CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

1 Cor. 1:9 "God is faithful, by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ." Fellowship is very important for Christians. We live in a world that is hostile to Christ, and of course, no less hostile to His people. I believe this is one reason the Holy Spirit makes much of Christian fellowship. Fellowship is more than just Christians getting together for picnics, church functions or family gatherings, although these times are very refreshing as well as joyous occasions, and certainly this is partly what the Holy Spirit is referring to when He speaks to us through the Word concerning fellowship. However, it doesn't end there...there is much more included in the Scripture definition of "fellowship." The word used by the Holy Spirit for fellowship is "koinonia." It is made up of two other Greek words, namely, "koinonos," and "koinos." From this we can see at least three things the Holy Spirit has in mind concerning "fellowship". 1. COMPANIONSHIP (koinonos = The social aspect of fellowship). We are not directed to isolate ourselves from the world, but at the same time the Scriptures seem to dictate that our social life would be more constructive and satisfying if it was in harmony with the Word of God, and revolved around those of like-precious-faith. As mentioned earlier, the world is not sympathetic to the cause of Christ, nor to those who have taken up His cause (we who know Him as our Savior and Lord). Companionship in Christ is that intimate relationship through Christ of which the world is ignorant. Note Philipians 2:1,2,4. "If there be, therefore, any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit....be like-minded having the same love, being of one accord, one mind. Look not every man on his own things, but but on the things of others." We are called to be like-minded (v.4), not simply concerned for our own welfare, but genuine concern for the welfare of our brothers and sisters in Christ. 2. SHARING (koinos) This type of sharing is the result of a "union" or "bond" between people. Note 1 John 5:7 "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." "Koinos" denotes also, "possession" in common with others. Every believer possess eternal life which is in Christ. Our sharing together is unique and wonderful...we are all on our way to the same place...into the presence of God, our heavenly Father. Why? because we are sharing a truth, "...absent from the body, present with the Lord" (2 Cor.5:8). Believers are important to each other because of this precious bond between us as is seen in our text, "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 3. PARTNERSHIP (koinonia) Partners with Christ. Note 2 Peter 1:4. "By which are given unto us exceedingly great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." DIVINE NATURE by the HOLY SPIRIT INDWELLING Note also: Phil.1:3-5. 4. The Gospel was not committed to angels, but unto "sinners" saved by grace. Praise God we are partners with Christ in the furtherance of the Gospel. But note also, we are partners with each other; as His witnesses. We have the same goal (or should have), to reach as many as time will permit, with the love of Christ. We not only should...but we must do all we can to help each other propagate the Word of God. Ours is a partnership, no time for ego trips, personality clashes, or personal pride, envy or infighting among ourselves. We need all the time we have to get the "Good News" published...to get people SAVED. The Communion table symbolizes quite clearly the enormous price Jesus paid purchasing, for us, this "FELLOWSHIP."

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