12 Questions
What is the Greek word for fellowship?
Koinonia
What enhances Union in fellowship by adding intimacy and oneness?
Communion
What is the consequence of a breakdown in fellowship with Christ, according to the text?
Breakdown in fellowship with others
Which dimension of fellowship refers to the relationship between individuals and Christ?
Vertical Dimension
What is necessary for a gathering to be considered as true Christian fellowship?
Inclusion of Jesus Christ
How does the text describe the relationship between fellowship and joy?
Joy is dependent on the richness of fellowship
What is the standard by which conflicts can be settled and fellowship maintained with one another?
Genuine love and care
What does fellowship without proclamation of truth lead to?
Empty Sentimentalism
What is described as being 'at the heart of fellowship'?
Biblical love
What should a helper be when restoring someone caught in sin, according to the text?
Spiritual and humble
What is highlighted as essential for genuine comfort according to the text?
Biblical basis
What risk is mentioned when seeking to restore a carnal Christian?
Hurt feelings
Study Notes
The Principle of Fellowship
- Koinonia is the Greek word for fellowship.
- Fellowship is the intimate sharing of Christians in the uniqueness of the life of Christ.
- It is a shared relationship.
- Fellowship and joy are connected, with joy being dependent on the richness of fellowship.
Union and Communion
- Union refers to the formal relationship with Christ, brought about by salvation.
- Communion enhances union by adding intimacy, closeness, and oneness.
- Without communion, union is empty.
The Process of Fellowship
- Fellowship begins with Christ, the vertical dimension.
- A gathering without Jesus Christ is not a true Christian fellowship.
- Peter calls believers "partakers" in 2 Peter 1:4, emphasizing their shared life in Christ.
- Fellowship then flows to others, the horizontal dimension.
- A breakdown in fellowship with Christ leads to a breakdown in fellowship with others.
The Impediment to Fellowship
- Sin breaks fellowship with God.
- God's light, as revealed in His Word, is the standard for settling conflicts and maintaining fellowship.
- Walking in darkness hinders intimate fellowship with God.
- Counterfeits, such as part-time Christians and Sunday Morning Only (SMO) believers, hinder genuine fellowship.
The Product of Fellowship
- Needs are met through fellowship.
- Unity is developed through fellowship.
Time for Koinonia
- A cul-de-sac Christian, who only takes and doesn't give, hinders fellowship.
- Carving out time to be with God and others is essential for fellowship.
The Content of Fellowship
- Fellowship without the proclamation of truth leads to empty sentimentalism.
- Four aspects of fellowship:
- Love one another
- Serve one another
- Restore one another
- Encourage one another
Love One Another
- Love is at the heart of fellowship, and is synonymous with truth in action.
- Love affects the relationships among saints.
Serve One Another
- Serving involves selfless actions, without expecting anything in return.
- Serving is a key aspect of fellowship, sharing in the life of Christ.
Restore One Another
- Mending the broken involves helping a person caught in sin.
- The helper should be spiritual, humble, and cautious.
- Restoration should be collective, and the helper should forgive and not get caught up in sin.
Encourage One Another
- We are comforters and cheerleaders for each other.
- Our comfort must be biblical to be genuine.
- Authentic koinonia is essential for true fellowship.
Test your knowledge on the concept of fellowship among Christians, including the meaning of 'Koinonia', the intimate sharing of Christ's life, the relationship between fellowship and joy, and the importance of union with Christ. Explore the significance of being connected with other believers.
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