FELLOWSHIP

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have FELLOWSHIP with us; and truly our FELLOWSHIP is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ – 1 John 1:3

We’ve meditated on three destiny “Ships” – Relationship, Friendship, and Partnership. FELLOWSHIP is another unique ‘Ship’ that warrants closer attention. Fellowship refers to companionship, mutual sharing, and a group of people with common interests (Psa.133: 1-3). What are your Attitudes towards Fellowship? Fellowship is often times overlooked or misunderstood even among Christians. Fellowship is more than an event; it is meant to a vital aspect of the Christian’s Practical Life of Faith. Fellowship is not just something that we try to fit into our Christian life after we get everything else together. Fellowship is fundamental. Fellowship will challenge you, encourage you, and help you stay accountable. Indeed, fellowship reveals your obedience to God and His word. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” The “manner” or negative attitude of some individuals towards fellowship is to neglect the assembling together of the saints. 

Christian Fellowship transcends the mundane, earthly realm. The Lord Jesus declared: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Mt.18:20). Our fellowship has both vertical and horizontal dimensions (1Jh.1:3). Also, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1Cor.1:9). The human heart is hungry for true fellowship; and only the divine can satisfy the deepest longings of the spirit. That’s the essence of fellowship: “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and billows have gone over me” (Psa.42:7). Earlier, the Psalmist cried: “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psa.42:1-2). Does that describe your passion for fellowship with God? The lack of fellowship leads to aloneness, isolation, and ultimately desolation.

God is the Author of Family and Fellowship: “God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land” (Psa.68:6). Your longing for fellowship indicates belonging in His Family! The local church ought to be the place to experience genuine fellowship in Christ. Some local congregations are however unfortunately lacking in fellowship. They are like entertainment theatres where people file in, find a seat next to unrelated strangers, watch the performance, and file out. The church is not just the building you go to for services. Rather, the church God’s people, a living body knit together by union with Christ, the Head (Eph.1:22). Fellowship is not “run” by the Pastor and a few committed workers, while others just come, sit, listen, and go home. The apostles epitomised Fruitful Fellowship: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).

Fellowship is not for a select or elite group. Paul exhorted: “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification” (1Cor.14:26). Fellowship is for mutual edification or ‘Building-up’, not a platform for personal “showmanship.” Every true believer brings something of value to the Fellowship. What are your attitudes towards fellowship? Do you sincerely desire to be around other Christians? Do you enjoy Fellowship with God and other Believers? Or have you fallen into the ‘trap’ of ‘tele-fellowship’? Paul prayed: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen” (2Cor.13:13). Our fellowship is with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and with one another. Andrew Murray said, “Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays.”