The 4 C’s of Fellowship with God are as follows:

1. Conditions for Fellowship

2. Conduct for Fellowship

3. Characteristics of Fellowship

4. Consequences of Fellowship

Today we will look at the second “C” of Fellowship with God: Conduct.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. – 1 John 2:4-6

If you desire to have Fellowship with God, then you will need to conduct yourself appropriately.  As we have already discussed in our previous lessons, there are “conditions” that we must meet to have fellowship with God; There are also some requirements when it comes to your conduct.  Remember we are discussing “fellowship with God” not salvation.  Don’t get the two confused, as so many people tend to do.  The Bible plainly states in  Titus 3:4-8:

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. – Titus 3:4-8

Your salvation is not dependent upon doing good works, or by behaving correctly.  Behavior is an issue of Fellowship with him, not Salvation.

Think of it this way, would you rather spend your time with someone who behaves in a way that is conducive to the way that you agree with, and enjoy; or would you rather spend time with someone whose behavior, and interests are contrary to yours?

Most people want to “hang out” with people who have similar interests, likes, and desires as they do.

 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? – Amos 3:3 

Pay Attention To Your Conduct

We must pay close attention to our Conduct if we are to maintain close fellowship with God.

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. – 1 John 2:6

  That verse just told you that you “ought” to walk even as he walked.  You may be asking yourself, what does that Mean?

 First of all, notice that we are told that we “ought to walk” this phrase is not just a mere recommendation.  The definition of the word Ought is as follows: “To be held or bound in duty or moral obligation.”

Therefore, we are obligated to walk as the Lord Jesus Christ walked.  The term “walk” in scripture is a reference to our manner of life:

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,1 condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  – Romans 8:1-4

Fellowship Not Salvation

The term walk is not speaking of his gait as he walked down the street. Remember the issue at hand here is Fellowship Not Salvation.  In order to have close fellowship with him, we must follow his commandments.

 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. – John 14:21  

Getting To Know Him

Following his Word of the Lord is how we will get to know him in a real intimate, and personal way.  We are also told in 1 John 2:15-17 That we are to be separate from the World.

 Notice also John 15:18-19, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, and Romans 12:1-2.  We now have different principles and desires that what the World system has to offer.  All that the World can offer is The lust of the flesh, The Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life.  All these things will pass away, and lead to a life that does not have close fellowship with GOD.  

We are reminded in Romans 12 that in order to not be conformed to this world, we must have our minds renewed.  See the study entitled Concentration brings Conformity located on our website for more information on how to renew your mind, and why it is so Important.

In our next lesson, we will look at the “Characteristics of Fellowship” which is the next “C” in our study of the 4 C’s of Fellowship with God.

My hope is that this article provided some encouragement and help for your Christian walk.