We are to find our place in the body of Christ. As tools in the Master's tool box, we all have our purpose as instruments of ministry to the world, and to the church.
It should be as smooth as can be, to take our place, and do our part. But when there is division in the fellowship, when there is self-contentedness, and an inward focus, it makes it hard to find a space,
and accomplish Kingdom work, as a Kingdom worker.
Our English word "fellowship" is the translation of the Greek word "Koinonia"
This Greek word is derived from the root, "Koinos" which has a prefix in Ancient Greek. If you were to add this prefix to words meaning "living" "owning a purse" a dispute, and mother, you would get words meaning; living in a community together, owning a purse in common, a public dispute, and having a mother in common. So we see that the root of the word"fellowship" means "to hold something in common." It is more than just a word that describes our social gatherings. As Christians, we hold someone in common. That someone is Jesus Christ.
Theme: Let's look at 1 Corinthians 1:9-10, and examine our Christian fellowship more closely.
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FELLOWSHIP.
(1 Corinthians 1:9) What is the origin of our Christian fellowship? It begins with God faithfully calling us into fellowship with His Son (Read 1 John 1:7)
The vertical relationship (with God) must be right before the horizontal relationships (with others) will be right.
THE FRAMEWORK OF OUR FELLOWSHIP
(1 Corinthians 1:10) The Apostle Paul addresses the problem of division in the church at Corinth. In so doing, he establishes here the proper framework for solid Christian fellowship.We can apply what he presents here. He pleads with them in the name of the Lord Jesus to:
1. Speak the same thing. (Agree in the Lord)
2. Let there be no divisions among you.
3. Be joined together in the same mind. (Phil.2:1-5)
4. Have the same judgment. (Thought & Purpose)
Conclusion: TEAM=Together, Each, Accomplishes, More. GP
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