The True Fellowship of Saints
2007 August 9
The fellowship shared by believers is a marvelous thing. Sometimes I wonder how much we know about fellowship in the church today. In fact, it seems that we mainly use the word to describe chatting with one another over a meal or some cookies and juice. This is a far cry from the fellowship of the New Testament church. Notice the type of fellowship that the early believers shared:
- They were “fellow-prisoners” for the sake of Christ – Romans 16:7; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:23
- They were “fellow-helpers” in the ministry of Christ – 2 Corinthians 8:23; 3 John 1:8
- They were “fellow-citizens” of the household of God – Ephesians 2:19
- They were “fellow-heirs” of the inheritance of Christ – Ephesians 3:6
- They were “fellow-members” of the body of Christ – Ephesians 3:6 (RV & Newberry)
- They were “fellow-partakers” of the promise in Christ – Ephesians 3:6 (RV & Newberry)
- They were “fellow-soldiers” for the cause of Christ – Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:2
- They were “fellow-labourers” and “fellow-workers” in the gospel of Christ - Philippians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; Philemon 1:1, 24 / Romans 16:21; Colossians 4:11
- They were “fellow-servants” under the Lordship of Christ - Colossians 1:7; 4:7; Revelation 6:11
This is true fellowship!
Great post Steve.
Thanks, Mike,
I appreciate you linking through to the article on your new blog. You must be a man of incredible influence judging from the surge in hits this post has received from your blog.
By the way, congratulations on entering the blogging world. This is good to see. I trust that God will use it to His glory.
Steve
Steve, believe me, it has nothing to do with my influence, but with that of the gracious and godly Dave Black. I only had to write two lousy posts and he had already linked to me, and this without any communication on my part to him. What can I say? It’s grace!
~ Mike