Fellowship
koinōnía (a feminine noun) – properly, what is shared in common; fellowship.
My Father-in-law used to oversee a camp for kids called “Camp Koinonia”.
My wife and brother in law have many fond memories of swimming, singing and camp fires.
Paul talks of this concept in Philippians 3:10
“that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,”
Paul is referencing this fellowship in regards to how Jesus suffered. He reflects the desire to be so like Christ that we share all the same things in common.
Jesus suffered not only at the cross but continually in life. Threatened on multiple occasions with stoning, lied about regarding His heritage and who He was, denounced as having a demon, mocked and so on. Jesus traded absolute power and glory to be humbled as a man and then selflessly served others, healing and caring for the lowly and all He got in return was abuse.
Do we have true fellowship with Jesus?
The only way we can is to be conformed to His image through obedience.
Romans 8:29
“For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.”
So we suffer because of sin or do we suffer because the world hates Christ in us?
Our response should be the same as Jesus’.
Isaiah 53:7
“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.”
This is true strength. Having all the power in the universe and not saying a word. He had a purpose.
The question: what’s your purpose?
Welcome
My hope is that you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
foxray43@yahoo.com
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