True Companionship
In Pursuit of Happiness (Living the Blessed Life) • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
Thesis: To demonstrate that the road to happiness which results from God’s grace upon us, is found in true companionship. From this passage and biblical context, that companionship consists of faith, family, friend, and community relations.
Companionship is the feeling of fellowship and friendship as you journey through this life, including having shared interests and goals. It encompasses brotherhood and sisterhood and familhood!!
But why is it so important Brother Evans, and what does true companionship look like and what is the value of it that can bring me happiness?
True Companionship is:
Shared Success - V. 9
Both want each other and the unit to succeed - THEY HAVE
Application: Ask yourself, do the people around you want to see your success with your pursuits. Consider how mama always wants to see your success. This is a grand benefit from true companionship because they will push you, as you push them toward success
Co-operation is a must
Mutual Uplift - V. 10
Provides three pictorial examples to support the main statement. Resembles a journey with different risks. The first one, falling. Holes and pits in life. “Controllable”
Neither person is better than the other. Both recognize that EITHER are subject to falling. (unseen trials, naivety, sin, distractions, weakness, etc)
Application: There will be times that we fall down. A TC is there to cause you to stand. Sometimes, some people act like they are above falling. Be glad if you have a TC, because they will be there.
Not the fall that you can get yourself up from, but the one that is injurious. Because the preacher says with this fall, if one is alone, WOE unto you. Real trouble!!
Reciprocal Comfort - V. 11
Not strictly describing a marital situation, certainly not a sexual one. Jer 36:30 shows that in certain seasons, it was hot by day and frost by night.
The togetherness allows to KEEP WARM, which is an increase and maintained temperature, from bodily heat transfer. But one body can’t do that!!
What is the metaphor of this picture? Emotions are often described with temperature terms. Cold weather, grief, stress, discomfort, etc. “Uncontrollable”
Application: Seasons of grief, stress, and it feels like life has gotten cold. Love, patience, service, has gotten cold. A TC is there to stir the fire! And it is reciprocal. Because there will be days that you will need to return the same comfort!!
Collective Protection - V. 12
The last scenario deals with conflict and struggle. (we should know what struggle is like). Particularly when one is being overpowered alone.
The evil force is stronger. But on two, the force required doubles. And oh Lord, with three, it triples.
Application: Was daddy and mama, but now the children are praying too!!! Was a couple of ministry leads, but now 3-5 are in this!!! Was just one sister, single mother, getting knocked down, week by week, by her assailant… But Now, she has a whole sisterhood with her, and they will not be easily broken!!!
Conclusion: Do you see what True Companionship looks like? And the benefits bring you happiness. Knowing someone is pushing for your success as much as they are theirs, and you theirs. Knowing someone is there to lift you up when you have a bad fall. And to bring some emotional comfort when unexpected seasons make your life feel cold. And to know that you have a band or collective brother and sisterhood to back you up. How could that not bring light and joy into your life??? Do you have a TC? Are you being a TC?
Get in Christ. That’s where the spiritual fellowship with GOD, Christ, and the Holy Spirit begins. All who are In Christ become your family!!! You can enjoy the promised fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus who promised that he would never leave us or forsake us!!!