Fellowship

31 October 2009

• The basi(c)s of fellowship

• The extent of fellowship

• The responsibilities of fellowship

• The challenges to fellowship

Fellowship

Topics

Fellowship

Discover some fellowship truths

…and perhaps debunk a few fellowship myths

Purpose

• Fellowship is about sharing, not about being separate.

• Fellowship is what you are doing, something you have (to various degrees). It isn’t a state you are in (or out of).

• Fellowship is about far more than the bread and the wine.

• Fellowship boundaries are personal;bloc-fellowship (and bloc-disfellowship) are not biblical concepts.

Fellowship

Fellowship

The basics of fellowship

common 7defiled 1unclean 3unholy 1

koinos

New Testament Greek = koine Greek,i.e. “common”, not cultured, Greek

Fellowship

they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them.

Mark 7:2

But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”

Acts 10:14

I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.

Rom 14:14

..those who have spurned the Son of God, counted as unholy the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified, and outraged the Spirit of grace?

Heb 10:29

communication 2communion 4contribution 1distribution 1fellowship 12

koinwnia

communicate 2distribute 1partake 5

koinwnew

willing to communicate 1

koinwnikos

companion 1fellowship 1partaker 5partner 3

koinwnos

Fellowship

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

Fellowship

koinwn–

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

Fellowship

koinwn–

Luke 5:10

so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

Fellowship

koinwn–

Rom 11:17

some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place to share the rich root of the olive tree

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

Fellowship

koinwn–

1 Cor 9:23

I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

Fellowship

koinwn–

1 Tim 5:22

Do not appoint anyone hastily, and do not participate in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

Fellowship

koinwn–

Heb 2:14

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

Fellowship

koinwn–

2 Pet 1:4

he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become sharers of the divine nature.

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

Fellowship

koinwn–

Rev 1:9

I, John, your brother and companion in the persecution in Jesus

Fellowship

koinwn–

1 Cor 1:9, 10:16

2 Cor 8:4, 13:14

Eph 5:11

Phlp 2:1, 3:10

1 Jn 1:3,6,7

Fellowship

koinwn–

1 Cor 1:9, 10:16

2 Cor 8:4, 13:14

Eph 5:11

Phlp 2:1, 3:10

1 Jn 1:3,6,7

1 Cor 10:16

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?

Fellowship

koinwn–

1 Cor 1:9, 10:16

2 Cor 8:4, 13:14

Eph 5:11

Phlp 2:1, 3:10

1 Jn 1:3,6,7

2 Cor 8:4

begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints

Fellowship

koinwn–

1 Cor 1:9, 10:16

2 Cor 8:4, 13:14

Eph 5:11

Phlp 2:1, 3:10

1 Jn 1:3,6,7

Eph 5:11

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Fellowship

koinwn–

1 Cor 1:9, 10:16

2 Cor 8:4, 13:14

Eph 5:11

Phlp 2:1, 3:10

1 Jn 1:3,6,7

Phlp 3:10

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Fellowship

koinwn–

1 Cor 1:9, 10:16

2 Cor 8:4, 13:14

Eph 5:11

Phlp 2:1, 3:10

1 Jn 1:3,6,7

1 John 1:3

we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us;

“Sharing in…”

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

1 Cor 1:9, 10:16

2 Cor 8:4, 13:14

Eph 5:11

Phlp 2:1, 3:10

1 Jn 1:3,6,7

Fellowship

koinwn–

But sharing istwo-way

Fellowship

koinwn–

“Sharing with…”

Rom 12:13, 15:26

2 Cor 9:13

Gal 6:6

Phlp 4:14-15

1 Tim 6:18

Phlm 6

Heb 13:16

Fellowship

koinwn–

“Sharing with…”

Rom 12:13, 15:26

2 Cor 9:13

Gal 6:6

Phlp 4:14-15

1 Tim 6:18

Phlm 6

Heb 13:16

Fellowship

koinwn–

Rom 15:26

for Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.

“Sharing with…”

Rom 12:13, 15:26

2 Cor 9:13

Gal 6:6

Phlp 4:14-15

1 Tim 6:18

Phlm 6

Heb 13:16

Fellowship

koinwn–

2 Cor 9:13

Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others

“Sharing with…”

Rom 12:13, 15:26

2 Cor 9:13

Gal 6:6

Phlp 4:14-15

1 Tim 6:18

Phlm 6

Heb 13:16

Fellowship

koinwn–

Gal 6:6

Those who are taught the word should share in all good things with their teacher.

