DEVOTION / 316NOW’s power source

Koinonia is an important NT concept. We translate it participation, fellowship, partnership, sharing. It contains the idea of “sharing or giving out or passing along something” (E. Allen Sorum, Philemon, WLQ). The partnership grace has created between God and us is at the heart of koinonia and is the energizing force for our expressions of koinonia.

 This word koinonia appears in 2 Corinthians three times. These references offer us opportunity to consider three aspects of koinonia. (1) Grace calls us at 316NOW to practice the privilege of koinonia. (2) Koinonia promises rich blessing as God’s sharing with us prompts our sharing with others and that prompts their sharing, their prayers, and their praise of God. (3) The grace and love that is ours through God the Son and the Father provides us with the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Since koinonia has a source that is beyond us, we are assured it is always available to us. Such is grace!

 The privilege of koinonia

 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 – The privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. The Macedonian churches offer an example of eager and extraordinary willingness to express koinonia with Paul as they supported his ministry. The sharing was motivated by the grace that God has given…. Grace calls on us to give – not only money, but our time and talents – so that the gospel can come to others. We celebrate the many ways we see that grace prompting willing, sacrificial service from those who are part of 316NOW.

 The blessing that koinonia prompts

 2 Corinthians 9:12-15 – Others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. Grace is a gift that keeps on giving. God shows us grace. We respond by living out that grace in our relationship with others. Those others celebrate the ways they experienced God’s grace through us. Grace prompts us to service through 316NOW. Our service is celebrated by others in China. In the end, our loving Father receives even more praise. What is more, we are benefited by their prayers. Thanks be to God!

 The source of koinonia

 2 Corinthians 13:14 – The fellowship of the Holy Spirit appears in this benediction, which is not a prayer request. Paul reminds us of the reality of the Triune God’s constant grace, love, and fellowship with us. Consequently, our constant koinonia (partnership) with the Spirit is guaranteed because it is dependent on him, not us. We do our work at 316NOW through that assured empowering.