The Neglected Command

Romans 16:17-19

Thesis: To show what the Bible says about fellowship.

Introduction:

1. The subjects of “fellowship” and “withdrawing fellowship” are actually one and the

same.

2. Not much teaching has been done. Many church leaders refer to church discipline as

the Neglected Command.

Discussion:

Let us consider…

I. Definition of Fellowship

A. Strong defines the Greek word, koinonia (pronounced koy-na-ne’-a), to mean

“common (-ality), commune (-ion), union, joint participation, agreement.”

B. Anytime we do common things together, we have fellowship.

1. Potluck suppers are often associated with the term “fellowship.”

2. We engage in fellowship during Bible class, worship, periods of devotion,

service, etc.

3. Generically speaking, we have fellowship with those of the world on the job, at

lunch, entertainment, etc.

C. Anytime there is agreement, there is fellowship.

II. Nature of Fellowship

A. The nature of fellowship is twofold.

1. We enjoy fellowship with God (1 Jn. 1:1-3) through obedience to the faith (Rom.

1:5; 16:26).

2. We enjoy fellowship with each other by walking in the light (1 Jn. 1:7).

B. Notice an example of fellowship.

1. God says, “I have sinned” (Rom. 3:23).

2. I should confess, “I have sinned” (1 Jn. 1:9).

3. When I confess sin, I agree with God; therefore, I have fellowship with God.

4. Where two enjoy fellowship with God, they also share fellowship with each

other.

III. Terms of Fellowship

A. We enter into fellowship through Jesus (Jn. 14:6).

B. We maintain fellowship by walking in the light (1 Jn. 1:7). Notice three areas we need

to watch.

1. Attitude (Eph. 4:1-3; Jn. 13:35).

2. Belief (Eph. 4:4-6; Jude 3).

3. Lifestyle (1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Thess. 3:6).

C. We lose fellowship when we begin (renew) our commitment with the world (2 Cor.

6:14; Eph. 5:11; 1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Jn. 9-11).

IV. Withdrawing Fellowship

A. The church’s identity must be preserved (1 Cor. 5:6-8).

B. Four activities call for withdrawal:

1. Immorality (1 Cor. 5).

2. Rejection of Christ’s teachings (Rom. 16:17; 2 Thess 6-15).

3. General misconduct within the body (Tit. 3:10; 2 Thess. 3:11).

4. Causing division (Rom. 16:17; Tit. 3:10).

C. Withdrawal can have real meaning only if the church’s fellowship is real.

1. If there is no real fellowship, there is nothing to withdraw.

2. True withdrawal demonstrates the church’s realization of her importance with

regard to the Lord and to the brethren.

3. Withdrawal is to also be done with a view toward a hoped-for return to

fellowship (1 Thess. 3:15; 2 Cor. 2:6-11).

4. Discipline and shame are not to be ends in themselves.

5. The church must ever keep in mind that Christ determines both the nature of

fellowship and the terms of withdrawal.

D. The process of withdrawing fellowship is found in Matthew 18:15-18 (ESV).

1. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between yo and him

alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

2. “But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every

charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.”

3. “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.”

4. “And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile

and a tax collector.” (Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a

brother, 2 Thess. 3:15 ESV.)

Conclusion:

1. We should want to walk with God and with all who are faithful to God.

2. We cannot walk with those who are out of fellowship with the Father.