“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:42-47

A disciple fellowships regularly with other believers and displays love and unity.

We have been taking progressive steps in learning what a disciple looks like. One thing that should be emerging for us is that being a disciple of Christ is not something we do by some automatic or magical set of words but by a life of commitment to Jesus Christ.

This evening we consider the fact that a disciple fellowships regularly with other believers, and displays love and unity.

The meaning of the word fellowship. The Greek word most commonly used for fellowship in the Christian context is Koinonia which means sharing in something with someone.

This fellowship takes on three forms:

• What we share in together
  • Our Christian heritage
• What we share out together
  • Our service together
• What we share with one another
  • Possessions

The basis of fellowship

• A relationship we have individually with God through Jesus Christ
• Love and unity toward one another
  • Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
• Put interests and concerns of others ahead of our own

Basic elements of Biblical Fellowship

• Challenge to grow
• Sharing Jesus Christ with one another
  • Evangelism
  • Experiences of joy and victories
• Motivate to consistent outreach

The results of fellowship

• Encouragement
• Correction
• Maturity