Every tribe, community, or association is distinguished by its communal lifestyle – what we commonly call fellowship.
In the world system, various organizations and groups often present attractive social connections and networking opportunities that may draw people to say, “I want to belong to such an association.”
However, biblical fellowship stands distinctly apart from worldly associations.
When the Scripture admonishes us in Hebrews 10 vs 25, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,” it speaks of a deeper, more meaningful connection rooted in our shared faith in Christ.
The question often arises: Why is it crucial for believers to fellowship with other saints? Some might argue, “Can’t I just worship God alone?” or “Shouldn’t I just know God for myself?”
While personal relationship with God is fundamental, we must understand that we were created for community.
The divine design for our spiritual growth and development includes meaningful connections with fellow believers.
Consider this profound truth: we are created for community. In isolation, we become vulnerable to spiritual attacks and may feel inadequate when facing life’s trials and temptations.
Just as a lone ember quickly loses its glow when separated from other burning coals, our spiritual fervor may diminish when we disconnect from fellow believers.
Through the new birth, we have been brought into a living hope and incorporated into God’s family – a spiritual ecosystem where every member contributes to the growth and edification of others through fellowship.
As Paul beautifully expresses in Ephesians 4 vs 16, we are joined and knit together, with every part doing its share, causing growth in the body for the edifying of itself in love.
FELLOWSHIP OF THE SAINTS BIBLE VERSES
Here are some key Bible verses about the fellowship of believers (also known as the communion or fellowship of saints):
Acts 2 vs 42:
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
1 John 1 vs 7:
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Hebrews 10 vs 24 – 25:
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
1 Corinthians 12 vs 12 – 13:
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body.”
Philippians 2 vs 1 – 2:
“So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Romans 12 vs 4 – 5:
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
Galatians 6 vs 2:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Ephesians 4 vs 2 – 3:
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
NOT FORSAKING THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE BRETHREN
Going back to Hebrews 10 vs 24 – 25, the Bible encourages us that we must not forsake the gathering of the saints because it is profitable for the believer’s growth.
Another reason we should not forsake the gathering of the saints is because it is profitable for recognizing and following God’s will for our lives.
The aim of the coming together or fellowship of the saints or believers in the local assembly is to provoke, inspire, and stimulate fellow believers unto love and good works.
A good example of the fellowship among believers can be seen in the Book of Acts:
Acts 13 vs 1 – 2: “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Verse 2: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them”.
Notice the writer’s introductory words; they were in the church at Antioch.
In other words, this was about the gathering of believers. A crucial fact to observe is verse 2.
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Therefore, it is evident that Paul and Barnabas received God’s leading and direction for the work of the ministry in the gathering of believers.
This means we receive instructions, directions, guidance, and impartation in the gathering of believers.
In the gathering of believers, we are trained to acknowledge or to be intelligent with the things of the Spirit.
In the life of Paul when they wanted to go to Phrygia to go and preach, the Spirit redirected them, they were able to know this because of the intelligence of the Spirit. (Acts 16 vs 6 – 8)
If they were unintelligent with revelations, they could have taken definite actions without putting facts together.
Thus, the gathering of revelation of the Spirit is an intelligent activity. That was why Paul had to bring to Timothy’s remembrance the prophecies that had gone ahead of him. (1 Timothy 1 vs 18)
Therefore, the believer will be unintelligent to forget prophecies or discard revelations of the Spirit received in the gathering of believers.
MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS
Romans 12 vs 13: Contribute to the needs of God’s people (sharing in the necessities of the saints): pursue the practice of hospitality.
In my previous writings, I have explained that one of the ways God meets the needs of the saints is by the help of other believers in the Local assembly.
Apostle Paul in his many writings in the Epistles, encouraged believers to always give generously to the work of ministry and also to the saints, for this is a form of fellowship.
Hence, the verse above says believers should pursue hospitality and learn to contribute to the needs of God’s people.
We also see the spirit of oneness and fellowship in the Book of Acts 2 vs 44 – 47:
Verse 44: And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and (together) they had everything in common:
Verse 45: And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need.
Verse 46: And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes, they broke bread (including the Lord’s Supper). They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts,
Verse 47: Constantly praising God and being in favour and goodwill with all the people, and the Lord kept adding (to their number) daily those who were being saved (from spiritual death).
Today, I encourage you to honour the gathering of believers for by having this culture, your faith is being built up and you will easily receive God’s leading and direction from fellow believers.
God bless you! Am sure this teaching has blessed you, kindly share it with your Church group, and I invite you to also read our bible study on the Book of Hebrew Chapter 9.
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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