Partnership in the Body of Christ

​“People who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.”
​— Solomon

The word “partnership” is translated from the Greek word “koinonia” which means “companionship; participating with others in a community of like mind, shared activities, experiences, interests and feelings; intimate communion, communication or sharing with others; implies agreement and unity with others.”

Koinonia is usually translated “fellowship;” but “partnership” is more accurate and a more meaningful definition today.

After Peter preached the first public Gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost: “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church about three thousand in all. They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had.”
(Acts 2:41-44 NLT) 

“Devoted” in this passage means “committed to and constantly diligent.”

Based on New Testament scripture, from that day forward, believers’ primary relationships were with other believers.

Much of Paul’s and the other apostles’ teachings taught believers how to relate to one another.

Partnership with other believers is a natural outgrowth of “living in the light of God’s presence.”

“But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship (partnership) with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.” ​(1 John 1:7 NLT) 

When we partner with our Christian brothers and sisters, we can encourage one another because we do not stand alone. 

When we allow others to love us, stand by us and serve us, we are strengthened and have a tangible expression of God’s love, acceptance, mercy and grace in our lives. 

​“Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. “ (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT)

God does NOT intend for believers to “go it alone”— to be “Lone Ranger” Christians.

Growing Strong Oaks in Life (SOIL) Class

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This is an excerpt taken from the Growing SOIL (Strong Oaks in Life) classes. To learn more about partnership, check out the classes online.