Read 2 Cor 8:23, Phil 2:22, 25, Phil 4:3, Col 1:7, 4:7, 10-11 , 1
H
ow we view other believers is vitally important. Think about it! You rock up to church on Sonday morning and the hall or auditorium is filled with people just like yourself. When you think or reflect on these people, what do you think? Does your mind just dismiss them or ignore them? Do you mentally comment on their hair do or style of clothing? Do you cringe at the way that particular person acted the other Sonday?
If Paul were to stand in a congregation, as he no doubt did many times, I suspect he would look around with a warm heart and that he would be encouraged by all the people he sees who are partners in the gospel with himself.
We catch a glimpse of Paul’s thoughts on others in several passages, including those we read earlier. In 2 Cor 8:23 Paul talks about Titus.
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honour to Christ.
The word Paul uses for partner is koinōnós meaning companion. It comes from the well worn word koinōnia (κοινωνία) meaning fellowship. The word picks up on the rich and deep fellowship Christians have in Christ Jesus. Paul considers Titus a fellow participant, a companion in the faith. The other term used fellow worker is simply one word in the Greek, synergós, which is a compound word made from syn (together) and work (ergo).
In Philippians 2:22 Paul describes his relationship to Timothy in terms of a father son relationship where they slaved together in the work of the gospel.
Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25 is called a co-worker and a co-soldier in Christ Jesus. They battle and fight together for the cause of the gospel.
Euodia and Syntyche are said to have contended (or wrestled) by Paul’s side for the sake of gospel with all the other co-workers, all of whom share their names in God’s Book of Life.
In Col 1:7 Epaphras is called, literally in the Greek, the beloved co-slave. He is someone dearly loved and who has proved himself to be a slave of Jesus Christ, right beside Paul in all his labours.
Tychichus is lauded with titles. He is a beloved brother, a faithful servant (the word here is “servant” not “slave”) and a co-slave in the Lord.
Aristarchus is a co-prisoner with Paul, someone sharing in the hardships of being imprisoned for his faith in Chris Jesus.
It’s clear that Paul sees other believers as co-workers, fellow soldiers and fellow slaves in Christ Jesus. It’s clear that he values them and praises God for each one of them.
Now imagine with me how your church could be so fundamentally different if you entered church and looked at others with this same mindset that Paul has. Imagine how radically different your church would be if everyone had that same mindset that saw each other as co-workers, as fellow slaves or fellow soldiers. With that mindset you couldn’t walk past someone with your head down. You couldn’t pretend not to see someone. You couldn’t entertain ungodly thoughts as you smile somewhat hypocritically at someone. You couldn’t sit at the far side of the church hall hoping to avoid that person on the other side.
With that mindset you your eyes would light up as you saw each person. Your face would break out into an uncontrollable, welcoming smile and you’d radiate joy. And you know, with that kind of church, people would stop putting family lunches or sport or music etc above church in priority. With that kind of church, our pews would be filled to overflowing and we might even see people coming on time, not 5, 10 or 30 minutes late!
Prayer:
Using today’s Bible passage and notes write down points for
Adoration:
Confession
Thanks
Supplication:
· Spend time praising God for at least 30 other coworkers you have in the gospel.
· Ask the Lord to grow an appreciation for other believers throughout your church at all levels. Pray that love would flow freely and abound in your church.
1. How can you cultivate the mindset mentioned in today’s readings, within yourself?
2. How can you cultivate it in your church?
3. What role do cell groups play in this?
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