T2L8 Fellowship [Discipleship Class]

THE HOUSE OF FAITH CHURCH | REPLUM DISCIPLESHIP COURSE

REPLUM INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES | WWW.REPLUM.ORG | WWW.PS127.ORG

T2L8: CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

LESSON OBJECTIVE

By the end of this lesson, you will understand what biblical fellowship means, why it's essential for Christian growth, and how to develop meaningful relationships with other believers in the body of Christ.

KEY VERSE TO MEMORIZE

"They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer." - Acts 2:42

LESSON OVERVIEW

Fellowship is more than just socializing or being friendly - it's one of the essential elements of healthy church life. The early church was devoted to fellowship, and it played a crucial role in their spiritual growth and witness to the world. Today we'll discover what biblical fellowship looks like and how to cultivate it in our own lives and churches. True fellowship transforms both individuals and communities.

WHAT IS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP?

THE MEANING OF FELLOWSHIP

The Greek word for fellowship is "koinonia," which means sharing, partnership, or communion:

"They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer." (Acts 2:42)

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)

Fellowship implies a deep sharing of life, not just surface-level interaction.

FELLOWSHIP IS BASED ON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

True Christian fellowship flows from our common relationship with God:

"that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3)

"God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:9)

We have fellowship with each other because we first have fellowship with God.

FELLOWSHIP IS MORE THAN SOCIALIZING

Biblical fellowship goes deeper than casual friendship:

• Common faith: Shared belief in Jesus Christ

• Mutual commitment: Dedication to one another's spiritual growth

• Shared purpose: Working together for God's kingdom

• Spiritual bond: Unity in the Holy Spirit

• Practical care: Meeting each other's needs

"All the believers were together and had everything in common." (Acts 2:44)

FELLOWSHIP INVOLVES THE WHOLE PERSON

True fellowship engages:

• Mind: Sharing thoughts, ideas, and understanding

• Heart: Expressing emotions, concerns, and joys

• Spirit: Praying together and encouraging spiritual growth

• Actions: Serving together and meeting practical needs

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

GOD CREATED US FOR COMMUNITY

Humans were designed for relationship:

"Yahweh God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helper suitable for him.'" (Genesis 2:18)

"For as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5)

Even in our relationship with God, we're not meant to be isolated individuals.

FELLOWSHIP PROMOTES SPIRITUAL GROWTH

We grow better together than alone:

"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance." (Proverbs 27:17)

"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

FELLOWSHIP PROVIDES ENCOURAGEMENT

Believers need mutual encouragement:

"Therefore encourage one another, and build each other up, just as you also do." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

"But exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called 'today;' lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13)

FELLOWSHIP OFFERS SUPPORT IN DIFFICULTIES

Christians help each other through trials:

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

"Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15)

FELLOWSHIP PROVIDES ACCOUNTABILITY

We need others to help us stay on track:

"Brothers, if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

"Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed." (James 5:16)

THE EARLY CHURCH MODEL

DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP

The early church made fellowship a priority:

"They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer." (Acts 2:42)

Fellowship was as important as teaching, communion, and prayer.

DAILY FELLOWSHIP

Their fellowship was frequent and regular:

"Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart." (Acts 2:46)

"Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." (Acts 5:42)

SHARING MATERIAL POSSESSIONS

Fellowship included practical sharing:

"All who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need." (Acts 2:44-45)

"For there wasn't a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold." (Acts 4:34)

UNITY OF HEART AND MIND

They experienced remarkable unity:

"The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common." (Acts 4:32)

"When they heard this, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord." (Acts 4:24)

POSITIVE WITNESS TO THE WORLD

Their fellowship attracted others:

"praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47)

Their love for each other became a powerful testimony.

BARRIERS TO FELLOWSHIP

SIN AND SELFISHNESS

Sin disrupts fellowship:

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)

"If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don't tell the truth." (1 John 1:6)

PRIDE AND SUPERIORITY

Pride prevents genuine fellowship:

"Do nothing from rivalry or through vain glory, but in humility, each counting others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3)

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

UNFORGIVENESS AND BITTERNESS

Unresolved conflicts destroy fellowship:

"Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

"looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it." (Hebrews 12:15)

CLIQUES AND DIVISIONS

Exclusive groups damage fellowship:

"Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

"For there are also factions among you, that those who are approved may be revealed among you." (1 Corinthians 11:19)

GOSSIP AND SLANDER

Harmful speech destroys fellowship:

"Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)

"A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends." (Proverbs 16:28)

SELFISHNESS AND LACK OF LOVE

Self-centeredness prevents caring for others:

"Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up." (Romans 15:2)

"Let no one seek his own, but each one his neighbor's good." (1 Corinthians 10:24)

Available NOW on Amazon!  

