Biblical Fellowship I. Introduction A. Fellowship is an integral part of our Christianity B. Fellowship is an association-- a partnership C. We are all partners together and in Christ D. Let us examine from the Scriptures the nature of Biblical Fellowship II. The Word A. In Greek: koinoinia 1. It derives from the Greek word koinos, "common" 2. Koinos is where we get the word "Koine," which refers to the Greek spoken in the Mediterranean world from 332 BCE-325 CE 3. It was the "common" Greek B. Definition 1. Thayer's: a. fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse b. the share which one has in anything, participation c. intercourse, fellowship, intimacy d. the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office) e. a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship C. The term is much used-- and abused-- by various groups 1. In the New Testament, the word is used as a noun, not a verb 2. It demonstrates a state, not an action 3. The English language allows the term to be used as both a verb and as a noun 4. There is no difficulty in using it as a verb as long as it is remembered that in the NT the term is used as a noun D. Now that we know about the word itself, to whom does the term refer and how is it used? Let us examine the Scriptures and see III. Biblical Fellowship A. We have fellowship with the Father and the Son 1. 1 Corinthians 1:9 a. we are called to have association with the Son 2. 1 John 1:1-3 a. the fellowship of the Apostles is with the Father and the Son b. when we have fellowship with the Apostles, we have fellowship with the Father and the Son 3. 1 John 1:6-7 a. we must be true when we say we have fellowship with Him b. How are we true? When we walk in the light, as He did! B. We are to have fellowship with the Apostles, as seen in 1 John 1:1-3 1. Acts 2:42 2. Text could be interpreted as the "doctrine and the fellowship of the Apostles," and would also demonstrate our fellowship with them 3. It also could refer to their own fellowship with one another, which they most assuredly are to have (Hebrews 13:16)! C. We have fellowship in the Spirit 1. 2 Corinthians 13:4 a. It is Paul's desire for us to have the association of the Spirit 2. Philippians 2:1 a. We have fellowship in the Spirit when we work to aid one another and love one another as Christ has loved us b. What if we do not have that fellowship? Then where are we? D. We have fellowship in the body and blood of Christ 1. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 2. We come together to partake of the emblems, and we, although many, share in His body and blood as one E. We have fellowship in the sufferings of Christ 1. Philippians 3:7-12 2. Paul speaks of how he has fellowship in the sufferings of Christ 3. This is necessary to be conformed to His death and to gain His resurrection! F. We have fellowship in the furtherance of the Gospel 1. Philippians 1:1-5 2. The Philippians were in fellowship with Paul in the furtherance of the Gospel 3. We must be in association with those who further the Gospel in the world G. We have fellowship in the sufferings of Christ 1. Philippians 3:7-12 2. Paul speaks of how he has fellowship in the sufferings of Christ 3. This is necessary to be conformed to His death and to gain His resurrection! H. We have fellowship in ministering to saints 1. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 2. The Corinthians are told of the example of the Macedonians, and how they were partners in ministering to the needy saints in Judea 3. The same word (koinoinia) is used as "contribution" in Romans 15:26 and as "distribution" in 2 Corinthians 9:13 4. Can we be considered in fellowship with those ministering to the saints? I. We have fellowship in faith 1. Philemon 1:4-6 2. Philemon had fellowship in his faith 3. Should we? IV. Conclusions A. We have gone through and analyzed the types of fellowship spoken of in the New Testament B. We are to have fellowship-- an association, partnership-- with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and in the Spirit C. We are to have fellowship in the sufferings of Christ and also in His body and blood D. We are to have that same fellowship with the Apostles and with one another E. We are to have fellowship in ministering to one another, the furtherance of the Gospel, and also in faith F. While fellowship itself is a state of being, that state does not come about and maintained without action 1. We must constantly be engaged in activities that demonstrate our association 2. Our association with God is dependent on our obedience to Him, that we are walking "in the light" 3. Our association in the suffering of Christ can only occur when we refuse to conform to the world but be transformed in Christ (Romans 12:1-2) 4. Our association in the body and blood of Christ can only occur when we come together to remember Him and by living as He would have us live 5. Our association in the furtherance of the Gospel, in the ministering of the faith, and in faith is dependent on our actions to further the Gospel, to minister to those in the faith, and to build up and edify one another in the faith G. These forms of fellowship are essential to a complete and profitable walk with God H. Without the fellowship with God, one another, etc. we are lost I. What is condemnation but permanent separation from the God of Light? J. If you have lost fellowship with God, or with one another, or with the Apostles, or in the sacrifice of Christ, or in any other way, we want to encourage you and help you K. If you have never really had fellowship with God and/or with those who desire to do His will, you can come to faith in Jesus Christ today in belief, confession, repentance, and immersion in water for the remission of sin L. If we can help you in any way, please let us do so as we stand and sing