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

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-<A-1,Noun,2842,1,Noun,2842,koinoniakoinonia>>

(a) "communion, fellowship, sharing in (a) "communion, fellowship, sharing in common" (from koinos, "common"), is common" (from koinos, "common"), is translated "communion" in translated "communion" in 1Co_10:161Co_10:16; ;

Phm_1:6Phm_1:6, RV, "fellowship," for AV, , RV, "fellowship," for AV, "communication;" it is most frequently "communication;" it is most frequently

translated "fellowship;" (b) "that which is translated "fellowship;" (b) "that which is the outcome of fellowship, a the outcome of fellowship, a

contribution," e.g., contribution," e.g., Rom_15:26Rom_15:26; ; 2Co_8:42Co_8:4. . See COMMUNION, CONTRIBUTION, See COMMUNION, CONTRIBUTION,

etc.etc.

The terms “communion” and The terms “communion” and “fellowship” of the English Bible are “fellowship” of the English Bible are

varying translations of the words varying translations of the words κοινωνια, koinonia, and κοινωνεω, κοινωνια, koinonia, and κοινωνεω,

koinoneo, or their cognates. They koinoneo, or their cognates. They designate acts of fellowship observed designate acts of fellowship observed

among the early Christians or among the early Christians or express the unique sense of unity express the unique sense of unity and fellowship of which these acts and fellowship of which these acts

were the outward expression.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 - Fellowship - G 2842G 2842

Κοινωνια - koinoniaΚοινωνια - koinonia

Thayer Definition:Thayer Definition:

1) fellowship, 1) fellowship, association, community, association, community,

communion, joint communion, joint participation, intercourseparticipation, 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. In matters of opinion – (Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 10-12) [liberties can 14; 1 Cor. 10-12) [liberties can be sacrificed].be sacrificed].

In matters of doctrine – (Acts In matters of doctrine – (Acts 15:6-29; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor.; 15:6-29; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor.; Rev. 2,3; 2 John 1:9-11)Rev. 2,3; 2 John 1:9-11)

The Basis of Fellowship –

The Nature of Fellowship –

The Limit of Fellowship -

Can two Can two walk walk

together, together, unless they unless they are agreed?are agreed?

Amos 3:3Amos 3:3

May we meet at the word

of God?

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.