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1 John 1 – Koinonia is a greek word used to talk about the church and the relationships within churches.
How much does this matter to me? How much am I willing to invest into a Koinonia?
Fellowship with the Saints
2 Corinthians 6:14 – If you’re not walking in the light you cannot have Koinonia with those inside the light. Even if you’ve grown up in a church all your life. If you’re not walking with God you’re not going to be in fellowship.
Nurture is no substitution for being born again.
Participation/Communion
1 Corinthians 10:14-22 – Through sharing in communion we become participators. Paul makes it clear that communion is more than just a memorial service. As we drink together we share the sacrificed body of Christ.
As we share together in Christ we are drawn closer together. We are saying to each other “we are one body.” If we take part with our heart right towards God, something spiritual is happening within us and we are being drawn together. If we miss communion we are missing out on something special about our relations within the church.
Time With One Another
Acts 1:13-2:42 – Jesus has ascended to heaven. The disciples had returned to Jerusalem and they had gathered in the upper room. There was a good sized group meeting together regularly.
They devoted themselves not only to the Apostles teaching but also to fellowship. If you show up just for the teaching, and leave right after a service you will have missed out on the interaction that happens before/after a church service. This Koinonia is important.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Unity – A Healthy and Functional Body
1 Corinthians 1:9-17 – Philippians 2 – The Corinthians had a flawed fellowship practice. Each of us has been called into the fellowship with Christ. This makes conflict within the body of believers inappropriate.
A divided church is injuring itself, its not getting anywhere fast. It might just destroy itself.
Ephesians 4 – Division is one of Satans favorite weapons against he church. When a body of believers is filled with humility, gentleness, patience and love they can come to a good place of unity. There will be differences, but if we support each other and support the body and are dedicated to each one we can walk together in unity.
Church Family = Family
Mark 10:29-30 – These titles of family indicate a loyalty and bond to each other. A bond that can be as strong as that in a family. That is the kind of bond that can come within a church of believers who are committed to and fellowshipping with each other.
Romans 10, 1 Corinthians 12:26 – Think of a strong family that you look up to. There is love, loyalty, respect and belonging. A healthy church has the same kinds of characteristics. There is love for all of the members. Everyone belongs and everyone matters.
Some Challenges
- Try to get to know that person that you don’t know.
- Don’t just relate to just those who are related to you.
- If someone joins our church, they should feel just as much a part as if he was family.
- Watch out for those who may be slipping through the cracks.
The bad news is that Koinonia takes a lot of work and effort. It is much easier to not care that much. Especially in a busy, individualistic American culture. How much are you willing to give up for your church? For the fellowship that Christ died for.
1 John 3:16 – May God give us the strength, love, wisdom to develop a strong Koinonia here at Bethel.