Fellowship with one another 1 John 1:7

1 John 1:7 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. We need to understand fellowship as it is used in scripture if we are to properly apply it toward one another and God

What is Fellowship? κοινωνία, (koinōnia), an association involving close mutual relations. Having things in common, sharing. Related to partnership (cf. Luke 5:10) While in society, it included association of various sorts, in scripture it is limited to our spiritual involvement

What is Fellowship? Scriptural usage is about how our relationship with God forms our relationship with one another. Typically, it is related to matters of a spiritual nature. Even when it is financial, it is brethren helping each other. In the Bible it is NOT about recreation and socialization (though such will result when we are the family of God).

Fellowship Begins with God 1 Corinthians 1:9 When we obey the gospel – Galatians 3:27, Acts 2:47 2 Peter 1:4 – partakers of the divine nature

Fellowship Begins with God Continues as we are obedient - 1 John 1:3, 6-7, 2:3-5, John 14:21, 23 It must continue to the end – Hebrews 3:14

Fellowship Fellowship with God ought to be the foundation of OUR fellowship with one another 1 John 1:3, 6-7 Hebrews 3:1 Galatians 3:27-29 Ephesians 2:19-22 Ephesians 3:8-9, Paul’s message was so that we can see the “fellowship of the mystery”

Fellowship As brethren, we have things in common (κοινος, koinos) Titus 1:4, a common faith Jude 3, a common salvation Acts 2:44, they had all things in common

Fellowship As brethren, we are “fellows” συνεργός, synergos – entities working together to create greater effectiveness Fellow workers – 1 Corinthians 3:9 Fellow heirs – Ephesians 3:6 Fellow citizens – Ephesians 2:19 Fellow soldiers – Philippians 2:25 Colossians 4:10, Philemon 24, 1 Peter 5:1, etc.

Fellowship with one another Fellowship is based upon truth Philippians 2:1-2, unity comes because of fellowship with the Spirit (and His teaching) Galatians 2:9, Paul and Barnabas given the right hand of fellowship 2 John 9-11 – WARNING! Cf. Galatians 2:4-5 Revelation 2:12-16, 2:18-20

Fellowship with one another Worship involves fellowship Acts 2:42, mentioned in a context with other acts of worship 1 Corinthians 14:15-16, Prayer and singing together (Ephesians 5:19) 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – giving The Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 10:16, cf. 11:18, 20, 23-29

Fellowship with one another We seek purity of the church together We are part of the body of Christ Acts 20:28, Ephesians 5:25-27, purchase with His blood. Purified by Him We must seek to keep her pure – 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, 6; 3:16-17 As individuals – 1 Corinthians 6:18- 20, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, Ephesians 5:11

Fellowship with one another Discipline is about purity & fellowship 1 Corinthians 5:3-7, this is a BREAK of our fellowship! Matthew 18:15-17 1 Timothy 6:3-5, from such withdraw yourself cf. Romans 16:17, 2 Thessalonians. 3:6

Fellowship with one another We share with each other We must prefer one another Romans 12:10, 13 Hebrews 13:16, do good and share 1 Timothy 6:18, Acts 4:32

What does fellowship mean to you?