Partners in the Gospel

New Series on Koinonia (Fellowship)

Not just social activities with other Christians. It also includes:

• • Close relationships built on mutual interests
  • Attitude of goodwill
  • Joint participation in a common cause

Why Focus on Fellowship?

• • It was something the early Christians were devoted to (Acts 2:42). 
  • People, especially young people, are seeking churches that embody Biblical fellowship.

Growing Young Book (Common Traits of Churches Reaching Young People)

• Keychain Leadership — Young people have an opportunity to get involved now.
• Empathize with Young People 
• Take Jesus Seriously — Personally apply his teachings to their lives.
• Fuel a Warm Community 
• Prioritize Young People
• Be the Best Neighbors — Pay God’s blessings forward in the community.

Upcoming Messages

• Today — Partners in the Gospel
• 2/23 — Responding to Conflict
• 3/2 — The Ministry of Hospitality
• 3/9 — Sacrificial Love
• 3/16 — Unity in the Church

Today: Partners in the Gospel

Koinonia requires a shared commitment to a common cause. Phil. 1:1-11, Rom. 12:1-8.

Types of Partnership in the Bible:

• Military Alliance (2 Chronicles 20:35)
• Business Partners (Luke 5:10)
• Ministry Partners (2 Cor. 8:23; Philemon 1:6, 17)
• Partners in Suffering for the Faith (Hebrews 10:33)

Reflection Question: What binds us together in fellowship with one another as disciples? 

Passage #1: Philippians 1:1-11

• • “Partners” in the Gospel = Koinonia
  • “Share” in God’s grace = Koinonia. 

What Paul is Working Towards (His Mission):

• Proclaiming the Name of Jesus (1:12-18)
• Living Holy Lives (1:27-30)
• Imitating the Heart of Christ (2:1-11)

How the Philippians Partnered with Him:

• Supported Paul Financially (4:14-16) 
• Sent Epaphroditus to Help (2:25-30)
• Contended at His Side for the Cause of the Gospel (2:25, 4:3)  — “Coworkers”

Fellowship is Based on a common experience (God’s grace) and a common goal (Gospel mission).

• Everyone in Christ has received something from God (grace, mercy, forgiveness).
• Everyone in Christ is called to do something for God (love God, love others, make disciples).
• Our common experience and common cause bind us together in fellowship.
• Israel’s common experience was the Red Sea. Their common cause was the Law of Moses.

Passage #2: Romans 12:1-8

• Verse 1 — In view of God’s mercy (what we receive from God), be a living sacrifice (what we do for God).
• Verses 3-8 — We are the body of Christ. Different members with different gifts who share a common purpose.
• The body of Christ is in fellowship because we’ve all received something from God and we’re all called to do something for God.

Faith in Action:

• Don’t Lose Sight of Our Mission. Without it, we lose the common cause that binds us together.i
• Strive to be a Servant, Not a Spectator
• Look for Ways to Equip Others for Service — Not just share information, but train and equip other Christians to take part in the mission.

Study & Reflection:

• What comes to mind when you hear the word fellowship? What about in the church context specifically?
• Has your view of fellowship changed after reading Philippians 1:1-11 and Romans 12:1-8? Why or why not?
• Read Acts 2:42-47. This is a picture of what the church can look like when it’s at its best. What are some of the distinctive characteristics or habits we see here?
• Bryan’s message emphasized how our fellowship with other Christians is based in part on a shared experience of God’s grace. What shared experience did these Christians have in Acts 2 that bound them together? (If you aren’t sure, look back at Acts 2:36-41).
• What experiences do we have in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ that are true even if we disagree with them on other issues?
• The other thing our fellowship is based on is a common cause. What Scriptures would you use to define the common cause that binds us together as disciples? What are the key parts of that common goal?
• What do you think Bryan meant when he called us to be servants instead of spectators? Why do you think some Christians adopt more of a spectator stance?
• In a world that feels more polarized than ever, why is it important for us to live in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ?
• If Koinonia fellowship involves close relationships, an attitude of goodwill, and joint participation in a common cause, what do you think Satan will try to do to sabotage our sense of fellowship as a church?
• What is something you can personally do to promote a greater sense of fellowship as a congregation?