stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 1:1-2)

There’s nothing like being with God’s people. I look forward to it every Sunday morning, small group, church function, and encounter with another believer. If I can fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, I’ll be encouraged and challenged in the Word, prayed for, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.  Christians cannot do without fellowship in an age that promotes isolation and individualism.  We must plan it, pursue it, and promote it. Fellowship is worth fighting for!  

There are “layers” of fellowship.  Fellowship in the Bible comes from the Greek word “koinonia,” which means to share, have in common, or be in communion with God and those who belong to Him, His church.  Philippians 1 mentions two main ingredients to fellowship: Jesus (20 times) and the Gospel (6 times).  We cannot have fellowship apart from these! 

Fellowship occurs when two believers center their attention, conversation, time, and agenda on Jesus through His Word, prayer, worship, and the Gospel. Fellowship is consistent (weekly if not daily).  We are only in fellowship if we are meeting regularly with other believers. Fellowship is intentional (centered in the Word and prayer). Fellowship is a priority (sought and planned) and rarely happens coincidentally. Fellowship is essential (life-giving and joyful). We will not be in fellowship if there is no desire and attempt to encourage, enrich, and enjoy other believers. Fellowship is intentional. 

We must engage in fellowship as the church and in the church. As we see in Philippians 1:1-2, to be in fellowship requires believers to be in certain relationships. The fullness of fellowship can only be experienced when we pursue all four simultaneously. Paul begins his letter by mentioning four groups that are in fellowship – 1) Individual: Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus; 2) Group: the saints at Philippi; 3) Leadership: elders and deacons; and 4) Divine: God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Paul and Timothy wouldn’t be in fellowship unless they were serving Jesus. There should be fellowship in the church body among the saints in Christ. There should also be fellowship with and among church leadership! As though he were saving the best for last, Paul lists the fellowship of God and Jesus as the example by which we base any fellowship as it brings “grace and peace” (v. 2).  

A church pursuing genuine fellowship models after God and Jesus by extending grace and peace, serving Christ like Paul and Timothy, growing in holiness like the church at Philippi, and joining together (in unity) like the elders and deacons.  These are vital markers and makers of fellowship. 

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Are you in fellowship with these four groups?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Pray for your church’s fellowship, leadership, and spiritual growth. 

Action for the Hands (Do)

• How can you increase (quantity and quality) your fellowship in the four groups?