In the beginning of John's first letter, he writes about an issue many of us talk about but few of us understand: Fellowship. For many, the definition of fellowship is potluck, and though I do enjoy a good potluck, this is not what fellowship is all about.
When John uses the word fellowship he uses the Greek word koinoĊnia, a word which speaks of not only fellowship but also partnership and participation. In other words, fellowship involves so much more than having a meal together. Fellowship is living together as partakers in Christ.
Notice what John says about fellowship,
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:1–4 ESV)
John gives us three things that we need to grasp if we are to understand fellowship:
1. True fellowship is only possible through Christ
True Christian fellowship cannot happen with unbelievers. I do not mean that Christians cannot spend time with those who do not know Christ – in fact Christians should spend time with those who are not yet saved – I also don’t mean that we can’t work together with those who believe differently than us, we should. What I mean is that Christians can only fellowship, that is live life together as partners, if we know the reason for our partnership: Jesus Christ.
John says that one of the reasons for proclaiming Christ is so that we might have fellowship with one another. No Christ? No fellowship. It’s that simple.
Every time the Bible uses this word it speaks of Christians banding together. Whether they are coming together for a meal, for prayer, or to raise funds, they are doing it as partners in Christ. This is the heart of Christian fellowship.
2. True fellowship with each other brings us into fellowship with God
When we fellowship together as Christians, something great happens: we also fellowship with God. John writes, “you… may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” Part of fellowshipping together is to experience God’s presence more fully.
I’m reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Though the context of this passage regards church discipline and dealing with conflict, the principle is still the same: we experience God more fully when we fellowship with each other.
Many think that they can have a relationship with God and yet live apart from the church. This is not God’s plan. We were meant to experience God together as His body, which is simply not possible without fellowship. If you cut off a hand from the body what happens? It dies. If you want to live life with God, you must live life in fellowship with your church.
3. True fellowship results in joy
Why does John write about fellowship? He wants us to have joy. Our joy is completed when we share it with another. If something great happens to you what is you first instinct? Is it not to share your news with others? Sharing our lives in fellowship completes our joy.
The sad truth is, that sometimes when Christians get together they take away from each other’s joy instead of completing it. Often our meetings are marked by criticism, complaints, and conflicts. These things should not be. True fellowship will result in joy. If you are not experiencing joy when you fellowship with other Christians then you are not experiencing true fellowship.
What are your thoughts on fellowship? What are some ways we can grow in our fellowship? How can we make our fellowship more joyful? Share your thoughts with me below!
