FELLOWSHIP
The Christian life must be lived in relationships with other Christians for a couple of reasons.
1. It's by a Christian's love for other Christians that one is identified as a follower of Christ. For Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34,35
2. God has designed Christians to mature through their interdependence upon one another. Eph 4:15,16 "speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
For example, proper Christian fellowship will encourage one to love and to do good deeds. Heb 10:24,25 "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
So also Christian leaders provide the younger Christians an example to follow. Heb 13:7 "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
In light of these ideas, what constitutes "Christian Fellowship"? Christian fellowship is not simply a "preference" to be around other Christians. It is not simply an internal feeling of affection. Though that will generally come with the territory. Christian fellowship involves seeking the mutual edification of the body of Christ. And just as a body does not function or grow properly unless every part of it does it work, so also with the church, which is the body of Christ. (Eph 1:23)
"God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." 1Cor 12:18-27
Today some Christians are under the impression that edification of the body of Christ is only the responsibility of church leaders. They are under the misconception that only church leaders are "in the ministry." But the fact is that ALL Christians - every single one - are "in the ministry". And if they are not utilized, then the body suffers. Thus many a local assembly of Christians is stuck in a state of immaturity because not all the Christians are participating in the ministry - either because they are not allowed to do so or by personal choice. While some church leaders may feel threatened by or otherwise envious of the ministry of lay Christians, the apostle Paul was joyful having entire churches fellowship in the ministry of the gospel. "I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Php 1:4,5
So also should be the attitude towards fellow churches. For we're all in this together. It is part of our sinful human nature that when people organize into separate groups, such groups tend to develop a divisive prideful attitude towards one another. But let it not be the case among the body of Christ. For while it is helpful in the practical ministering among a localized group of Christians to form local institutional churches, it is important to keep in mind that Christian fellowship is not limited by institutional boundaries. And thus rather than having an "us versus them" mentality, Christians should view themselves as members of every institutional church.
Finally, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Rom 12:10 As for the particulars of the practice of Christian fellowship, there is too much to say as much of the New Testament letters are devoted to this subject.
The Christian life must be lived in relationships with other Christians for a couple of reasons.
1. It's by a Christian's love for other Christians that one is identified as a follower of Christ. For Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34,35
2. God has designed Christians to mature through their interdependence upon one another. Eph 4:15,16 "speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
For example, proper Christian fellowship will encourage one to love and to do good deeds. Heb 10:24,25 "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
So also Christian leaders provide the younger Christians an example to follow. Heb 13:7 "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
In light of these ideas, what constitutes "Christian Fellowship"? Christian fellowship is not simply a "preference" to be around other Christians. It is not simply an internal feeling of affection. Though that will generally come with the territory. Christian fellowship involves seeking the mutual edification of the body of Christ. And just as a body does not function or grow properly unless every part of it does it work, so also with the church, which is the body of Christ. (Eph 1:23)
"God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." 1Cor 12:18-27
Today some Christians are under the impression that edification of the body of Christ is only the responsibility of church leaders. They are under the misconception that only church leaders are "in the ministry." But the fact is that ALL Christians - every single one - are "in the ministry". And if they are not utilized, then the body suffers. Thus many a local assembly of Christians is stuck in a state of immaturity because not all the Christians are participating in the ministry - either because they are not allowed to do so or by personal choice. While some church leaders may feel threatened by or otherwise envious of the ministry of lay Christians, the apostle Paul was joyful having entire churches fellowship in the ministry of the gospel. "I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Php 1:4,5
So also should be the attitude towards fellow churches. For we're all in this together. It is part of our sinful human nature that when people organize into separate groups, such groups tend to develop a divisive prideful attitude towards one another. But let it not be the case among the body of Christ. For while it is helpful in the practical ministering among a localized group of Christians to form local institutional churches, it is important to keep in mind that Christian fellowship is not limited by institutional boundaries. And thus rather than having an "us versus them" mentality, Christians should view themselves as members of every institutional church.
Finally, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Rom 12:10 As for the particulars of the practice of Christian fellowship, there is too much to say as much of the New Testament letters are devoted to this subject.
