05/10/2026
WOMEN FELLOWSHIP DAY || SUNDAY SERVICE || 4TH OCTOBER, 2026
TOPIC: THINGS THAT KILL FELLOWSHIP
TEXT: 1 JOHN 1:6
SPEAKER: REV. MATTHEW MUSA ATIZWUN
INTRODUCTION
Today we want to examine the things that stop fellowship from functioning and why the church is not growing. The Bible says, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth." - 1 John 1:6 Light and darkness cannot work together. This was seen in Genesis, "I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." - Genesis 3:10. Sin broke their fellowship with God, and it still breaks ours today.
A. THINGS THAT KILL FELLOWSHIP
1. Sin
Sin is the first killer of fellowship. It destroys intimacy with God, makes you hate fellowship, and makes you disobedient.
2. Pride
Pride says, "No one can do it without me." It always wants to have the final say. If there is pride in you, change today so you will not kill the fellowship. God is not dependent on any man; He can raise others to do His work.
3. Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness is a poison that stops the growth of fellowship. Where people refuse to forgive, unity dies. In Acts 2, the power of the fellowship was in their togetherness; they were together and had all things in common. - Acts 2:44
4. Lack of Prayer and the Word
When there is no prayer, the journey becomes confused and direction is lost. When you don't study the Word, you will be misled. Laziness in prayer and in the Word makes fellowship dry and powerless.
5. Gossip
Gossip scatters what love has gathered. That is why I tell you that my wife cannot bring any church member and say, "this is my friend," because I don't want to hear "they say, they say." It breeds division and kills trust. All the women are her friend. - Philippians 2:2-3
6. Tribalism and Class Division
When people are treated specially because of their tribe, wealth, or status, while others are neglected or looked down on. Such partiality wounds fellowship, and God hates it. - James 2:1-4
7. Murmuring and Complaining
Murmuring brought death to many after Moses led Israel out of Egypt. Moses sent men to spy out the land; ten gave a wrong report, but only Joshua and Caleb stood firm that they could take the land. The people forgot the miracles God did for them and chose to complain. - 1 Corinthians 10:10
8. Jealousy and Envy
Jealousy and envy poison the heart of fellowship. The Bible says, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice." - Romans 12:15. This is difficult today because we don't truly love each other; we compete instead of celebrating one another.
9. Love of Money and Dishonesty
Many struggle for positions in church not out of service, but for personal gain. When your interest is money and not service to God, you have already failed. - 1 Timothy 6:10. Don't allow what you have to have you.
10. Immorality
Immorality is a silent destroyer of fellowship. Do not allow lust to eat you up and make you a slave; it will defile the fellowship. Avoid ungodly company, or it will drain your spiritual life. Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are. - 1 Corinthians 5:11
B. WHAT MAKES FELLOWSHIP WORK
1. Walk in the light
2. Forgive quickly
3. Guard what you have received from the Lord
4. Guard your tongue
5. Do not compete with one another
6. Be faithful
7. Maintain transparency, especially in matters of money
