Ephesians 3:9
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery,
which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God,
who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Fellowship is a word that is sweet to the ears of almost everyone, especially believers. They have a basis for it that spans this present life and the one that is coming. For the sake of review, what is this basis? We will entitle this:
1. The Premises of Fellowship:
It must be built upon the good foundation of the following: (a) the Bible is the written Word of God, His revelation to us; (b) the Lord Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God, Deity. Faith in these essentials will provide a certain measure of fellowship for all believers regardless of their denominational differences.
Anyone who denies the unique Person and work of the Son of God is a deceiver and an antichrist (2 John 1:7). We are to avoid all spiritual fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11; 2 Cor. 6:14).
2. The Problems or Conditions of Fellowship:
The lines of communication must be kept open for unbroken fellowship. God's Word is the hub of the wheel of fellowship with The Almighty. Too often, neglect, indifference, or wilful sin enters into the lives of believers, and fellowship is impaired or broken. A saying goes like this: God's Word will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from God's Word. On the subject of fellowship, we are told this in 1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
But what does a believer do for fellowship when separated or isolated from others of like mind? This is a common problem for those who practice right division. We believe the Lord has more than sufficient grace available for those who are willing to stand alone in a case like this. Someone once said there is plenty of elbow room the closer we get to the Lord. If we learn this secret, there is a fellowship the vast majority of Christians know nothing of. Too much that is called Christian fellowship is really visiting and talking in church. Talking about our wonderful Lord and His Word is greatly neglected today.
True fellowship contributes to spiritual growth and the knowledge of God as Christians share experiences in the right division of His Word. They are also encouraged and inspired to live better and more fruitful lives for His glory. So fellowship in, around, and through His Word.
