“That Ye May Have Fellowship With Us”
A Sermon Outline

I. Introduction: There are various Greek words concerning “fellowship” in the New Testament. Related Greek terms such as the following: κοινωνέω, κοινωνία, κοινωνός; μετοχή, and συγκοινωνέω. All of them carry similar definitions, such as: “partnership, that is, (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction: - (to) communicate (-ation), communion, (contri-), distribution, fellowship.” See: Strong’s # 2841; 2842, 2844, 3352, and 4790. Like some of the Greek words above, if you dive into word studies further, you will see other related words that are not translated "fellowship," but are certainly relative to the what fellowship is (i.e. "συγκοινωνός" Strong's 4791).

A. We will see in this lesson that true fellowship with the saints first requires one to be in fellowship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ (II John 1:9-11).

1. Jesus’ prayer clearly illustrates this truth (John 17:20-23).
2. God has drawn a very clear line in regard to fellowship (Ephesians 5:1-11).

1. This relationship is with the Father too (I John 2:23-24).
2. This relationship is with the Holy Ghost as well (II Corinthians 13:14).

1. Light and darkness represent opposites. The opposites are God and Satan, right and wrong (Proverbs 2:6-15 and Acts 26:18-20).
2. God is the Father of lights (James 1:17; cf. Matthew 5:14-16).
3. Those in the kingdom are not in darkness (Colossians 1:12-13).
4. Liars claim fellowship with God while walking in darkness. Actions tell the truth (Matthew 7:15-20 and Titus 1:16).
5. We know who we are in fellowship by whether or not they are walking in the light. That is explained a few verses later (I John 2:3-6).

1. Marriage is not fellowship because you can be married to a non-believer (I Peter 3:1-2).
2. Eating food in a social setting is not fellowship because you can do so with a non-believer for mere social purposes (I Corinthians 10:27).

• This does not mean that social meals are always permissible. WHY? One who has been withdrawn from is an exception because Christians are instructed not to keep company with such a person (I Corinthians 5:9-13 and II Thessalonians 3:14-15).
• It is commonly misunderstood because of the phrase “withdraw fellowship” that is often used. The thing is, the biblical language is “withdraw yourselves” (II Thessalonians 3:6).

1. It is about not being around someone! That goes beyond what fellowship is. This principle is not limited to what is commonly called "church discipline" either (Romans 16:17-18 and I Timothy 6:3-5).
2. Additionally, fellowship between God and sinner does not exist (Isaiah 59:1-2). Therefore, I often note that when we withdraw from an erring brother or sister, God has already done so.
3. This is why an erring saint needs “converted” (James 5:19-20).

• I stated “eating food in a social setting” as a distinction because there is a setting wherein eating IS spiritual fellowship [communion] (I Corinthians 10:15-17).

1. Read: Philippians 4:10-18; cf. Philippians 1:3-5. Then, take a look at the word “communicated” (4:15). Same thing in Galatians 6:6 “communicate.”
2. Read: Romans 12:13 and Romans 15:25-27. Look at the words “distributing” (12:13) and “contribution” (15:26).
3. Read: II Corinthians 8:1-9:13. Then, take a look at 8:4 and 9:13 (the word “distribution” in 9:13).

1. Think of the idea of “the rights hands of fellowship” (Galatians 2:9).
2. Fellowship is about sharing in spiritual things (Philippians 3:10).