Christians Fellowship

-Dr. Paul J Joseph

 I. Biblical Fellowship

“Fellowship”: the word derived from the Greek word “Koinonia”, meaning “Sharing in Common”

John 1:12: Who are we in relationship with GOD? “Children of God”;

 I John 3:1: What does the verse tells about relationship to other believers? “Brothers & Sisters.

 
GOD + YOU = FATHER – CHILD RELATIONSHIP

 YOU + OTHERS = BROTHERS – SISTERS RELATIONSHIP

 
II. “Sharing in Common”; What to Share / A way to share

A. Fellowship (“definition”) according to Acts 2:42-47.

1. Devoted themselves in Godly things together. 2. Filled with awe. 3. Shared everything in common. 4. Sold their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone, as he had need. 5. They continued to meet together (every day) at the church. 6. Ate together with glad and sincere hearts. 7. Praised God together.

B. How we can be a “biblical fellowship” in the present times?

“Sharing involves giving and receiving; and both are integral parts of meaningful fellowship”

III. Conflict Management – The Christian fellowship way!

Your responsibility to your brother/sister when

YOU HAVE OFFENDED HIM/HER (Mathew 5:22-24) – Go ahead for reconciliation.

Your responsibility to your brother/sister when

YOU HAVE BEEN OFFENDED BY HIM/HER (Mathew 18:15, 35) – Go ahead 7 show his fault & forgive him.

“Christians can honestly share their lives. You don’t have to pretend to be something you are not”

IV. Why is fellowship important / Purpose of fellowship

Hebrews 10:24, 25 (Amplified version)

24 - And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,
25- Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching

Proverbs 27:17  - Each one could learn from other & vice versa.

 We can use the God given gifts to build each other (not to tare down others).

Ecclesiastes 4: 9:10: Each one can help others to grow, find any wrong and correct and encourage.

 V. Conclusion

Everyone’s input imperative to form a biblical fellowship. Let us ask God to help us to make this fellowship a fruitful one for one another and the world.

Reference: The spirit-filled Christian – Nav Press

Paul Joseph, 04/26/03