It is a meaningful Greek word variously translated 'fellowship’, ‘communion’, or ‘communications’. In Scripture the primary common interest (shared by all) is in the Person and the work of Christ. From 1 John 1:3 we learn of three kinds of fellowship. Think through the effects of each.
With Him in His death
| Galatians 2:20 | How can this be so? |
| Romans 6:8, 11 | How should this belief work out in practice? |
| Colossians 2:20 | We shall recognise a fellow-believer very quickly in this respect. |
With Him in resurrection
| Ephesians 2:4,5 | What does God do? |
| Colossians 3:1-3 | Our devotion is redirected. |
| Romans 6:8, 11 | What are we expected to do? A key word is 'reckon', representing an important concept to grasp and work at! |
With Him in life
| 2 Corinthians 4:10 | How is this life seen? |
| Galatians 2:20 | Such fellowship in Christ with another is better felt than telt! |
It is a privileged communion (1 John 1:3) - Men communing together with God!
It is an essential communion (1 John 1:4-7) - Walking with Him in the light.
Such fellowship can be disrupted, but then restoration is possible,
praise God.
Psalm 32 and 1
John 1:9 tell us HOW.
It is a blessed consequence (1 Peter 1:3, 4)
A key word here is inheritance, which should be a reason for every believer to rejoice.
Fellowship in salvation (Philippians
1:7)
All true Christians may participate in this and should! It covers a
wide range of spiritual blessings. See Romans
8:28.
Fellowship in service (Philippians
1:5)
There are many examples of this:
See Philippians 4:3, Philemon
17, 2 Cor. 8:23, Acts 13:14.
In what specific way are YOU serving the Lord?
Fellowship in suffering (Philippians
3:10)
This is a precious ministry often neglected (2
Corinthians 1:5, 7).
When did you last offer such fellowship?
Fellowship in substance (Philippians
3:8, Hebrews 13:16)
ALL THINGS! Here again is a very important aspect of fellowship with
Christians - giving to others. Do you help
those in need?
There are many other aspects of fellowship but the focal point should be THE LORD’S SUPPER or THE LORD’S TABLE or HOLY COMMUNION. This does not create fellowship, but is our highest expression of it. We partake of the symbols together, remembering the cost of all our benefits in the Christian life. This is fellowship at the highest level. Treasure it!
Let us conclude our study on fellowship by meditating upon the lines of a devotional hymn:
Jesus LORD, we know Thee present* fellowship!
At Thy table freshly spread,
Seated at Thy priceless banquet,
With Thy banner overhead.
Precious moments at Thy table;
From all fear and doubts set free;
Here to rest we now are able,
Occupied alone with T/iee.Here, rejoicing in Thy nearness,
Gladlv by the Spirit led,
Calmly in the blest remembrance
Of Thy precious blood once shed,
LORD, we take each simple token
In fond memory of Thee:
Muse upon Thy body broken,
And Thy blood which made us free.Oh, what joy it is to see Thee
In these chosen emblems here;
In the bread and wine of blessing,
Bread to strengthen. wine to cheer!
LORD, behold us met together,
One in Thee*, our risen Head.
Thus we take the cup of blessing,
Thus we share the broken bread.
Can you think of one way in which your fellowship with Christ, with God and with other Christians could be improved? (Put names to the latter!)
"Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3)