FELLOWSHIP

"Fellowship" translates the Greek koinonia, meaning "participation, association, sharing," etc. Fellowship exists on two levels -- the vertical level (that which the Christian enjoys with God), and the horizontal level (that which children of God share with one another). (a) The Bible stresses the wonderful "communion" that Christians entertain with the entire Godhead. We fellowship with the Father as we live in harmony with his will (1 Jn. 1:3; 1 Cor. 1:9). We particularly enjoy fellowship with Christ when we observe the "communion" supper (1 Cor. 10:16). There is even a communion with the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14). (b) There also is the fellowship that believers share with each other (1 Jn. 1:3). Such fellowship can only be enjoyed, however, with those who are sincerely seeking to "walk in the light" of divine truth (1 Jn. 1:7). When a child of God becomes rebellious and unreachable by any other means, fellowship with him must be terminated, to the end that he will feel the isolation and return to the warmth of his spiritual family (2 Thes. 3:6; 14-15). See DISCIPLINE, CHURCH. One final comment. The Christian is not to fellowship (participate in) the "unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Eph. 5:11). This does not mean, however, than he can have no association at all with those in the world -- for then he would have to leave the world (1 Cor. 5:9ff), and he could exert no influence for good (Mt. 5:14-16). One must never, however, share activity in an evil work.