Scripture: II Corinthians 6:14-18

C.I.: “What a Fellowship!”

Last week we began a new series – where we noted if something is important for us to do first (e.g., “First things first!”) – then it is important enough to be sure we continue to do (“First things Last!”). Today…

I. Its Not What We Have, But What We Have in Common!

A. The Source of “Our Commonality”:

1. All Christians share the same beginning
a. The word “Fellowship” = koinwnia, means; to share, to have in common - (ILLUST.: Overlap)!
1) Physical F. = Things in common (food, shelter) – (Matt. 6:31-32), “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat/drink/wear?’ All these things the Gentiles…- Your heavenly Father knows..
2) Spiritual F. = the same, some differences – (Psa. 105:4), “Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.” - (Psa. 14:1), “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is..”
3) Sadly, there is one thing we all have in common - (Rom. 3:23), “All have sinned….”
b. In order for us to be in Fellowship with God – there is one thing we all MUST have in common;
1) (I Jn. 1:3), “What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, – that you may have fellowship with us; - and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son J.C.”
2) It is impossible for a person to be in fellowship with God – who does not share in their obedience to the words of the apostles.
(i) Fellowship is not about what we “say” – (I Jn. 1:5-6), “God is light… if we say we have..
(ii) No wonder II Cor. 6:14, asks, “What FELLOWSHIP have light and darkness?”
(iii) F. is about what we do – (I Jn. 1:7). “If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the….”
3) So our shared obedience puts us into F. with God – and with everyone else who is in F. w/God

2. But there is a tendency of man – to want what God offers – but also to want what we want too!
a. After the cross - God’s people were called by various names – but they were all ONE!
1) Disciples – (Acts 6:1), “Now at that time while the disciples were all increasing….”
2) Christians – (Acts 11:27), “…the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
b. In the Bible we do not read of various denominations – reason is because there weren’t any.
1) The idea of denominationalism when it arose later –it was condemned by God!!
2) (I Cor. 1:10-13), “Now I exhort you, brethren by the name… all agree and there be no…!”
3) Thus, separating into various groups, factions, and denominations – is a rejection of fellowship
c. We can have no fellowship with those - who reject fellowship with God!!!
1) Word - (Rom. 16:17), “Keep your eye on those who cause dissensions… turn away from them
2) Action - (I Cor. 5:11), “I wrote you not to associate with any so-called brother who is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler…..”
3) (II Thess. 3:14-15), “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter … do not regard..”
d. God desires, indeed He commands – that all His people be united in fellowship with His word;
1) (Phil. 2:2), “Make my joy complete, by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love…”
2) (Eph. 4:3-6), “Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. – There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord..
3) Jesus desires TOTAL fellowship – (Jn. 17:21), “That they all may be one, even as You…!”

B. The Marks of True Christian Fellowship (is that in which we share with God):

1. We Share Each Others Joys & Sorrows (that which causes God joy/sorrow should do so for us):
a. (Rom. 12:15), “Rejoice with those who rejoice, - and weep with those who weep.”
1) Examples of Rejoicing: (Acts 2:46), “…they were taking their meals together with….”
(i) Some people get the wrong idea about Jesus – “A divine Spoil-Sport!”
(ii) But Jesus was a very gregarious, social individual – weddings, banquets, meals – even children were in love with this man who filled every moment with life!!!
2) Examples of Weeping: (Phil. 3:10), “…that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings….”

2. We Share Each Others Physical Struggles
a. We have been blessed by God so we can be a blessing):
1) God calls for us to be willing to share of what He has give us – for the be efit of others
2) (Gal. 6:10), “While we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially…”
b. As with the other areas – the consequence of a lack of fellowship – is frightening…
1) (Matt. 25:41-42), “Then the King will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil & his angels; for I was hungry and you have me nothing to eat, thirst…, stranger…!”

3. We Share Each Others Spiritual Struggles:
a. (II Cor. 11:29), “Who is weak without my..? – Who is led into sin without my intense concern
b. How our F. should cause us to respond to our shared weakness;
1) Before sin - (Heb. 3:13), “Encourage one another day after day…” – cards, calls, visits, etc.
2) During sin - (Gal. 6:1), “If a brother is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual…”
3) No wonder God says, “Bear one another’s burden and thus fulfill the law…,” (Gal. 6:2).
4) This takes time, concern, compassion – and the willingness to risk a relationship to save a soul

4. We Share a Great Co-Mission with God:
a. When we are sharing the good news of Jesus with others – we are sharing in the greatest work in the world – with the greatest power over the world.
b. This is what Jesus means when He says, - (Matt. 28:19-20), “Go … I will be with you…!”

CONCLUSIONS:

1. Are you in fellowship with God? - (Does your life conform to the word of God?)

2. Are you close to God but want to be in fellowship wit Him? (quote Acts 22:16)

3. Are you a child of God but still have parts of your life outside of His will? (quote Acts 3:19)