“Sharing with…”

Rom 12:13, 15:26

2 Cor 9:13

Gal 6:6

Phlp 4:14-15

1 Tim 6:18

Phlm 6

Heb 13:16

Fellowship

koinwn–

Phlp 4:15

You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no ecclesia shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone.

“Sharing with…”

Rom 12:13, 15:26

2 Cor 9:13

Gal 6:6

Phlp 4:14-15

1 Tim 6:18

Phlm 6

Heb 13:16

Fellowship

koinwn–

1 Tim 6:18

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share

“Sharing with…”

Rom 12:13, 15:26

2 Cor 9:13

Gal 6:6

Phlp 4:14-15

1 Tim 6:18

Phlm 6

Heb 13:16

Fellowship

koinwn–

Phlm 6

I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.

“Sharing with…”

Rom 12:13, 15:26

2 Cor 9:13

Gal 6:6

Phlp 4:14-15

1 Tim 6:18

Phlm 6

Heb 13:16

Fellowship

koinwn–

Heb 13:16

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

“Sharing with…”

Fellowship

2 Cor 8:23

Phlm 17

Heb 10:33

koinwn–

“Sharing with…”

Fellowship

2 Cor 8:23

Phlm 17

Heb 10:33

koinwn–

2 Cor 8:23

As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker in your service; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the ecclesias, the glory of Christ.

“Sharing with…”

Fellowship

2 Cor 8:23

Phlm 17

Heb 10:33

koinwn–

Phlm 17

So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

“Sharing with…”

Fellowship

2 Cor 8:23

Phlm 17

Heb 10:33

koinwn–

Heb 10:32-33

But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.

“Sharing in…”

Fellowship

Mt 23:30

Lk 5:10

Rom 11:17, 15:27

1 Cor 9:23, 10:17-18

2 Cor 1:7

Phlp 1:7

1 Tim 5:22

Heb 2:14

1 Pet 4:13, 5:1

2 Pet 1:4

2 Jn 11

Rev 1:9, 18:4

1 Cor 1:9, 10:16

2 Cor 8:4, 13:14

Eph 5:11

Phlp 2:1, 3:10

1 Jn 1:3,6,7

koinwn– “Sharing with…”

Rom 12:13, 15:26

2 Cor 9:13

Gal 6:6

Phlp 4:14-15

1 Tim 6:18

Phlm 6

Heb 13:16

2 Cor 8:23

Phlm 17

Heb 10:33

Acts 2:421 Cor 10:202 Cor 6:14Gal 2:9Phlp 1:5

Fellowship

Acts 2:421 Cor 10:202 Cor 6:14Gal 2:9Phlp 1:5

The others…

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

teaching and fellowship: public breaking of bread and prayers: private

“Fellowship” here is the sharing with those in need (vv44-45)

Fellowship

Acts 2:421 Cor 10:202 Cor 6:14Gal 2:9Phlp 1:5

The others…

No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons.

There is no common ground between God and idols; if you are God’s you cannot also share sacrifices at the idol’s table.

Fellowship

Acts 2:421 Cor 10:202 Cor 6:14Gal 2:9Phlp 1:5

The others…

Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what fellowship is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what communion is there between light and darkness?

Here koinwnia is translated as communion. Light and dark cannot share anything – it isn’t a question of choice!

Fellowship

Acts 2:421 Cor 10:202 Cor 6:14Gal 2:9Phlp 1:5

The others…

When James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

This is the ecclesial equivalent of a business partnership: sharing out the regions to two marketing teams.

Fellowship

Acts 2:421 Cor 10:202 Cor 6:14Gal 2:9Phlp 1:5

The others…

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.

Or your sharing in the furtherance of the gospel, i.e. the Philippians were active partners in Paul’s preaching work.

So what do these words mean?

