FELLOWSHIP
What Is Fellowship?
"Fellowship" translates the Greek koinonia , meaning "participation, association, sharing." Fellowship exists on two levels -- the vertical (the Christian's relationship with God) and the horizontal (the sharing among children of God).
The Bible emphasizes the wonderful "communion" that Christians share with the entire Godhead. We fellowship with the Father as we live in harmony with his will (1 Jn. 1:3; 1 Cor. 1:9). We especially enjoy fellowship with Christ when we observe the "communion" supper (1 Cor. 10:16). There is even communion with the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14).
There is also the fellowship believers share with one another (1 Jn. 1:3). Such fellowship can be enjoyed, however, only with those who are sincerely seeking to "walk in the light" of divine truth (1 Jn. 1:7). When a child of God becomes rebellious and unreachable by any other means, fellowship with him must be terminated so that he will feel the isolation and return to the warmth of his spiritual family (2 Thes. 3:6; 14-15). See DISCIPLINE, CHURCH.
One final comment. The Christian is not to fellowship (participate in) the "unfruitful works of darkness" but rather to reprove them (Eph. 5:11). This does not mean, however, that he can have no association at all with those in the world -- for then he would have to leave the world (1 Cor. 5:9ff), and he could exert no influence for good (Mt. 5:14-16). One must never, however, share in an evil work.
The Bible emphasizes the wonderful "communion" that Christians share with the entire Godhead. We fellowship with the Father as we live in harmony with his will (1 Jn. 1:3; 1 Cor. 1:9). We especially enjoy fellowship with Christ when we observe the "communion" supper (1 Cor. 10:16). There is even communion with the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14).
There is also the fellowship believers share with one another (1 Jn. 1:3). Such fellowship can be enjoyed, however, only with those who are sincerely seeking to "walk in the light" of divine truth (1 Jn. 1:7). When a child of God becomes rebellious and unreachable by any other means, fellowship with him must be terminated so that he will feel the isolation and return to the warmth of his spiritual family (2 Thes. 3:6; 14-15). See DISCIPLINE, CHURCH.
One final comment. The Christian is not to fellowship (participate in) the "unfruitful works of darkness" but rather to reprove them (Eph. 5:11). This does not mean, however, that he can have no association at all with those in the world -- for then he would have to leave the world (1 Cor. 5:9ff), and he could exert no influence for good (Mt. 5:14-16). One must never, however, share in an evil work.
Related Articles
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There are extremes to the left and right on the topic of Christian fellowship.
What Happens to a Person at Death?What happens when you die and your soul is separated from your body? There are diverse views about this matter. Here is one for your study and reflection.
Principles of Interpretation: The “Expansion” ConceptThe scope of a biblical verse may be expanded by supplementary information on the same subject in related passages. An understanding of this hermeneutical principle would prevent many an error.
Should “Weak” Christians Be Disfellowshipped?Should Christians who are merely “weak” be subject to the disfellowship process?
Church Discipline – A Tragic NeglectA study of church discipline, especially the ultimate act of withdrawal of fellowship
Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson
