Page 57 - Ecclesiology Textbook Masters

strangers in this world, and we long for the time when we will be in our true home, heaven.

The importance of true Christian fellowship is that it reinforces these things in our mind and helps us to
focus on Christ and His desires and goals for us. As iron sharpens iron, in true Christian fellowship
Christians sharpen one another’s faith and stir one another to exercise that faith in love and good works,
all to God’s glory.

How do we truly fellowship? What does the Scriptures say about fellowship?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Romans 1:12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not
neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as
you see the Day drawing near.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and the prayers.

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness
with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

From these verses, we learn some of the basic principles of fellowship.

1. True Christian fellowship is only possible between believers. While we need to maintain
relationships and friendships with lost people, true fellowship can only happen between believers. That
is why God tells young people to avoid marriage with a lost mate. According to 2 Corinthians 6:14, there
will be no possible way to have a spiritual union between a believer and a lost person. One is in the
light, and the other is in the darkness and cannot understand spiritual truth (I Cor. 2:14). This is also
why a believer should never partner in business with a non-believer. They will never see eye-to-eye on
the business model or the ethics of business. One is blind and the other can see.

When we come together for fellowship at church, the group should be all believers. If you bring lost
people into the fellowship, great. Don’t call it a fellowship time. Call it evangelism.

2. One purpose of fellowship is to edify and encourage one another. Believers face the same troubles
and trials as everyone else. Life can bring all kinds of discouraging ordeals to anyone. When we get
together for fellowship, one of the purposes is that we edify or “build-up” one another in faith. It is

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