Fellowship

•having a share in…

•giving a share…

•participating in…

•having in common…

Outside the New Testament, koinwnia is used of marriage, business partnership, friendship, and of a “bring and share” meal

Fellowship

Fellowship is a continuum

• It isn’t something you are in or out of

• The more you have in common, the richer the fellowship you enjoy

• The less you are prepared to share, the poorer your fellowship is

• A fellowship of one is an oxymoron; you can’t have fellowship on your own

Fellowship

Christadelphians & fellowship

Fellowship

4 of the first 10 hits were Christadelphian sites

6 of the first 10 hits were Christadelphian sites

This search used to give a similar result, but Christadelphian sites have been overwhelmed by sites associated with the Jehovah’s Witnesses

Fellowship matters to us!

Fellowship

Fellowship“Central”

Fellowship

Some statistics…

1910

Fellowship

Some statistics…

1950

Fellowship

Some statistics…

2009

Fellowship

2009

Some statistics…

• Fellowship is about sharing, not about being separate.

• Fellowship is what you are doing, something you have (to various degrees). It isn’t a state you are in (or out of).

• Fellowship is about far more than the bread and the wine.

• Fellowship boundaries are personal;bloc-fellowship (and bloc-disfellowship) are not biblical concepts.

Fellowship

• Fellowship is a continuum. It isn’t something you are in or out of

• The more you have in common, the richer the fellowship you enjoy

• The less you are prepared to share, the poorer your fellowship is

• A fellowship of one is an oxymoron; you can’t have fellowship on your own

Fellowship

• Fellowship isn’t a stateyou are in or out of

(that’s the binary model of fellowship)

Fellowship

FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship

Fellowship

A typical product of thebinary fellowship model

Fellowship

Fellowship

Fellowship

Fellowship

• Fellowship is about sharing, not about being separate.

• Fellowship is what you are doing, something you have (to various degrees). It isn’t a state you are in (or out of).

• Fellowship is about far more than the bread and the wine.

• Fellowship boundaries are personal;bloc-fellowship (and bloc-disfellowship) are not biblical concepts.

Fellowship

• Fellowship is a continuum. It isn’t something you are in or out of

• The more you have in common, the richer the fellowship you enjoy

• The less you are prepared to share, the poorer your fellowship is

• A fellowship of one is an oxymoron; you can’t have fellowship on your own

Fellowship

Another typical product of thebinary fellowship model

Fellowship

( )

• The ___ Bible School is organised and conducted on the basis of the BASF. Fellowship at the memorial service is extended to all who fellowship consistently on that basis.

• The ___ Bible School does not recognise the ___ Unity Agreement or the ___ Unity Agreement.

• Members of other fellowships and members of ecclesias that have signed these unity agreements are welcome to attend but not to partake of the memorial emblems.

Separate memorials will probably beavailable in the kitchen and car-park.

• Fellowship is about sharing, not about being separate.

• Fellowship is what you are doing, something you have (to various degrees). It isn’t a state you are in (or out of).

• Fellowship is about far more than the bread and the wine.

• Fellowship boundaries are personal;bloc-fellowship (and bloc-disfellowship) are not biblical concepts.

Fellowship

• Fellowship is a continuum. It isn’t something you are in or out of

• The more you have in common, the richer the fellowship you enjoy

• The less you are prepared to share, the poorer your fellowship is

• A fellowship of one is an oxymoron; you can’t have fellowship on your own

Fellowship

Is fellowship horizontal or vertical?

“I don’t need to belong to any ecclesia. I’m in fellowship with Jesus. Isn’t that all that matters?”

Fellowship

“we have fellowship with one another”

“and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ”

1 John 1

• Fellowship is about sharing, not about being separate.

• Fellowship is what you are doing, something you have (to various degrees). It isn’t a state you are in (or out of).

• Fellowship is about far more than the bread and the wine.

• Fellowship boundaries are personal;bloc-fellowship (and bloc-disfellowship) are not biblical concepts.

Fellowship

• Fellowship is a continuum. It isn’t something you are in or out of

• The more you have in common, the richer the fellowship you enjoy

• The less you are prepared to share, the poorer your fellowship is

• A fellowship of one is an oxymoron; you can’t have fellowship on your own

Fellowship

Fellowship

What is the purpose of fellowship?

A shared purpose is fellowship!“The purpose of fellowship is to glorify God. We do not want to defile that fellowship with the leaven of wrong doctrine or practice.”