We can see in this verse four important qualities about the
corporate 'man'. Through fellowship they are brothers; through
tribulations, they are companions; through the kingdom, they are
submitted to His lordship; and through patience, they are being
tested and tried and purged, that their faith might come forth as
gold. The many-membered new man, which is the true Church, the Body
of Christ, is a company of brothers, along with John, the apostle.
But they are not like ordinary brothers who come to blows when their
father goes out!!
The true Christian fellowship is unique in every way: For one, only
those who walk in the light of His word and His life (1 John 1:7)
have true fellowship. We can only be brethren through fellowship
with one another. The true body of Christ comprises those who have
an intimate fellowship with the Head and with one another. God is
calling us into a genuine, perfect fellowship.
Often we acquire a wrong understanding of the true meaning of
fellowship. It involves brotherhood and love of a kind that is only
found when the life of Christ is maturing within us. A true
fellowship will bring about a bonding; there will be commitment and
there will be growth and progression.
In our soulish nature, we imagine that singing together, coming
together at meetings and crusades, having meals and prayers and such
activities are the essence of what is known as fellowshipping. But
this does not really incorporate the true idea of fellowship.
Fundamentally, fellowship is not a part from the light of God's
word. It means to agree with one another and to be joined together
by the Spirit of God. Fellowship emanates from a relationship with
one another through the working of the cross. As we walk in the
light, there is an unwritten covenant that exists and shackles the
consciences; there is a fusing that becomes deeper and deeper as
believers grows together in the Lord.
Many think that we are called to have friendship in the Body of
Christ; but in the true Body, we know no man after the flesh. We
must not work towards having friendships in the church; but rather,
we should walk in the light and let the Holy Spirit join us in true
brotherhood of saints. Fellowship calls for a determination on our
part to walk by His word in truth, in the narrow way and in the
discipline of His calling. As we daily take decisions to walk in the
reality of His light, there will be a strengthening of our ties and
we shall truly be 'brethren' as the word of God says. Often there is
no progression in our spiritual lives because our relationships in
the Body of Christ are based on an outward and worldly type of
friendship. Invariably, we find that those who do not have a
fellowship based on the pattern of God's word soon part. Ultimately,
a wrong way of fellowship leads to separation and dismemberment from
the Body. Another aspect of fellowship is one's ability to receive
corrections from another brother without in any way feeling offended
in the spirit. It calls for humility and a determination to die to
the flesh, to maintain the bonds of fellowship.
Secondly, the corporate 'man' is a people who are companions in
tribulation and suffering. They are not only brothers through
fellowship, but they are companions through the tribulations they
undergo because of their calling in Christ. God is preparing a many-membered
'man' to be companions in hardship, sorrow, trials, adverse
situations and tribulations of all kinds. When they face tough
situations together, the Spirit of God shall weld them together into
a strong 'one man'. There is nothing like trials to test the depth
of our faith, love and hope.
Thirdly, the many-membered 'man' is a kingdom people, through
submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. They submit to the reign and
rule of the Lord in their lives. Christ, the Head of the church was
submitted to the Father in every way. The Body of Christ can be no
different.
Fourthly, the many-membered 'man' is those who have the patience of
the Lord Jesus Christ. How do they partake of this patience? The
apostle Paul says, "… tribulation worketh patience" (Romans 5:3).
James the apostle says, "... trying of your faith worketh patience.
But if patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing. "(James 1:3-4). These shall have patience
to keep the commandments of God and to have a living faith
(Revelation 14:22). We need patience to deal with others in
brotherly love, to rightly fellowship with others who are so
different from us. Let's admire the wisdom of Paul, the suffering
apostle who wrote, "Now the God of patience and consolation grant
you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus"
(Romans 15:5).
