UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (PHILIPPIANS 1:3-5)

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                                                                   

Understanding the meaning of Christian fellowship (Philippians 1:3-5) 

Recently, the members of our church went on an organized hike/walk. For those who participated in this event, it was both enjoyable and memorable. We heard comments from participants which may sound like, “We had a wonderful time of fellowship!” or “What a great opportunity to have fellowship and at the same time enjoy the beauty of God’s creation”.  This is a good time for us to understand the importance of fellowship and Church activities. What does the Bible teach us about Christian fellowship? The Apostle Paul wrote of this subject in his epistle to the Philippians. 

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”  Philippians 1:3-5

The word “fellowship” used in the Bible has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. The root word in the language of the New Testament offers several meanings including, sharing, partnership, or holding something in common. In the above passage, it is used to signify the commonality or the communion that the believers share in the Gospel. This leads us to the most common usage of this word, which has the meaning of fellowship, of commonality of faith in the Gospel.

A. Fellowship based on our common faith in the Gospel. 

Christian fellowship has to be based upon our common faith in the Gospel. We share a common faith in salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work of atonement for us. In the book of Acts the early believers shared a common faith based upon the teaching of the Apostles.

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

Christian fellowship will have no meaning without a common faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christian fellowship will be no different from the myriad of social groups, hobby clubs, or common interest groups in society at large. So, what distinguishes Christian fellowship from all other social clubs is the commonality of faith, the belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God who came to die on the cross for sinners. And by faith in His work of atonement, we obtain the forgiveness of sins and the free gift of eternal life. This is a special work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and a special calling that believers possess. Thus we have the Apostle Paul who wrote,

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6

B. The sharing or participation in activities as believers in a common faith

One might ask, what has this got to do with our activities as a church? The word communion also has the meaning of sharing, contributing, or participating in an event or activity. But not just any activity, because the worldly clubs and societies will have activities as well. Christian fellowship is characterized by a common goal to glorify God and to see His will and work carried out. Biblical examples of fellowship may be the gathering for a shared meal as in Acts 2:42 to remember the Lord. Or it may be a common activity of collection for the needy in Rom 15:26, where the word is translated as “contribution”. It may also be the identifying (thus participating in and) with the work of missions, such as the disciples who extended their hand of fellowship in Galatians 2:9 to Paul and Barnabas in their missionary endeavor.

Thus, fellowship in its broadest sense is any Christian activity where God is worshipped, the believer’s common faith is strengthened, and where there is the unity of the spirit in mutual care and sharing.

During the recent church activity, Sister Abby was assigned as a “guide” for the visually impaired on this hike. I have attached a testimony of the experience of our Sister Abby on the recent hike. In this testimony, our sister had the opportunity to enjoy Christian fellowship, giving thanks for the goodness God has bestowed upon the group, caring for one another, and sharing the good time with fellow Christians.

“With a sigh of hopeful relief, God granted us clear skies and a welcoming weather for a hike and a walk in the park. As all gathered and separated into our respective groups, each of us began this journey of self-discovery.

“Be careful!” and “Look out!” were words surrounding the lushes leaves and towering trunks. As we chitter-chatter our way around the flat yet steep pathway, my thoughts were nothing but caution.

Personally, my experience with Sister Siow Ling was a time when I learned to be someone’s eyes. Even though, I have sight, Sister Siow is more stable and confident than I am, as she trudged along the steep slope. Thank God for giving me this heart-warming opportunity to rely on Him.”

Beloved, let us love not just in word, but in deed and truth. Church fellowship groups, bible study groups, church camps, and other church activities are organized so that we practice our common faith. We gather to glorify God, give Him thanks for His wondrous works, edify one another, and strengthen each other in the faith. Brothers and sisters, let us be ready to participate in activities in the church, and may God have the glory, and may His people be edified. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor