
The Mutual Benefit of Christian Fellowship
Notice in Romans 1:12 that Paul expects mutual benefit: "that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me." This isn't a one-way street where the preacher blesses everyone else. True Christian fellowship involves:
Mutual comfort - We encourage one another
Mutual faith - We strengthen each other's walk with God
Mutual growth - We help each other become more like Christ
Why We Need Each Other
God's Will Includes Fellowship
The idea that "all I need is God" sounds spiritual, but it contradicts what God actually said. While we absolutely need personal time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study, God also wants us around other Christians. That's His will for us.
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)
Learning from Children
Watch how children naturally long to see each other and play together. They don't have to force fellowship—they just do it. When they get hurt (physically or emotionally), they get over it and move on. We can learn much from their natural desire for community and their ability to forgive and continue fellowshipping.
Overcoming Obstacles to Fellowship
The Reality of Imperfect People
Here's the truth nobody wants to hear: no one is going to treat you right all the time. Not your spouse, not your children, not your church family—nobody. But that's not an excuse to forsake fellowship.
Colossians 3:12-14 gives us the solution:
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." - Colossians 3:12-13 (KJV)
No Caste System in Christianity
There should be no divisions in the church: not young Christians versus veteran Christians, not rich versus poor, not any earthly distinctions. We're all part of one body in Christ.
"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." - Colossians 3:11 (KJV)
The Purpose of Christian Fellowship
Establishment in Faith
Paul's goal was "to the end ye may be established" (Romans 1:11). We need each other to grow strong in our faith. This happens through:
Teaching and preaching of God's Word
Mutual encouragement during trials
Accountability in Christian living
Prayer support for one another
Bearing Fruit Together
The ultimate goal is fruit-bearing ministry. Paul desired "that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles" (Romans 1:13). This fruit includes:
Sinners being saved through our witness
Believers growing in spiritual maturity
The church expanding as the body of Christ grows
Action Steps for Biblical Fellowship
How can you cultivate this biblical longing for Christian fellowship?
Recognize your need - Admit that God designed you for community
Attend consistently - Make church attendance a priority, not an option
Serve others - Use your spiritual gifts to bless fellow believers
Practice forgiveness - Remember that imperfect people need grace
Focus on Christ - Rally around Jesus rather than pet doctrines or personal preferences
The Fruit of Genuine Fellowship
When we embrace biblical fellowship with the right heart, amazing things happen:
Mutual comfort strengthens us through trials
Spiritual growth accelerates through community
Lost souls are reached through our unified witness
God's glory is displayed through our love for one another
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." - John 13:35 (KJV)
More Than Individual Christianity
Christianity is not meant to be a solo journey. God has called us into fellowship with Himself and with one another. Like Paul, we should have a genuine longing to see our brothers and sisters in Christ, to encourage them, and to be encouraged by them.
The next time you're tempted to think you can go it alone with "just you and Jesus," remember that even Jesus surrounded Himself with disciples. Fellowship isn't optional—it's essential for spiritual health and growth.
Don't forsake the assembling of yourselves together. Embrace the beautiful design God has given us for Christian community, mutual faith, and bearing fruit together for His glory.
🎧✨ Want to hear this powerful message in its entirety? This blog post only scratches the surface of this convicting expository preaching from Romans 1:11-13. Listen to the complete sermon for deeper verse-by-verse bible teaching that will challenge and encourage your heart about biblical fellowship.
[Listen to the full sermon here] - you'll be blessed by this thorough exposition of God's Word!