A. THE PURPOSE OF FELLOWSHIP
The fellowship of Christians together is very important, for it is in our unity together that…
1. The Believer Is Encouraged And Grows In Christ
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” Romans 1:11,12
2. The World Comes To Know That Jesus Was Sent Of God
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one; I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” John 17:22,23
B. CONDITIONS OF FELLOWSHIP
1. A Basic Commitment To One Another
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves” Romans 12:10
Without a foundational trust, genuine fellowship cannot exist. The strength of that fellowship will depend on the level of commitment involved.
2. Our Commitment Must Be Based On ‘Agape’
Agape is a selfless love that persists regardless of circumstances; it loves ‘in spite of’ rather than ‘because of.’ This type of commitment remains steadfast, unaffected by the unpredictable actions of the other person.
“A new commandment I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John 13:34
3. True Fellowship Is Christ-Centered
Our connection with each other is rooted in our shared dedication to Christ.
“…And our fellowship is with the Father and with the Son, Jesus Christ” 1John 1:3. See also Philippians 2:1,2
4. Walking In The Light
Our fellowship values the importance of openness, honesty, and truthfulness among its members. This may occasionally involve:
a. Confessing Our Own Sins to Others, Or lovingly Covering Another’s Sin.
“If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin” 1 John 1:6,7. See also Matthew 18:15
b. Obedience To The Light – general and specific commandments God has given,
c. The Removal Of Any Masks Or False Coverings
Much of the world’s camaraderie is insincere, often performing a part rather than being authentic.
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the hearts” 1Peter 1:22
5. A Genuine Interest In The Other’s Well-Being
There should be no ulterior motives for personal benefit. Our intention should be to give rather than to receive.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” Philippians 2:3,4.
6. A Willingness To Lay Down One’s Life
“My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” John 15:12,13.
Life encompasses more than just physical existence; it also involves our belongings, interests, and preferences. As mentioned in James 2:15-16, this includes a readiness to share ourselves with others. Our understanding of people is limited to how much they choose to share about themselves.
C. FELLOWSHIP IN THE CHURCH MEANS…
1. Sharing All Things
In their fellowship described in Acts 4:32, there were three key stages of development: initially, they united in spirit, then progressed to a shared mindset, and ultimately expressed their unity through the physical act of holding all things in common.
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need” Acts 2:44,45.
2. Laying down Their Lives
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them” Romans 16:3,4.
3. Devoted To Serving The Brethren
“You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints…” 1Corinthians 16:15.
4. Being A Channel Of Supply To Others In Need
“At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality” 2Corinthians 8:14. See also 1Corinthians 16:17.
5. Sharing In Suffering
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles” Philippians 4:14.
6. Sacrificial Giving
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” 2Corinthians 8:2,3.
7. Practicing Hospitality
“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you” 3John 5. See also Hebrews 13:2.
8. Building Up And Encouraging One Another
“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us”
1Thessilonians 2:8. See also 2Timothy 3:10-14.
D. RESULTS OF FELLOWSHIP
The results of fellowship in the early Church were:
a. A fear of God Acts 2:43
b. Joy Acts 2:46
c. Favour with all people Acts 2:47
d. Addition of new believers Acts 2:47
e. All needs supplied Philippians 4:19
f. Emergence of leadership 1Corinthians 16:15,16
