Philippians 2:1-2 (NKJV) Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy. fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
The word “fellowship” is derived from the Greek word koinonia, which means the deepest form of fellowship with God and fellow believers. The Holy Spirit binds us together with the love of Christ that flows out of our hearts. When we are in deep communion and partnership, there will be an absence of strife.
Just as the church in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to care for Paul by providing him with supplies, Paul reciprocated by sending Timothy to care for their needs as a church and to know the state of the church. It was a deep level of fellowship, or koinonia, where it was not just a platonic relationship but one of Agape love. This happens when we worship as a body of believers, and when we do so by honouring God and partnering for the gospel.
The Apostle Paul believed that churches require strong spiritual leadership. He recognised that he could not fulfil his calling alone and needed others to work with him. Consequently, while he was away, he appointed overseers and deacons for the church. The Apostles of that time also provided guidance, although they were unable to be involved in the day-to-day operations.
Other epistles of Paul show us how the church should be governed. For instance, the book of Ephesians reveals how God has given different gifts to the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
God has established the fivefold ministry to ensure the church remains strong, stable, and well-equipped. The pastor of the local church is entrusted with leading the congregation due to their gifts and love for the flock. They possess a pastoral heart that genuinely cares for the believers within the fold. Therefore, it is important for us to follow the local shepherd whom God has appointed to love and care for us.
1 Timothy 4:13-14 (NKJV) Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
Timothy was set apart for ministry. God gave him a gift, and the elders ordained him through the laying on of hands. He was to provide pastoral care, leadership, and teaching to the church in Ephesus. This is the model for ministry in the local church.
Sermon Series: Unity in Diversity (ServeFest 2025)
领导力与合一
腓立比书 2:1-2 所以，在基督里若有什么劝勉，若有什么爱心的安慰，若有什么圣灵的团契，若有什么慈悲怜悯，你们就要意志相同，爱心相同，有一致的心思，一致的想法，使我的喜乐得以满足。
“团契”一词源自希腊文“koinonia”，意为与神及其他信徒之间最深层次的相交。圣灵以基督的爱将我们联结在一起，这爱从我们心中涌流而出。当我们进入这种深刻的相交与伙伴关系中，纷争便会消失。
正如腓立比教会差遣以巴弗提去供应保罗的需要，保罗也回报他们，差遣提摩太去照顾教会的需要并了解他们的光景。这是一种深层次的团契（koinonia），不仅是表面的关系，而是基于“圣爱”（Agape）的联结。这种团契在我们作为信徒群体一同敬拜、尊荣神并为福音同工时得以实现。
使徒保罗相信，教会需要强有力的属灵领导。他认识到自己无法独自完成呼召，需要他人同工。因此，当他不在时，他为教会设立了监督和执事。当时的众使徒也提供指导，尽管他们无法参与日常事务。
保罗的其他书信向我们展示了教会应当如何治理。例如，《以弗所书》揭示了神如何将不同的恩赐赐给基督的身体。
以弗所书 4:11-12 他所赐的有使徒，有先知，有传福音的，有牧者和教师，为要装备圣徒，从事圣工，建立基督的身体。
神设立五重职事，是为了确保教会保持坚固、稳定并得到充分的装备。地方教会的牧师因其恩赐和对羊群的爱，被托付带领会众的责任。他们拥有牧者的心肠，真诚关爱群羊中的信徒。因此，我们应当顺服神所设立的地方牧者，他们被召来爱护并照管我们。
提摩太前书 4:13-14 你要以宣读、劝勉、教导为念，直等到我来。不要轻忽你所得的恩赐，就是从前藉着预言，在众长老按手的时候赐给你的。
提摩太被分别出来事奉。神赐给他恩赐，众长老也通过按手礼印证他。他要在以弗所教会中提供牧养、领导与教导。这是地方教会事奉的典范。
讲章系列：多元中的合一（ServeFest 2025）
Image Source：chatgpt.com