Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a pivotal part to advance our relationship with God is a simple biblically-based 5-step approach, what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows:
· Prayer
· Praise
· Fellowship
· Receiving biblical teaching
· Reaching others with biblical truth
These 5 tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.
We started our discussion of these 5 tools by examining prayer and praise. Today we will consider fellowship.
Definition
The biblical word ‘fellowship’ is most closely expressed in the Greek by the word koinōnia (κοινωνία), and its derivatives, which mean basically “communion” as well as the word metochē (μετοχή) which means “participation.”
· Functional definition – In reality, the Bible does not give a lot of detail, or a singular text, defining fellowship. However, functionally any interaction between Christians that is spiritually based, as described in the Bible, might be considered fellowship (Colossians 3:12-17; Ephesians 5:15-20).
· What biblical fellowship is not, – One benefit we derive from church is social fellowship around food, games, sports, weddings, parties, etc. However, these events may or may not include true fellowship which should have a spiritual basis.
What does the Bible say about fellowship?
The Bible describes fellowship in the most general ways:
- It occurs only between Christians – This is because we cannot be encouraged or learn from those who do not have the Holy Spirit or who do not understand the Christian faith (1 John 1:6-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14).
- Do not neglect – We are not to avoid fellowship. This is because it is good for us. It is also good for other people to see God working in us. Please see below (Hebrews 10:15-18; Hebrews 13:15).
Why do we need fellowship?
The benefits of fellowship are assumed in scripture and are noted by the actions in which we help each other, such as our lifestyle, assisting with needs, bearing burdens, honoring, etc. (1 Timothy 4:12-16, Ephesians 5:29, Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:10).
How do we fellowship?
True biblical fellowship can occur in many settings. Regardless the context, biblical fellowship is framed in a lifestyle that is upstanding (1 Thessalonians 2:10) and speech that helps and encourages others (Ephesians 4:29). How do we do this? Here are some ideas:
· Know God’s word – This is important so you are speaking to others correct biblical truth and not church based jargon such as “That is not my gift” or “I do not have a peace about that so I will not do it.”
· Plan ahead – Consider before meeting with a person how you might encourage them specifically with: gratitude, commendation, thought provoking questions, sharing God’s word or recounting what God has done in your own life (Colossians 1:3-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 4:16). If you don’t know what to ask them, visit their social media accounts and learn about them. If you are attending a gathering, identify beforehand one person to target with whom to fellowship and encourage.
· Listen – Be sure and listen when conversing so you can learn and discover how you can even better encourage them (James 1:19).
· Control the environment – It can be very difficult to discuss godly matters in environments that are controlled by other people such as festive activities or groups of unbelieving people or non-serious Christians. If you find it difficult to have fellowship then create your own environments in which proper fellowship can occur, such as:
- Choose a meeting place that is quiet, without anticipated interruptions, where spiritually focused topics can be discussed.
- Choose the person or the people specifically to be there who also seek Christ and with whom excellent fellowship can occur.
Fellowship is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, providing to us encouragement, and seeing others’ lives worth mimicking; while giving us the opportunity to inspire and fortify others in the faith.
Fellowship is one of the great benefits of our Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a provision.
Join us next time as we continue with the next tool to maturity!
William C. Stewart, MD
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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.
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