By Scott Bush, D.Min.
Executive Director, Ministry Training Institute, Samford University
FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS
1 Corinthians 1:1–13
For church folks, the word “fellowship” probably brings to mind a favorite casserole or dessert, but fellowship is much more than a meal or gathering on a congregational calendar. In fact, in its broadest sense, fellowship can’t be scheduled. It’s not merely something that we do; it’s something that we have because of who we are. The primary word for fellowship in the Greek New Testament is “koinonia.” It occurs 20 times and emphasizes things held in common — the life, work and hope of the Church that all believers share through our union with Christ.
Fellowship with other believers comes because of a shared trust and commitment to Jesus Christ. (1–3)
Corinth was a large and wealthy city in Paul’s day known for its temples to various gods, its lucrative trade route and tourism from its famous athletic competitions. In such diverse places, people tend to associate with those of similar status, background, interest or employment, often creating tension and rivalry with others.
In the greeting of his letter to the Church, Paul begins with his own calling as an apostle by the will of God, emphasizing his authority and responsibility to address the Corinthian church. He moves quickly, however, to the calling of the Corinthians themselves. They have been sanctified in Christ, meaning they are made holy by His sacrifice for their sins but also that they are set apart. Their primary identity is no longer their occupation or ethnicity or family. They have been called together into one new family with all of those who trust in Jesus.
Fellowship is strengthened and enriched as Christ works through us. (4–9)
Paul’s gratitude for God’s grace among the Corinthians is further expressed in his mention of their gifts. The Corinthian church had given evidence of their faith in Christ through effective teaching and testimony (speech) based on clear understanding of the gospel (knowledge). Though Paul will address deficits in these areas, here he celebrates them as gifts from God to enrich the Church.
Spiritual gifts are abilities given by God for faithful use by believers to strengthen the congregation for service and love. We see sample lists of such gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and Ephesians 4, though these are not exhaustive.
Great emphasis has been placed on discerning one’s gifts, but perhaps a better approach is to simply serve faithfully and love sacrificially, allowing gifts to be revealed in the context of ministry and affirmed by those with whom we serve.
Fellowship is lost when we divide over preferences and opinions. (10–13)
Paul turns next to his disappointment over the division within the Corinthian church. Groups had formed around distinctive doctrines or practices and had even been associated with well known teachers Cephas (Peter), Apollos, Paul and even Christ.
Exclusive connections to these four were only imaginary, but the conflict the groups created was all too real. Paul pleads with them to return to the common ground of the gospel.
While there is room for Christians to hold diverse tastes and opinions on matters such as worship styles or politics or even to disagree about fine points of doctrine, under the headship of Christ and the authority of Scripture, we are one.
Our fellowship is a powerful testimony of His work in us and our willingness to set it aside damages our witness. Set apart at the cross, we now belong to Him and, just as much, to each other.
Share with others: