A Study of Fellowship

What is Fellowship? From Greek, κοινωνία (koinonia - Noun) & κοινωνέω (koinoneo – Verb) “close association involving mutual interests and sharing…” (BDAG) Fellowship is sharing something. Joining together in agreement and working toward a common goal. A partnership.

What is Fellowship? Used 38 times in NT. Acts 2:42, Philippians 1:5 – fellowship Romans 12:13 - distributing Romans 15:26 – contribution 1 Corinthians 10:16 – communion Hebrews 13:16, Philippians 4:15 – share 1 Peter 4:13 - partake

What is Fellowship? In the Bible, a spiritual partnership. Romans 15:27, partakers of spiritual things Fellowship implies unity (cf. John 17:20-21) This partnership can be either with good or evil. Consider the context. It is NOT dealing with secular interaction – food, social gatherings, etc.

What is Fellowship? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 – describes what it means to be partners (with unbelievers) Fellowship (μετοχή, metochē) – participation Communion (κοινωνία, koinōnia) – sharing

What is Fellowship? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Accord (συμφώνησις, symphōnēsis) – harmony Part (μερίς, meris) – portion, joined Agreement (συγκατάθεσις, synkatathesis) – consensus, commonality

Where Fellowship begins: Are we in fellowship with God? God the Father - 1 John 1:3-7 Jesus Christ – 1 John 1:3, 7; 1 Corinthians 1:9, 10:17 – communion as we partake of the Lord’s Supper Holy Spirit – 2 Corinthians 13:14, Philippians 2:1

Where Fellowship begins: Are we in fellowship with God? Being in fellowship with God based upon keeping God’s word – 1 John 1:3-7 – declared, written, “walk in light as He is in the light…” Matthew 7:21-23, Luke 6:46 - Keep His commandments

Fellowship with one another It involves acceptance of one another Paul, sought for this understanding – Galatians 2:9, Ephesians 3:8-9 Extending fellowship with one another based upon fellowship with God – Acts 9:26-28, Paul sought to join the brethren in Jerusalem cf. John 17:20-21 – that we be one, as Jesus and the Father are one

Fellowship with one another It involves acceptance of one another This acceptance is based upon God’s word “Like precious faith” – 2 Peter 1:1 Philippians 1:5, fellowship in the gospel Philippians 2:1-2 – like-minded and act with agreement

Fellowship with one another It involves acceptance of one another When one is not following God’s word, we withdraw from them 2 Thessalonians 3:6, disorderly, walking contrary to “traditions” of the apostles Romans 16:17, contrary to doctrine learned 1 Corinthians 5:1-7, one caught in immorality (ungodly relationship)

Fellowship with one another It involves acceptance of one another When one is not following God’s word, we withdraw from them 2 John 9-11, do not receive him, nor greet him, lest you share in his evil deeds Revelation 2:20-22, Thyatira tolerated false teachers Revelation 2:14-16, Pergamos tolerated those HOLDING to false teaching

Fellowship with one another It involves acceptance of one another We need to consider one another Romans 14:1, 15:1, in matters of liberty (doubtful things), we need to be willing to bear with one another (maintain fellows). NOTE: This is NOT about: Romans 16:17 – those teaching error Ephesians 5:11 – those practicing error 2 John 9-11 – those endorsing error

Fellowship with one another It is sharing with each other We are a family! Brethren! 1 Peter 2:17, “love the brotherhood” Acts 2:42, they continued in “fellowship”. We “share” in worship Philemon 6, “the sharing of your faith” Hebrews 13:16, do good and share

Fellowship with one another It is sharing with each other Romans 12:13, distributing to the needs of the saints. Cf. Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37, they had “all things in common” (cf. Mark 10:28-30) When we understand true fellowship, it will NATURALLY draw us together at other times and in other areas.

No fellowship! Withdrawing from a sinning brother Ephesians 5:11, have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness 2 Corinthians 6:14 1 Corinthians 10:20, I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. Do not leave the impression with those in or teaching error that you approve!

No fellowship! 2 John 9-11, do not receive one not abiding in the doctrine of Christ 1 Timothy 5:22, do not share in other people’s sins.

Are we in fellowship with Him? Fellowship is a blessing and a privilege Christians enjoy. It is a declaration to the world of our relationship with one another God’s word guides us in that fellowship! Are we in fellowship with Him?