CHARACTERISTICS OF HEALTHY FELLOWSHIP

GENUINE LOVE

True fellowship is marked by authentic love:

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

"Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection." (Colossians 3:14)

MUTUAL ACCEPTANCE

Healthy fellowship includes acceptance of differences:

"Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God." (Romans 15:7)

"Don't be partial to one another in prejudice." (James 2:1)

HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY

Fellowship requires openness and honesty:

"But speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ." (Ephesians 4:15)

"Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:25)

MUTUAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Fellowship builds others up:

"Therefore encourage one another, and build each other up, just as you also do." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24)

PRACTICAL CARE

Fellowship meets real needs:

"If a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you tells them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled;' and yet you didn't give them the things the body needs, what good is it?" (James 2:15-16)

"But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?" (1 John 3:17)

SHARED MINISTRY

Fellowship involves working together:

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's farming, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9)

"As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10)

PRACTICAL WAYS TO BUILD FELLOWSHIP

PRIORITIZE RELATIONSHIPS

Make fellowship a priority, not an afterthought:

"not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let's go to Yahweh's house!'" (Psalm 122:1)

PARTICIPATE IN SMALL GROUPS

Small groups foster deeper relationships:

"Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart." (Acts 2:46)

Small groups allow for:

• Personal sharing and prayer

• Deeper Bible study and discussion

• More intimate fellowship and care

• Accountability and growth

SERVE TOGETHER

Working together builds bonds:

"For we are God's fellow workers." (1 Corinthians 3:9)

"For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12)

SHARE YOUR LIFE

Open your heart and home to others:

"Be hospitable to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:9)

"Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)

PRACTICE FORGIVENESS

Deal with conflicts quickly and biblically:

"Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother." (Matthew 18:15)

PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER

Intercessory prayer strengthens fellowship:

"Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective." (James 5:16)

"praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

SHOW HOSPITALITY

Welcome others into your life and home:

"Be hospitable to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:9)

"contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality." (Romans 12:13)

FELLOWSHIP ACROSS DIFFERENCES

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Fellowship includes people from different backgrounds:

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

"After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)

ACCEPTING DIFFERENT GIFTS

Fellowship celebrates diverse spiritual gifts:

"Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:4)

"For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5)

PATIENCE WITH DIFFERENT MATURITY LEVELS

Fellowship includes new and mature believers:

"We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1)

"Brothers, if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

BRIDGING GENERATIONAL GAPS

Fellowship spans different age groups:

"Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity." (1 Timothy 5:1-2)

"The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair." (Proverbs 20:29)

FELLOWSHIP AND EVANGELISM

FELLOWSHIP ATTRACTS OTHERS

Genuine Christian fellowship draws people to Christ:

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

"praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47)

WELCOMING NEWCOMERS

Fellowship includes reaching out to new people:

"Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God." (Romans 15:7)

"Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)

FELLOWSHIP AS WITNESS

Our relationships testify to God's transforming power:

"that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me." (John 17:21)

When people see Christians loving each other genuinely, it validates the gospel message.

KEY POINTS SUMMARY

• Fellowship (koinonia) means deep sharing and partnership in Christ

• True fellowship flows from our common relationship with God

• Fellowship promotes spiritual growth, provides encouragement, and offers support

• The early church modeled devoted, daily fellowship with practical sharing

• Barriers to fellowship include sin, pride, unforgiveness, divisions, and selfishness

• Healthy fellowship is marked by love, acceptance, honesty, encouragement, and practical care

• Fellowship can be built through prioritizing relationships, small groups, service, hospitality, and prayer

• Fellowship celebrates diversity while maintaining unity in Christ

• Genuine fellowship attracts others and serves as a witness to the world

 SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How would you describe your current level of fellowship with other believers? What could be improved?

2. What barriers to fellowship do you struggle with most? How can you overcome them?

3. How can you be more intentional about building meaningful relationships with other Christians?

4. In what ways can you contribute to creating a more welcoming and loving fellowship in your church?

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Prioritize Fellowship: Make building relationships with other believers a priority in your life, not just an add-on to other activities.

Join a Small Group: If your church has small groups, join one. If not, consider starting one or ask your leaders about beginning this ministry.

Practice Hospitality: Invite other believers into your home regularly. Share meals and life together in informal settings.

Be Vulnerable: Share your struggles and joys with trusted believers. Don't try to appear perfect - let others help carry your burdens.

Reach Out to Newcomers: Make an effort to welcome new people at church and help them feel included in the fellowship.

QUIZ - CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

1. True or False: Fellowship is the same thing as being friendly and socializing.

2. Fill in the blank: "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and ____fellowship___, in the breaking of bread, and prayer."

3. Multiple Choice: The Greek word for fellowship, "koinonia," means: a) Friendship b) Sharing or partnership c) Talking together d) Church attendance

4. True or False: Biblical fellowship is based on our common relationship with God.

5. Fill in the blank: "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's ______countenance_______."

6. Multiple Choice: According to Acts 2, the early church: a) Met only on Sundays b) Had fellowship daily c) Kept to themselves d) Avoided sharing possessions

7. True or False: Pride and unforgiveness can be barriers to fellowship.

8. Fill in the blank: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have ___love_______ for one another."

9. Multiple Choice: Healthy fellowship includes: a) Genuine love b) Mutual acceptance c) Practical care d) All of the above

10. Short Answer: Why is Christian fellowship important for spiritual growth?

Any answer mentioning: we grow better together, provides encouragement, offers accountability, iron sharpens iron, mutual support, etc.