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Most of these articles focus on fellowship itself (or its
counterfeits), but some of them look at related issues, such as
the consequences of fellowship.
The key thing to remember is this: The "fellowship" of the Bible has
little or no resemblance to the shallow "fellowship" that occurs
among many who call themselves "Christian." It is much deeper than that,
and impacts all of life. Though we who are God's people have many differences, we have much (if not all) in common.
This fact is to influence the way we interact with others and the nature
of our fellowship.
Our fellowship (if it is genuine) is a great
privilege, especially since it includes fellowship with Jesus Christ.
But with the privilege comes not only rights, but
responsibilities. And one of the responsibilities is to maintain the
purity of the fellowship. We cannot condone sin, but must deal with it.
A failure to do this eventually destroys the whole nature of our
fellowship, and often reduces it to the pretension that is common among
so many.
A look at the concept of "fellowship" itself: |
Fellowship - a word study (selected verses only) |
This is taken from a larger series about the word "church,"
and is the shortest of these studies on this topic of "fellowship." It is based on 12 verses from the New
Testament and Psalms, where the word "fellowship" occurs (based on the NIV
translation). The verse references are provided (which you have to
look-up), along with numerous application-type questions about the
topic. |
To that group of studies |
Fellowship - Sharing (a short outline) |
This study is based on a New Testament Greek word (koinonia), which
is frequently translated as "fellowship" or "sharing." It focuses on the most significant passages
where this word occurs. This is strictly an outline - no study questions. (Make your own!) |
HTML / PDF |
Fellowship & Sharing in the Community of Believers (New
Testament word study) |
This study is based on a group of New Testament Greek words (all related to the words
koinonia and koinos). It focuses on concepts such as
fellowship, sharing, having things in common, etc. It is more comprehensive and in-depth than the short outline mentioned above.
This is strictly an outline - no study questions. (Make your own!) |
HTML / PDF |
NOTE: The word koinos has a second usage that
is related to the Jewish ceremonial regulations. It involves things that
are "common" in a negative sense. It refers to something that is
not "set apart as special" - things that are not "sacred,"
or that are "unclean," etc. This separate study examines issues such as
"man-made" vs. "God-made" rules, the differences between the Old and New
Covenants, etc. |
To That Study |
"Frivolous" Fellowship |
It seems that most people think "Christian
fellowship" means frivolous (empty) talk and gluttony - at least
all they do is fill their bellies and engage in meaningless chatter.
But shouldn't we be building ourselves up in the Lord and encouraging
each other? At least the New Testament church thought so! This group
of articles is a survey of what the Bible says about the
"entertainment mentality" and about the empty talk that so
many people call "fellowship." (A few verses about the
"gluttony" aspect are included, but this was not the main
focus of this study.) |
GROUP OF ARTICLES |
See also: "The word "FUN" in
the Bible
- an article that looks at this issue in a different way. (The same
conclusions are reached, of course!) |
A look at related issues and consequences: |
These articles focus on general principles
related to how we are to have fellowship with other believers. What
are some of our basic rights, responsibilities, obligations (etc.)?
[Articles that have a more specific focus will be found in other sections of
this website, as appropriate.] |
Sharing Things - A Worksheet |
A look at passages which use the word "share" - based mainly on the NIV translation.
(This includes most of the New Testament passages using this word, and one verse from the book of Proverbs.)
Verse references are arranged in a brief outline, but the individual must look-up the passages, to find out what they say. |
HTML / PDF |
Two of the verses make reference to people who share spiritual blessings temporarily. A separate study (elsewhere) examines this issue: |
To an article that
includes a look at the issue of "temporary spiritual blessings" |
Encouragement - a Worksheet |
This study looks at many of the verses that teach us
about encouragement, arranged in outline form. There are also some
application questions at the end of the study. |
HTML / PDF |
Are you my Brother? Are you my Sister? |
When people become brothers or sisters in Christ, Jesus expects us to treat
them as the
brothers or sisters that they are. To refuse to obey Jesus in this
matter is quite a serious thing - especially if we claim we are
following him! |
HTML /
PDF |
The Problem of Christian Liberty - Romans 14:1 -
15:13 |
How are we to respond when a "weaker" brother is
bothered by something we do? This issue was present in the early church and
is still with us today. The apostle Paul gives us specific instructions on
how to respond. |
HTML /
PDF |
When a person in the church sins
against you... |
A look at the requirements Jesus gives us in Matthew
18:15-17. Included are a worksheet and teaching notes. |
HTML (worksheet) /
HTML (notes) /
PDF (both) |
The example of the early church...
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42; see also
v. 43-47)
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