Failures in Fellowship

Listen:

Download: X

Printable Version:  X

Introduction: Historically, the word fellow means to lay money; as to lay money down. A fellow was one who financially supported a business deal with someone else; a business partner. Originally, a fellow was one who shares with another in possession, official dignity, or in the performance of any work; a partner, co-worker. Also, one united with another in a covenant for common ends.  

Fellowship then is to be united together in covenant for a common purpose. That is, the word is stronger in the Bible than is commonly used today. Today, a fellow is just a casual friend or a companion and fellowship means a good time together. In the Bible, it meant more. Paul called one man his “true yokefellow” (Philippians 4:3). This indicated those who were tied together with strong bonds.

We also see the importance placed on our fellowship in the compound words used with fellow. They all show a common purpose and bond. In the Bible, we see:

• Fellowdisciples (John 11:16)
• Fellowservants (Matthew 18:28, 29, 31, 33; 24:49; Colossians 1:7; 4:7; Revelation 6:11; 19:10; 22:9) –10 times
• Fellowhelpers (2Corinthians 8:23; 3John 1:8)
• Fellowlaborers (Philippians 4:3; 1Thessalonians 3:2; Philemon 1:1, 24
• Fellowworkers (Colossians 4:11)
• Fellowsoldiers (Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:2)
• Fellowprisoners (Romans 16:7; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:23)
• Fellowcitizens (Ephesians 2:19)
• Fellowheirs (Ephesians 3:6)

The fellowship of the saints is a very serious business in the Bible. It is the “fellowship of the mystery” (Ephesians 3:9). We “fellowship in the gospel” (Philippians 1:5). We take upon us “the fellowship of the ministering to the saints” (2Corinthians 8:4) and “the fellowship of his sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). But our true fellowship with one another is “with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1John 1:3). In salvation, we “were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1Corinthians 1:9).

As such, we are to guard against false fellowship. We are not to fellowship with “the throne of iniquity” (Psalm 94:20), “with devils” (1Corinthians 10:20), “with unrighteousness” (2Corinthians 6:14), or “with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). And, we are not to be false in our fellowship to others. Our passage in Leviticus 6:1-7 refers to the breaking of the trust of fellowship. It is a serious charge that requires a serious response. We will look at how the law of Moses dealt with this sin and then apply this teaching to our own lives.

I.          THE TRESPASS (6:1-3)

A.        The Breaking of Fellowship is a Sin

B.        The Breaking of Fellowship is a Sin Akin to Lying or Stealing

C.        The Breaking of Fellowship is a Sin Against God (Philippians 2:1-5; 1John 1:3; 4:20)

II.        THE RESTORATION (6:4-5)

A.        Fellowship Lost Was to be Restored (1Corinthians 1:10-11; 12:25; Philippians 4:2; 1Thessalonians 5:13)

B.        The One Who Wronged Was to Give Restoration

C.        The Restoration Cost More Than the Original Loss

D.        The New Testament Changed the Responsibility of Initiating Restoration (Matthew 18:15-18)

III.     THE FORGIVENESS (6:6-7)

A.        The Sin Required the Forgiveness of God

B.        The One Wronged is to Forgive the Other

C.        The Basis for Forgiveness is the Forgiveness of Christ (Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:12-15)

Conclusion: What broken fellowship needs to be restored today?