WITH WHOM SHOULD WE FELLOWSHIP?

Yesterday, I addressed the topic of Christians having fellowship with those who "abideth not in the doctrine of Christ" (2 Jn. 1:9-11). The text clearly teaches that we are not to fellowship with them; we are not to allow them into our homes, nor "bid (them) God speed" (a blessing on their future endeavors). But what is "fellowship?" Christian fellowship may be defined as "associating with those of like mind concerning the things taught in God's Word." Another obvious question is, what is "the doctrine of Christ?" That phrase could mean two things: it could mean those teachings about Jesus Christ, such as His virgin birth, His resurrection. etc.; or it could mean those things Jesus taught during His ministry.

The Book of Romans, perhaps the greatest theological document ever written, sheds much light on what one is to believe concerning Christ and His teachings. First of all, genuine faith has a beginning point of time in one's life (Rom. 13:11). It is at that moment that the individual, having believed the Gospel and placed his faith and trust in Jesus, is born again (saved - Rom. 1:16). He has believed the doctrine of (about) Christ.

At the moment of salvation, God imputes Christ's righteousness upon the believer (Rom. 3:22; 4:3, 5, 11; 4:22-24; 10:9-10; also 2 Cor. 5:21). As long as we walk in obedience to the doctrine of (teachings of) Christ, we remain in a state of righteousness. However, when we disobey God's will, we are tainted with unrighteousness. When that happens, we need to repent (agree with God's view of our behavior, and turn from it) and confess it to God. He, in turn, cleanses us from all unrighteousness, making us righteous once again (1 Jn. 1:8-10). That does not mean one loses his salvation, or ceases to be a child of God. It means that, as God's child, sin produces discipline, weakness, sickness, and even death for those who don't repent (Heb. 12:5-11; 1 Cor. 11:30).

While it is obvious that a believer can not share in Christian fellowship with those who do no claim to believe in Christ, nevertheless, just as Jesus associated with unbelievers (Pharisees, tax collectors, Samaritans, and even adulterers), Christians need to associate with the lost of this world (Matt. 5:16; Mk. 16:15; Acts 1:8; Rom. 12:17-18; 1 Cor. 10:32; 2 Cor. 5:20; Gal. 6:10; Phil. 4:5; 1 Tim. 2:1; 3:7; 1 Pet. 2:17; etc.). We are to be in the world, but not of the world (Jn. 17:14-18); with them, but not yoked to them (2 Cor. 6:14).

That being said then, it is clear that those with whom we are not to have fellowship, are those who do not have the doctrine of Christ, that is, do not follow the teachings of Christ. They claim to be Christians, but their behavior is inconsistent with the teachings of Christ. Jesus taught concerning church discipline in Matthew 18:15-18, Paul wrote concerning the treatment of believers who are not living in accordance to God's Word (Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thes. 5:14; 2 Thes. 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 5:19-20; 6:3-5; etc.). Separation from a brother must be with the goal of reestablishing fellowship (2 Cor. 2:6-8; Gal. 6:1; Jude 22-23).

I would rather be seen with the lost, than with a believer who lives like the lost!