Precept Va

When you first think of “fellowship” what comes to mind?  It is probably a church event that includes food, a noisy crowd and hopefully some conversation.  When the bible speaks of fellowship it is referring to more then discussing the weather at a potluck.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  Acts 2:42

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.  Hebrews 13:16

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.  Philippians 2:1-2

3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  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 his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:3, 5-7

…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death… Philippians 3:10

The Greek word koinonia is defined as an association based upon the sharing something in common. Believers have fellowship with one another on the basis of their common fellowship with God, their participation in the blessings of the gospel and their common task of mission. True fellowship is demonstrated in concern for, and practical commitment to, one another.^[1]

…and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. Philemon 1:6