Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us,

that we should be called children of God!

Therefore the world does not know us,

because it did not know Him.

The Church is the body of Christ. Every Christian is a member of that body. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the head who directs the work of the whole body. While each organ has a different function, each one is necessary for the health and functioning of the whole body. The Holy Spirit gives life to the body. It is His presence that unites the whole body.

WHAT IS BIBLICAL FELLOWSHIP?

1. Read 1 John 3:1. If you are God’s child and He is the Father of all, what does this tell you about your relationship to other believers?

2. “Fellowship” is derived from the Greek word koinonia, which means “sharing in common”. God has given you much to share. As you examine the following verses, determine what you can share with others and one practical way to share it.

                                               What to share                                                A way to share

1Jn 4:11,21

Gal 6:2

Gal 6:6

Jam 5:16

3. Christians fellowship together on the basis of the fact that they are forgiven sinners – forgiven, yes, but still sinners. Knowing this fact, what is your responsibility toward your brother when you have offended him? Mt 5:22-24

4. What is your responsibility when he has offended you? Mt 18:15-35

Christians can honestly share their lives. You don’t have to pretend to be something you are not.

The Church is the only fellowship of people where unworthiness of candidates is a condition of membership.

5. Picture the following situation. Several Christians are in the same room drinking coffee and eating doughnuts as they discuss last week’s championship game. The conversation moves to the subject of “which animal makes the best household pet”. Then one of them tells a joke he recently heard. They enjoy a good laugh together, and begin to talk about the weather forecast for tomorrow. As one of them leaves, he says, “It sure is good to have Christian fellowship!”

Is this genuine Christian fellowship?

a) Why or why not?

b) Could it be improved? How?

THE PURPOSE OF FELLOWSHIP

6. Why is fellowship important?

Prov 27:17

Eccles 4:9-10

7. What is the purpose of meeting together as believers? Heb 10:24-25

8. In studying a verse, it is often helpful to locate other verses elsewhere in the Bible which relate directly to the one being examined. The other verses are called cross-references. Hebrews 3:13 is a cross-reference to Hebrews 10:24-25. From this cross-reference, why is it necessary to encourage one another daily?

9. Explain why fellowship is important to you.

THE BODY OF CHRIST

10. God uses the analogy of a body to describe the relationship of believers with one another and with Christ. Who is the head of the body? Why? Col 1:18

11. Each believer is given different but important responsibilities in this spiritual body, the Church. Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-27.

a) Who gave the members their different functions? 18

b) What is His desire? 25

c) What attitudes can lead to disharmony in the body? 15,16,21

d) Are there any unnecessary functions (members) in the body? 20-22

12. According to Ephesians 4:2-3, what will preserve unity in the body?

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

THE LOCAL CHURCH

13. What activities of the early church in Jerusalem are mentioned in Acts 2:42?

14. Read Ephesians 4:11-13. Who is to equip (perfect) the saints so they can do the work of the ministry?

What is the ultimate goal of Christian ministry?   v. 13

15. Examine 1 Peter 5:1-5. This passage gives direction to the leaders and members of a “flock”. Using the following chart, contrast the right and wrong ways of demonstrating leadership.

Verse                          Right way                               Wrong way

2

2

3

16. In Colossians 4:3-4, Paul requested prayer for his ministry.

a) Paraphrase his request.

b) What is one thing you can do during this coming week to encourage those who are helping you walk with Christ?

17. What instructions are you given concerning the support of those who are appointed to preach and teach? 1Cor 9:11-14

SUMMARY

Genuine fellowship is based on the concept of giving to and receiving from other Christians. You can share with others whatever God has given you: forgiveness, possessions, love, His Word, and many other things. God gives fellowship for the purpose of mutual encouragement and growth. He wants Christians to live in unity and harmony with one another. To help us understand how believers are related, God uses the analogy of the body. Jesus Christ is the head of the body, which is comprised of all believers. But it is important for you to recognize how God wants you to be related to a smaller, specific group of believers. This smaller group is for the purpose of instruction, sharing, worship, and service. God has given spiritual leaders to help you mature in Christ and to become effective in the ministry.

Download: Reflection on 1Jn 3:1