Fellowship

Text: Eph. 5:11; I Jn. 1:3

INTRO:

1. Very important subject in light of the condition of the church.

2. Will you stand for the truth about this subject?

I. What is fellowship? (5 Greek words)

A. Koinonia = joint participation, association

B. Koinonos = partner, companion, partaker

C. Metoche = partnership, participation

D. Koinoneu = share, participate in the deeds of others

E. Sunkoinoneo = to become a partaker together with others

II. What standard is to be used in determining fellowship?

A. Rom. 16:17

B. II Jn. 4, 6, 9-11

C. I Pet. 4:11

D. I Thess. 2:13; II Thess 2:15; 3:6, 14-15

E. I Jn. 1:3; Jn. 17:20-21

III. When does one enter fellowship with God and faithful Christians?

A. Mk. 16:16

B. Gal. 3:26-27

C. Acts 2:38

D. Jn. 3:3-5

IV. How does one stay in fellowship with God and faithful Christians?

A. Continue - Acts 2:42

B. Abide - II Jn. 9-11

C. Keep - I Jn. 2:3-5

D. Hold - II Tim. 1:13; II Thess. 2:15

E. Walk in the light of God's word - I Jn. 1:5-9

V. Can fellowship be refused or withdrawn?

A. Gal. 2:1-14

B. Eph. 5:11

C. Rom. 16:17

D. II Thess. 3:6-15

E. I Cor. 5:1-11

F. Tit. 3:10-11

G. Withdrawal should be preceded by attempts to restore the unfaithful - Gal. 6:1-2; Jas. 5:19-20