1. Gal. 2:9

2. I. FELLOWSHIP DEFINED: Sharing in, Participation.
“For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles: And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” (Gal. 2:9)
“Be not ye therefore partakers with them... And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Eph. 5:7-11)

3. II. FELLOWSHIP’S PROPER FOUNDATION
A. Fellowship In Mystery/Gospel/Truth
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery...
Php 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now...
Php 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit...
1John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4. II. FELLOWSHIP’S PROPER FOUNDATION
B. No Fellowship With Demons/Darkness
1Cor 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with demons.
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
1John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

5. III. PROPER DISTINCTIONS IN FELLOWSHIP
A. CHRISTIAN vs NON-CHRISTIAN
1. Christians who persist in sin are to be “put away” (1 Cor. 5:1-13).
2. Non-Christians who commit the SAME sin are not “judged” or “put away” (1 Cor. 5:10-12).
- NOT that sin in non-Christians is approved of...
- BUT that Christians who sin need to be removed from our fellowship!
- The LACK of fellowship/participation needs to be made clear in BOTH!

6. III. PROPER DISTINCTIONS IN FELLOWSHIP
B. How Treat The Erring Christian?
1. Not keep company with, judge (1 Cor. 5:11-12; 2 Thess. 5:14-15).
2. Receive not into home (don’t sustain him) nor bid God-speed (2 John 10-11).
3. Be Meek & Circumspect (Gal. 6:1-2).
4. Even so, some need sharp rebuke & even shunning (Titus 1:13; 3:10; Matt. 7:6).
- No Sin Ignored, Tolerated Or Shared In.
- Opportunity To Know Truth In Every Case.
- Willingness To Forgive (Luke 17:3-4).

7. “Love... hopes all things” (1 Cor. 13:4, 7).
CONCLUSION:
A. We are to have no fellowship or participation with sin (whether a person is a Christian or not).
B. Christians who persist in error must be “put away” from our fellowship.
C. Dealing with sin is difficult! But God’s way is the best way!
“Love... hopes all things” (1 Cor. 13:4, 7).