SESSION 9
I. Fellowship with Other Christians:
The church is the only fellowship in the world where the one requirement for membership is the unworthiness of the candidate.
1. Biblical Fellowship
- Read 1 John 1:3.
- What was the author’s purpose for proclaiming what he had seen and heard?
- With whom did he have fellowship?
- “Fellowship” is derived from the Greek word “koinonia“, which means “sharing in common”. As you examine the verses below, determine what you can share with others.
- 1 Peter 1:22
- Galatians 6:2
- Galatians 6:6
- In the first century church in Acts 2:44-47 you can see fellowship at its best.
- What were they devoting themselves to?
- All those that had believed were together and had all things in common (v. 44). What specifically did they have in common?
- What was the result of that kind of fellowship?
- Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.
- Can a Christian have Biblical fellowship with a non-Christian?
- In light of this verse, what should your relationship with non-Christians be based upon?
2. The Purpose of Fellowship
- Study Hebrews 10:24-25.
- As Christians, what are we to take time to “stimulate each other” to?
- How can you do this to Christians around you?
- What is your responsibility to the body of believers at your church?
- Examine Hebrews 3:13.
- How often should Christians encourage one another?
- Why is that so important?
- In Galatians 6:1-2, what is another purpose for proper fellowship in the church?
- According to Ephesians 4:2-3, what will preserve the unity of the Spirit in the body of Christ?
II. Sharing Christ with Others:
Witnessing is not merely an activity; it is a way of life. Christians don’t do witnessing; they are are witnesses—good or bad.
1. A Holy Life
- According to 2 Corinthians 7:1, why are we to live a holy life?
- According to James 3:13, what shows that a person is wise and has understanding?
- Read 1 John 3:2-3. This passage says that Christ is going to return to earth again and we will be in His full presence.
- If you fix your hope on His coming, what will be the result? (v. 3)
- Why would being conscious of Christ’s coming alter the way you live?
- Read 2 Timothy 2:21-22.
- What kind of person is useful to the Master?
- What are you to flee?
- What are you to pursue?
- Why are you to keep your body from immorality? 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
- What will be the results of letting Christ live in your life? Matthew 5:16.
- What good is your testimony to the world if you do not live a holy life? Matthew 5:13.
2. Verbal Witness
- In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul tells us how to be ready to give a verbal witness. What attitudes and actions are to be taken?
- There are two essential principles to remember about a verbal witness. What are they?
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8
- 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
- We do not have to be fearful in our verbal witness because God through His Spirit has given us __________________, __________________ and __________________________. 2 Timothy 1:7.
- 1 Peter 3:15 gives you both a challenge and an instruction with regard to being a witness.
- Sanctify means “to be set apart”. Your heart is to be set apart for whom?
- What should you be ready to do at any time?
- In what way are you to do it?
- Are you prepared to share the gospel with another person? If not, the best way to equip yourself is to:
- Prepare your personal testimony.
- Learn the verses and a presentation you could use to show someone how to become a Christian.
3. The Romans Road – What does each verses tell us about how to be saved?
- Romans 3:10
- Romans 3:23
- Romans 5:8
- Romans 5:12
- Romans 6:23
- Romans 10:9
- Romans 10:13
III. Scripture memory verses for the week:
Hebrews 10:24-25 and 1 Peter 3:15