Get links to my best stuff in your inbox

 

Home

Christian Fellowship

SUBJECT: Theology: Ecclesiology

TITLE: Christian Fellowship

PROPOSITION: In this lesson we will examine the basis, the benefits, and the barriers of Christian fellowship.

OBJECTIVE: To help all realize what wonderful blessings we have in Christ specifically in regard to Christian fellowship.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read: 1 Corinthians 1:9-10

2. About the Text:

1) The Christian is called unto the fellowship of Jesus.

2) Division destroys true Christian fellowship because fellowship involves the opposite of division. Fellowship (like unity) involves . . .

a. Speaking the same thing.

b. Being perfectly joined together.

c. Having the same mind.

d. Having the same judgment.

3) Unity and fellowship are very closely related.

a. Unity refers to the ideal.

b. Fellowship refers to the practical.

4) Definition–Fellowship is the practical application of those actions and attitudes which are unique to the Christian relationship.

5) It is more than just words: “We are in fellowship.”

3. S, T, P, O.

DISCUSSION:

I.   Basis–With whom can we have fellowship?

1. 1 John 1:3-7

2. Fellowship must be first and foremost vertical–with the Father, his Son, and the Holy Spirit.

1) Walking in the light insures our fellowship with God.

2) John’s argument is that God is light, and if we walk in the light, we walk with God.

3) Paul informs us that when we partake of the Lord’s supper, we have fellowship with the body and blood of Christ–1 Corinthians 10:16

4) He wants the fellowship of the Holy Spirit to be upon all Christians 2 Corinthians 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

3. As a result, fellowship is horizontal–with one another, with Christians.

1) Paul argues in Philippians 2:1-2 that fellowship with other Christians (horizontal fellowship) is dependent upon fellowship with the Holy Spirit (vertical fellowship)

2) We notice in Acts 2:41 that a glad reception of the word and obedience to it was prerequisite to Christian fellowship.

II.  Benefits–What should we get out of Christian fellowship?

1. Notice, they had both physical and spiritual communion–Acts 2:44-47

2. Physical Communion–Sharing

1) 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

2) Romans 15:26

3. Spiritual Communion–Support/Edification

1) When we assembly together–Hebrews 10:24-25

2) We understand each other because we have a like, precious faith–2 Peter 1:1

3) Paul speaks of the spiritual support that the apostles gave him and Barnabas in Galatians 2:9

III. Barriers–With whom can we not have fellowship?

1. The Christian may not have fellowship with the immoral man–1 Corinthians 5:9-13

2. The Christian may not have fellowship with one who does not walk after the apostolic traditions–2 Thessalonians 3:6

3. The Christian may not have fellowship with one who causes division–Romans 16:17

4. The Christian may not have fellowship with unbelievers–2 Corinthians 6:14-18

5. Finally, the Christian may not have fellowship with any work of darkness–Ephesians 3:11

CONCLUSION:

1. Christian fellowship is the practical application of the attitudes and actions which are unique to the Christian relationship

2. May we always strive to remember…

1) The Basis of Christian fellowship

2) The Benefits of Christian fellowship

3) The Barriers of Christian fellowship

3. Invitation