FELLOWSHIPPING ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE
The biblical Word of God’s tells followers of Jesus Christ: “Let us not neglect meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25). But the Bible warns: “brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who… are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” (Roman 16:17).
Yet, true followers are instructed to meet together, for “If we walk in the light, as [Jesus] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7).
AVOIDING THOSE NOT ALIGNED WITH THE BIBLE
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Lord’s apostle Paul, who was filled with the Holy Spirit and inspired by God, wrote that in the last days, many “People will be lovers of themselves…having a form of godliness but denying its powers” (2 Timothy 3:1-5; John 3:19-21). These people “gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). And they will be “deceiving and being deceived.” But he tells the people of the Lord, “have nothing to do with such people” (2 Timothy 3:5).
To prevent God’s people from being misled, Paul tells us about false prophets of Satan, who appear as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). The Apostle says: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). As a Spirit filled leader of God’s people, Paul was not hesitant to exposed false teachers by name who did not teach the truth—Hymenaeus, Alexander, Philetus (1 Timothy 1:19; 2 Tim. 2:16-18).
The Lord Jesus Christ warned his true followers to beware of false prophets and false Christ who will deceive many (Matthew 7:15; 24:5). Nevertheless, he assures those who abide in his Word, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Nevertheless, the biblical Word of God instructs those who believe and obey God to “pray for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). And “gently instruct those who oppose the truth” In the hope God will change their hearts, and they will accept the truth (2 Timothy 2:25)
For it is not God’s will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and believe in and obey his Son Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16; Matthew 4:4).
FINAL SEPARATION AND FELLOWSHIPPING ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD
According to Scripture, the Lord has reserved judgment day for the complete separation of the sheep from the goat–his followers from those who are not (Matthew 25:31-33). However, pending judgment day the Lord uses his biblical Word to instruct his people on identifying and separating themselves from people “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5).
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
Jesus said, “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63). But, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits [by God’s Word] whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1-3)
“And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9).
BENEFITING FROM MEETING ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD
- 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 (1 John 17).
- Stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).
- Encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
- Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
- Encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
The Bible urges people whose Savior and Lord is Jesus Christ to meet together “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day [of judgment] drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).
