CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT OF KOINONIA PART 1
September 22, 2024
Pastor Shayne Tauaefa
Innovative Concepts Mission:
Reaching and redeeming the Unchurched, Making Disciples,
and Multiplying Leaders who establish vibrant churches,
bringing hope and renewal to every community we serve,
to further the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
INTRO
The church is called to be more than just a gathering of people; it is a living, breathing expression of Christ’s body.We learned last week about koinonia, a Greek word that describes a deep sense of fellowship, communion, and partnership among believers.
Koinonia is not merely about being together physically, but being united spiritually, encouraging one another, and living out the Word of Christ.
TEXT
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach
and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs
from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. —Colossians 3:16 NIV
TEACH AND ADMONISH
Paul begins by emphasizing the importance of teaching and admonishing one another.
Teaching is the means by which we instruct, guide, and impart the knowledge and wisdom of Christ.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. —1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV
Christian fellowship is not passive; it is active.
It’s not simply agreeing to coexist, but a commitment to see one another grow in the likeness of Christ.
Sometimes, this growth requires gentle admonition—speaking the truth in love when we see a brother or sister struggling or going astray.
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. —Matthew 7:3-5 NLT
ADMONISH IN WISDOM
But notice that Paul adds, “with all wisdom.”
Wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit, and our instruction should always lead back to the message of Christ, the ultimate source of wisdom.
To create an environment of koinonia, we must make room for both instruction and correction, allowing the Word to dwell richly in our lives.
An environment of koinonia is not created by accident. It requires intentionality.
I encourage each of us to examine our role in cultivating this kind of community.
Are we contributing to a fellowship that reflects the life of Christ, or are we merely spectators?
Let us be a people of koinonia—united, growing, and worshiping together for the glory of God.
DISCUSSION
1) Are we a community that teaches and admonishes one another with love and wisdom? If not, in what ways y can we become that kind of church?
2) In what ways can we encourage a culture of accountability in our church without creating a sense of judgment or division?
APPLICATION
1) Take a Sunday gathering flier, invite one other person this week to church.
2) Look for an opportunity to share the gospel with one other person. (Ask God: What do you want me to say, How do you want me to say it?
3) Share your experience with your small and next Sunday at church. (What worked, your feelings before and after, what didn’t work, and any adjustments you would make)