Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7925 fellowship, among believers

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

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.