Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7900 The life of the church » 7921 fellowship » 7925 fellowship, among believers The fellowship that believers share as a result of their common union with God through Jesus Christ is expressed in life together. It is evident in worship together, in a love for one another which reflects God's own love and in a practical commitment to one another which is demonstrated in concern for the weak and readiness to share with the poor and needy. Sharing in the fellowship of God's love 1 John 4:10-12 See also John 13:34; John 15:12; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 John 3:10 Sharing in the fellowship of a common devotional life Worshipping together Psalm 55:14 See also Psalm 42:4; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 Praying together Acts 1:14 See also Acts 4:24; Acts 12:12; James 5:16 Breaking bread together 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 2 Peter 2:13; Jude 12 Love feasts accompanied the Lord's Supper though these were open to abuse. True fellowship means sharing with those in need Hebrews 13:16 See also Acts 20:34-35; Ephesians 4:28 Showing hospitality Romans 12:13 See also Isaiah 58:7; Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9; 3Jn 8 Sharing money and possessions Deuteronomy 15:10-11; Acts 2:44-45 See also Deuteronomy 10:18-19 God's people are to reflect his concern for the needy in society; Matthew 25:35-36; Luke 3:11; Acts 4:32-35; 2 Corinthians 8:13-15; 1 Timothy 6:17-18; James 1:27; James 2:15-16 Examples of sharing with the needy Job 31:16-20 Job's compassion for the needy; Acts 6:1 the daily distribution to widows; Acts 9:36 Tabitha's concern for the poor The collection for believers in Judea: Acts 11:29-30; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:3-4 Strengthening one another in fellowship together Bearing with the weak Galatians 6:1-2 See also Isaiah 42:3; Romans 14:1; Romans 15:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Strengthening the weak Isaiah 35:3-4 See also Job 4:3-4 Encouraging one another Hebrews 10:24-25 See also 1 Samuel 23:16; Romans 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 13:3 Putting the needs of others first Romans 15:2 See also 1 Corinthians 10:24,32-33 True fellowship means living in harmony 1 Peter 3:8 See also Romans 12:16; Ephesians 4:2-3; Philippians 2:1-4; Colossians 3:12-14 Showing equal concern for all Acts 10:34; 1 Corinthians 12:25; James 2:1-4 Examples of fellowship Numbers 10:31-32 Moses and Hobab; 1 Samuel 18:3 David and Jonathan; 2 Kings 10:15-16 Jehu and Jehonadab Failure to exhibit true fellowship 1 Samuel 30:22 Troublemakers in David's army are unwilling to share the spoils; 1 Corinthians 1:11-12 factions within the church at Corinth; 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 Selfishness at love feasts humiliates the poor. See also
3035 Holy Spirit, presence of |
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