The Basis of Fellowship – The Nature of Fellowship – The Limit of Fellowship -

1 John 1:1-4 (NKJV) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-- [2] the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us-- [3] that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. [4] And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

Fellowship - Fellowship - (a) "communion, fellowship, sharing in common" (from koinos, "common"), is translated "communion" in 1Co_10:16; Phm_1:6, RV, "fellowship," for AV, "communication;" it is most frequently translated "fellowship;" (b) "that which is the outcome of fellowship, a contribution," e.g., Rom_15:26; 2Co_8:4. See COMMUNION, CONTRIBUTION, etc.

The terms “communion” and “fellowship” of the English Bible are varying translations of the words κοινωνια, koino ̄ nia, and κοινωνεω, koino ̄ neo ̄, or their cognates. They designate acts of fellowship observed among the early Christians or express the unique sense of unity and fellowship of which these acts were the outward expression. The terms “communion” and “fellowship” of the English Bible are varying translations of the words κοινωνια, koino ̄ nia, and κοινωνεω, koino ̄ neo ̄, or their cognates. They designate acts of fellowship observed among the early Christians or express the unique sense of unity and fellowship of which these acts were the outward expression.

Acts 2:42; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 10:16; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 8:4; 9:13; 13:14; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:9; Philip. 1:5; 2:1; 3:10; Philemon 1:6; Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 1:3,6,7; Fellowship - G 2842 Κοινωνία - koino ̄ nia Thayer Definition: 1) fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse

The Father – 1 John 1:3-6 Jesus Christ – 1 Cor. 1:9 Holy Spirit - 2 Cor. 13:14 One another – Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:7

We are a diverse group! Truth holds us together! Therefore our emphasis must be to remain in harmony with the truth!

Christians are united together in one body – 1 Cor. 12:12-27 A Local church is made up of members of the Lord’s body – who have combined their abilities, possessions, and efforts, in worshipping and serving the Lord together. – Eph 4:11-16 (teamwork) The term “as used in the scriptures” always has reference to a relationship. Most often – a spiritual relationship.

True fellowship will manifest itself in every aspect of our lives! In our worship – 2 Cor. 6:14 In our everyday activities – Rom. 12:10 When a member is suffering – Rom. 12:15 When a member is blessed – 2 Cor. 9:13 Remember - the basis is “TRUTH.” Whenever we depart from the truth – we set in motion that which will destroy our fellowship –

The NT never refers to eating a common meal as fellowship! The NT never refers to recreational activities as fellowship! These things are not works of the church – but rather natural consequences of being united to the same Lord and thus having a common relationship with one another. (1 Cor. 11:20-22, 34; Rom. 14:17) A difference between the church & individual.

1 John 1:5-7 (NKJV) This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

To have fellowship with God – we must NOT walk in darkness – [error/sin] Walk – implies continual action – When one sins, he is in darkness – he walks in that darkness until he is forgiven. To walk in the light is to walk in the truth – Making fellowship with one another possible. Making fellowship with God possible.

We are not to have fellowship with the world – 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1 We are not to have fellowship with the works of darkness – Eph. 5:3-11; 1 Cor. 5:9 We are not to have fellowship with anyone who does not “abide in the doctrine of Christ” – 2 John 9,10; 2 Thes. 3:14 We are not to have fellowship with a brother who is walking disorderly – Mat. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:11; 2 Thes. 3:6,14,15

What about fellowship under the ecumenical umbrella? (1 Cor. 1:10- 13; Jude 1:3; 2 John 1:9; Eph. 4:1-6) What about fellowship with brethren with whom we disagree?  In matters of opinion – (Rom. 14; 1 Cor ) [liberties can be sacrificed].  In matters of doctrine – (Acts 15:6- 29; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor.; Rev. 2,3; 2 John 1:9-11)

The Basis of Fellowship – The Nature of Fellowship – The Limit of Fellowship -

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3 May we meet at the word of God?

1 John 1:1-4 (NKJV) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-- [2] the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us-- [3] that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. [4] And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.