I have friends in many different places
I know these friends by their friendly faces.
These friends of mine have meant so much to me
And throughout my life, I am always happy to see.
Encouraged by my friends I am quite aware
That these are the ones who really care.
They have proven to me they are concerned
And when a friend was needed to them I’ve turned.
If friendship is ever to come my way
Then I must be careful in what I have to say.
To sarcasm and insults I must never cleave
And if I am inclined to insults I must leave.
If I would enjoy a good, honest friend
Then I must show myself friendly to the end.
Friendship is nurtured and not destroyed
If by these tactics I am constantly employed.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (I John 1:7) If you look up the word “fellowship” you will find the definition is this: friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interests. Friendly or sharing the same interests with people you associate with are all great explanations of fellowship. We need fellowship with other believers to strengthen our faith and increase our knowledge of God and His Word. How can we do this?
Prayer And Nourishment
Acts 2:42 tells us, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” This chapter tells us all about Pentecost and contains the message Peter preached on that day. So many souls were saved and after being baptized they continued in fellowship as they ate and prayed together. These are two great things to do together with other believers.
Ministering To The Saints
“…take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” Here in II Corinthians 8:4, Paul is telling us about the believers in Macedonia and how they were able to have all these gifts to share in the ministry. One of them was their fellowship of ministering to the saints. When Christians have life thrown at them, they sometimes need to be ministered unto. Then they are serving God so dearly, they sometimes need to be ministered unto. When they have forgotten what it’s like to be served, they sometimes need to be ministered unto! Who can we serve today?
The Gospel
When we see new Christians start delving into the Word of God and learning, it is a beautiful thing. The fellowship we see here is from people desiring to grow and be in the Word. Philippians 1:5 has Paul thanking the believers “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” There is probably no greater joy for a pastor than to see his church family fellowshipping around the Word of God.
Right Hand Of Fellowship
Galatians 2:9 says, “…they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship;…” This kind of fellowship means that the believers were expressing equality with Paul and Barnabas as they sent them out to the heathens of the day. They showed their unity and agreement in their faiths and I’m sure it was a precious time. To have the right hand of fellowship today is to know that you have a kindred spirit with other believers especially in your church. I believe this is so important.
There are also some unavoidable negative things about fellowship that God addresses in the Bible.
Unfruitful Works
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11 is reminding us that the works of darkness produces no fruit so do not even be around them but rather tell them why and walk away! You cannot play with fire and not be burned and so to play with the works of evil, you cannot expect to not be affected.
Devils
I Corinthians 10:20 is addressing Christians to make sure they know how evil it is to have fellowship with devils. “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.” When we are around evil it can easily influence us.
You’ve heard the saying that it is easier to be pulled off the wagon then to be pulled up on the wagon? I say this to my children often in regards to friends. If they are not being godly, and you are not able to get through to them biblically, then maybe it is time to walk away so as their influences do not affect you. No fellowship with evil!
Unbelievers
When two come together and they have two different beliefs, one always comes out stronger and it isn’t usually the right one. So many times a person will convert to a belief that has nothing to do with how they were raised nor does it line up with the Bible. The Spirit of light is then constantly battling with the Spirit of darkness. How can this be a home of harmony and peace? II Corinthians 6:14 says it best, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
Fellowship with our God can be seen often in the Bible.
I John 1:3, tells us where our fellowship should lie first and foremost; “Our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” In Philippians 3:10, Paul is longing to know Him even deeper. “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
We can have fellowship daily with Him but if we walk in darkness; if we have not accepted Him as our Savior then we know that there is no fellowship. Genuine fellowship with our Savior comes from personally knowing Him. I John 1:6 proves this by saying, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:”
So what kind of fellowship do you have? What kind do you desire? Come to Calvary today for true fellowship in Him!