SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1401

“Fellowship”

That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. – John 17:21

Have you noticed that when you have occasion to be in an unfamiliar environment or situation that you tend to gravitate toward like-minded people who are equally feeling out of their comfort zone? Perhaps it is going to a new school or college, a boot camp experience, corporate seminar, or other large group gathering. Regardless of the situation, our innate desire is for fellowship – to not remain isolated, and to share life experiences with others.

Balanced Fellowship – We are in the world but not of it. Our inclination for fellowship must be balanced between the secular and the spiritual. It is like being in a foreign country and our citizenship is elsewhere.

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. – John 17:16

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ – Philippians 3:20

Secular Fellowship – Worldly social fellowship is one-dimensional. It is founded on shared human interests: sports, clubs, work, etc. Secular fellowship is transitory and conditional on maintaining common interests and compatibility. There is little or no moral accountability in these relationships.

We must choose secular fellowships wisely so as to not give the enemy a foothold for sin and cause us to stumble.

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”- 1 Corinthians 15:33

Spiritual Fellowship – Christian fellowship is two-dimensional. It is inexorably linked to our fellowship relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and our shared spiritual identity with other believers.

Christian fellowship is covenantal, not conditional.

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. – 1 John 1:3

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 1:7

So, then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God – Ephesians 2:19

Christian fellowship edifies us and promotes spiritual growth in our relationship with God.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. – Matthew 18:20

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

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. – 1 Corinthians 1:9

Christian fellowship has a high degree of moral accountability. Whereas secular fellowship ‘minds its own business’, Christian fellowship obligates us to hold each other accountable in love.

Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. – 1 John 3:24

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. – 1 John 1:6

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. – Galatians 6:1

Christian fellowship witnesses to the world – A balanced fellowship life in this world equips us to reflect the love of Christ and His Gospel Truth with integrity of faith while we are in secular fellowship contexts.

You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven; By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”- Matthew 5:13-16; John 13:35

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind; The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. – 1 Peter 3:8; 2 Corinthians 13:14