Friendship, Fellowship and Faithfulness Luke 5:27-32

Friendship, fellowship and faithfulness Friendship misidentified as fellowship, Luke 7:31-35 Fellowship broadened to remove restrictions, 2 Corinthians 6:14 Faithfulness is affected by friendship and fellowship, James 4:4; Ephesians 5:6-7, 11 Friendship, fellowship and faithfulness

What is Friendship? Companion of life; Relationship of endearment, 1 Samuel 18:1, 3; 2 Samuel 1:25-26 “Those who are interested in our happiness, concerned for our welfare, rejoice in our joys, weep with our tears; who counsel and cheer us and are always ready to aid us, these are our friends.” (Dick Blackford) Romans 12:15

Friend of Sinners? Jesus derided as a friend of sinners, Luke 7:34 Enemies equated presence as endorsement of sin Was not an associate with them in sin, John 8:11 With them to teach and help come out of sin, Mark 2:13-17 Did not befriend, then never talk about their sin! He spoke truth…some refused, John 6:66; 15:14

Friendship with Sin Friendship that participates with or encourages our friends in their sin, is forbidden (is sin) 1 Peter 4:1-4 James 4:4 Ephesians 5:11 2 John 10-11

What is Fellowship? A sharing in common, a partnership, participation together, Hebrews 2:14; Luke 5:10 A yoking is present, 2 Corinthians 6:14 With sin and sinners, Ephesians 5:11 With God and His people, 2 Peter 1:4; 1 Cor. 1:9; Galatians 2:9; Acts 2:42; Philippians 1:5 (4:15)

What is Fellowship? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Fellowship (participation) Communion (sharing) Accord (harmony) Part (portion) Agreement (commonality)

Fellowship Share common principles and actions, 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 Principle: Holiness as taught by God Actions: Cleansed and separated from sin, Ephesians 5:1-12; Romans 1:32; Revelation 18:1-5

Fellowship and Faithfulness Fellowship with God and others is based on obedience to truth Following apostles’ teachings, 1 John 1:1-4 Walking in the light (practice truth), 1 John 1:5-7 “Walking in truth,” 2 John 4 “According to His commandments,” 2 John 6 The doctrine of Christ, 2 John 9, 10-11

Fellowship and Faithfulness Faithfulness to truth does not ignore sin and error for the sake of friendship, Deut. 13:6-10 Paul did not have fellowship with Peter in his sin – He rebuked him, Galatians 2:11-14 Jesus rebuked Peter, Matthew 16:21-23 Friends respect God’s word, John 15:12-15

Fellowship and Faithfulness Faithfulness does not ignore the sinner out of fear of being charged with having fellowship with sin, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 13-15 Cannot teach those to whom we will not speak Withdraw social interaction and warn unruly of sin

Friendship, fellowship and faithfulness Love for truth and for lost souls is necessary for faithful fellowship, Psalm 119:104 1 Corinthians 1:10 Friendships must not lead us to compromise truth by sharing in sin When we do, we forfeit our fellowship with God Friendship, fellowship and faithfulness