Bible Reading: Exodus 20; Job 38; Luke 23; 2 Corinthians 8
2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
What is fellowship? Some believers see fellowship as getting together after a time of worshipping Jesus and talking. This might include sharing a meal and it might not. However, the Biblical doctrine of fellowship is a much deeper and more connecting idea than just discussing something. The Greek word translated 'fellowship' is koinonia and has the idea of a partnership or a shared life. When you have fellowship with someone you are in a partnership with them. Are you in partnership with your church? Are you in partnership with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Or do you just attend with no or very few strings attached?
The first mention of the Greek word koinonia in the New Testament is found here:
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Fellowship or a shared life in partnership with Jesus was something the early believers continued stedfastly in. They were committed and devoted to 'fellowship'.
As Paul writes to the Corinthian believers, he mentions the churches of Macedonia and how they 'prayed him with much intreaty' that he would receive the gift. They begged Paul to receive a monetary gift from their hand. There were apparently two parts to this gift. One part was to be taken to Jerusalem to relieve the suffering of the brothers there. The other part was to be used by Paul for ministry.
Paul speaks of the church at Philippi giving to propagate the spread of the gospel through Paul.
Philippians 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
Here is the question – have you taken upon yourself the fellowship of ministry? Are you partnering in the ministry and the spread of the gospel? Jesus said you put your heart where your money is.
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Do you have a heart for ministry? Put your fellowship and your money there. Do you have a heart for lost people? Put your fellowship and your money there. When was the last time you begged someone to take a monetary gift in order to get the gospel somewhere that it is not being preached?
In Christ,
Rody
