Scripture: Genesis 3 NLT

• The Bible is a book about fellowship with God. Man had it in the garden, lost it at the tree, lived without it, regained it at another tree, and now walks in it through Christ.
• As you read through the Bible this year, I encourage you to notice the dynamics of fellowship with God and how He longs for fellowship with you.

The Three Enemies of Fellowship

1. The allure of knowledge (verses 1-5)

a. The big three:

• GOSSIP - "A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends" (Proverbs 16:28 NLT).
• Technology - Are you finding temporary satisfaction while completely sabotaging long-term fulfillment? Have you replaced the messiness of relationship with the tidiness of technology?
• Busyness - "In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people's burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night" (Ecclesiastes 8:16 NLT).

b. Reprogram your mind for fellowship.

• Learn to be grateful - Every day write down three things you are grateful for.
• Learn to be reflective - Can you sit quietly for 10 minutes? If not, you are too busy!
• Turn off the news, and turn on the PRAISE. Get you some good dancin' music!

2. The fruit of desire (verse 6)

a. The desire myth - If I want it, it must be right for me. Wrong!

• Wrong ingredients
• Wrong THINKING
• Wrong desire
• Wrong passion
• Wrong PURSUITS
• Wrong result

b. Shape your desires - Believe it or not, you are in charge.

• The only difference between animals and us is our ability to deny or direct our desires.
• Don't follow your desires, but make your desires follow your values. Examples: faithfulness in marriage, physical health, strong friendships.

3. The separation of shame (verses 7-13)

• Fellowship thrives in INNOCENCE.
• Shame destroys fellowship.
• BLAME is the #1 sign of shame
• Jesus took our shame and restored innocence.
  • "Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame" (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

Action point:

Are you too busy or distracted to make God your highest priority at the beginning of this year? Here is your fellowship checklist for 2017:

• Read your Bible daily (The One Year Bible).
• Participate in corporate prayer (nights of prayer, January 4-6, 9-10).
• Get ready for a great year (nights of revival, January 11-13). Hear and do God's Word (weekend services).