"Fellowship" by Gale Nelson
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Understanding the importance and limitations associated with fellowship. It is possible for one to be in fellowship, and one to be out of fellowship.

#Fellowship #Light #Unity #Relationship #Communion #DoctrineOfChrist

DEFINING FELLOWSHIP

* In the Greek, fellowship = "koinonia"
* It means communion, fellowship, sharing in common
* Thayer's Dictionary defines it as association, community, joint participation, intercourse (i.e. an activity such as worship, where we all gather together for the common purpose of serving the almighty God)

LESSON PRINCIPLES

I.) The Basis of Fellowship... Fellowship involves me, YOU, and God. Truth holds us together, therefore, we must remain in harmony with the truth to have fellowship. We must be right with God (vertical relationship), then right with one another (horizontal relationship) to have fellowship.

The basis includes the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one (1 John 5:7).

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES:
* Acts 2:37-42... Those who were baptized received the Word (truth) and continued in fellowship.

* 1 Corinthians 1:9-10... If you have not obeyed the gospel, then you are not in fellowship for we are called by the gospel (see 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15)

* Galatians 2:8-9... Peter, James and John extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas when they saw God working in them. We recognize here that fellowship is contingent on abiding in truth, and being right with God. If you are not right with God, then you can't have fellowship with brethren in Christ.

* Ephesians 3:3-6... The Gentiles and Jews would be fellowheirs, and of the same body, partakers of the promise by the gospel.

* Philippians 1:3-6... We have fellowship in the gospel until the day of Jesus Christ (his return)

II.) The Nature of Fellowship speaks of a spiritual relationship that reinforces that we are in this together, with God first, then with one another.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES:
* 1 Corinthians 12:13,27... United together in one body

* Ephesians 4:11-16... Combination of abilities, possessions and efforts:
1. Manifest in our worship and service to the Lord
2. Manifest in our everyday activities (see Romans 12:10)
3. Manifest when a member is suffering (see Romans 12:15)

III.) The Limit of Fellowship...

According to 1 John 1:5-7, to have fellowship with God, we must not walk in darkness (error/sin).
* "walk" implies continual action;
* when one sins, he is in darkness until he is forgiven;
* if/when we sin, we must get it right with God through repentance, confession and prayer (only children of God have this spiritual blessing - 1 John 1:6-10);
* "walk in the light" is to walk in truth, making fellowship possible with one another, and with God.

According to 2 Corinthians 6:14, Christians are not to have fellowship with the world. Do not submit or have a relationship with anyone that causes you to lose your soul, or deviate from the truth, believing any other doctrine other than the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
* Deuteronomy 22:10... Ox wants to work, but the donkey wants to sit down.

Christians are not to have fellowship with a brother who is walking disorderly... 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15

Christians need to earnestly contend for THE FAITH. There is no fellowship with interfaith coalitions uniting multiple faiths... Jude 1:3

Christians are not to have fellowship with brethren whom we disagree:
* Romans 16:17... Mark and avoid them that cause division to the doctrine of Christ.

Christians are not to receive those who walk contrary to the doctrine (having not God). We should teach them... 2 John 9-10.


CALL TO ACTION:
* The basis for fellowship is TRUTH. When depart from it, we set in motion that which will destroy our fellowship.
* Can two walk together unless they are agreed? AMOS 3:3
* May we meet at the word of God?... https://miamigardenscoc.net/salvation.php

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RECOMMENDED LINKS
* Power & Benefits of Fellowship: https://youtu.be/09RDkRPqbzg
* Truth...The Church: https://youtu.be/egGIDxBOBL8
* Truth...Seek and Find It: https://youtu.be/26Ais7meDcQ
* Website: https://www.miamigardenscoc.net