7925 fellowship, among believers
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

Acts 2:42

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
5566  suffering, encouragements in
5680  family
5690  friends
6705  peace, experience
7025  church, unity
7028  church, life of
7030  unity
8298  love for one another
8304  loyalty
8602  prayer
8622  worship



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