The concept of the "Fellowship of the Righteous" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the communal and relational aspects of living a life aligned with God's will. This fellowship is characterized by a shared commitment to righteousness, holiness, and the pursuit of godly living, as outlined in Scripture.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of fellowship among the righteous is first seen in the Old Testament, where the people of God are called to live in community, supporting and encouraging one another in their faith. Psalm 1:1-2 highlights the blessedness of those who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked but delight in the law of the Lord, suggesting a separation from unrighteous influences and a commitment to godly community: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night."

In the New Testament, the concept of fellowship is further developed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Acts 2:42 describes the early church's devotion to fellowship: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This passage underscores the importance of communal life centered around teaching, shared meals, and prayer.

Characteristics of the Fellowship

1. Unity in Christ: The fellowship of the righteous is grounded in a shared faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:3-6 calls believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

2. Mutual Edification: Members of this fellowship are called to build one another up in love and good works. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers: "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

3. Shared Suffering and Joy: The fellowship of the righteous involves sharing in both the sufferings and joys of life. Romans 12:15 instructs, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." This shared experience strengthens the bonds within the community.

4. Holiness and Purity: The fellowship is marked by a commitment to holiness and purity, as members encourage one another to live lives that reflect God's character. 1 Peter 1:15-16 states, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Role in the Church

The fellowship of the righteous plays a crucial role in the life of the church, serving as a witness to the world of God's transformative power. John 13:35 records Jesus' words: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." This love and unity among believers serve as a testament to the truth of the Gospel.

Challenges and Encouragements

While the fellowship of the righteous is a source of strength and encouragement, it also faces challenges such as division, sin, and external persecution. The New Testament epistles frequently address these issues, urging believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to one another and to the Lord. Galatians 6:1-2 advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

In summary, the fellowship of the righteous is a vital aspect of the Christian life, providing a supportive community where believers can grow in faith, love, and holiness together. Through this fellowship, the church is strengthened and equipped to fulfill its mission in the world.Psalm 55:14
We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in company.
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Psalm 119:63
I am a companion of all them that fear you, and of them that keep your precepts.
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Amos 3:3
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
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Malachi 3:16
Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought on his name.
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Matthew 17:4
Then answered Peter, and said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if you will, let us make here three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
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Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them to him, and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority on them.
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Matthew 23:8
But be not you called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all you are brothers.
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Mark 10:42-45
But Jesus called them to him, and said to them, You know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority on them.
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Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brothers.
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Luke 24:13-15
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about three score furlongs.
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John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
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John 15:12
This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.
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John 17:11,21-23
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one, as we are.
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Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
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Acts 2:1,42,44-47
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
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Acts 17:4
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
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Acts 20:35
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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Romans 1:12
That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
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Romans 14:1-4,10,13-16,18-21
Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.
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Romans 15:1-7
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
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1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
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1 Corinthians 10:16,17
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
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1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
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1 Corinthians 16:19,20
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
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Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the heathen, and they to the circumcision.
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Galatians 6:2,10
Bear you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
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Ephesians 2:14-22
For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
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Ephesians 5:2,19,30
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling smell.
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Philippians 1:3,5,27
I thank my God on every remembrance of you,
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Philippians 2:1,2
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
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Colossians 2:2
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
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Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
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1 Thessalonians 4:18
Why comfort one another with these words.
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1 Thessalonians 5:11,14
Why comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do.
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Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
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Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works:
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Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue.
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James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
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1 Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
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1 Peter 3:8,9
Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brothers, be pitiful, be courteous:
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1 John 1:3,7
That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
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1 John 3:14
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brothers. He that loves not his brother stays in death.
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1 John 4:7,8,11-13
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.
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In what Sense we are to Leave the World
... There can be no profitable fellowship between the righteous and the unrighteous;
as there can be no communion between light and darkness, " whether you ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 81 in what sense.htm

1 John iii. 4-7
... is transferred to the inner life of the believer, no one can stand in fellowship
with him without showing himself, in his life-walk, to be righteous even as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 7-apr.htm

Sanctification in Fellowship with Immanuel
... Sanctification in Fellowship with Immanuel. ... They know that in Christ they are righteous,
yet they are not comforted; for God says in His Word: "Be ye holy as I ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii sanctification in fellowship with.htm

"We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. ...
... FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD Or, Twenty-Eight Sermons on the First Epistle of John, Chapters
I. and II ... "We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.". ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxvi we have an.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... will be of the Lord's side, and build each other up in Christian love and fellowship. ...
Thus it is by no means to be righteous over-much, to frequent religious ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

On the Trinity. Book i. When I was Seeking an Employment Adequate ...
... an employment adequate to the powers of human life and righteous in itself ... of these
men, and acquit the Church of any complicity or fellowship with condemned ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the trinity book i.htm

The Message and Its Practical Results
... He is in the light,. we have fellowship one with He is faithful and righteous
to another. forgive us our sins,. and the blood of Jesus ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the message and its practical.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... therefore the apostle saith again, that God hath called us 'unto the fellowship
of his ... And hence is that saying, 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

Thursday --The Day of Fellowship.
... THURSDAY"THE DAY OF FELLOWSHIP. ... O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but
I knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me; and I made known unto ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/thursdaythe day of fellowship.htm

1 John ii. 29
... The appellation "Righteous" admits indeed of a reference to Christ; and as the ... the
incarnate Word; He through whom man is reinstated in fellowship with God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 29.htm

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