The audio of this week’s message can be found here: Whispers of Grace - Fellowship (Philippians)

The concept of “community” is a major buzzword in the church world today. You hear it everywhere—in announcements about community lunches, chair volleyball, and denominational meetings. While we love to talk about community, it often feels shallow and misses the deeper calling for followers of Jesus.

From Community to Koinonia

What we’re truly called to is fellowship. This “old-fashioned” word has lost some of its impact, replaced by “community,” which further distances us from the original meaning. In the New Testament, the Greek word for what we translate as fellowship is “koinonia."

Koinonia isn’t just about social gatherings or having fun; it’s a “depth word." It signifies a profound sharing of life with one another.

Paul’s Radical Call to Koinonia

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul provides a beautiful illustration of what koinonia truly means. In Philippians 2:1-11, he writes:

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and one of mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness and being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”

The Depths of Koinonia

Paul’s words reveal several key aspects of koinonia:

  • Sharing in the Spirit: The word “sharing” in verse 1 is koinonia. It’s not merely about having fun; it’s about a deep, spiritual connection and mutual participation in the Holy Spirit.
  • Doing Life Deeply: As followers of Jesus, we are called to share our lives with one another—to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." This means being present for each other in both joy and sorrow, truly knowing and caring about what’s happening in one another’s lives.
  • Sharing All Things in Common: While this might not mean pooling all our material possessions in today’s world, it does mean sharing our skills, talents, and resources. If you’re good at fixing things, offer your help. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. This reciprocal giving and receiving strengthens the bonds of fellowship.
  • The Mindset of Christ: This is the most challenging, yet crucial, aspect of koinonia. Paul urges us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” but rather “in humility, value others above yourselves." This requires setting aside our own interests and genuinely looking out for the interests of others. It means having the same self-sacrificing mindset as Christ Jesus, who, despite being God, humbled himself to the point of death on a cross for others.

The Call to Radical Fellowship

Living out koinonia is not easy. It means abandoning pride, arrogance, and selfishness. It means serving one another, even when it’s difficult, and being willing to “die to self.” But when we live this way, something profound happens: God is exalted. The world takes notice and sees something truly compelling in a community that embodies this radical love and selflessness.

The shrinking church and declining numbers of Christians are often lamented. Perhaps the reason is that we aren’t truly practicing koinonia. We’re not sharing life deeply, and we’re not consistently adopting the mindset of Christ.

A Challenge for This Week

My challenge to you this week is simple: Where is your mindset? As you relate to others, are you doing so with humility, grace, and a servant’s heart? Are you seeking to truly share life, not just engage in superficial activities? Are you valuing others above yourself and looking to their interests, just as Christ did?

Let’s pray that we would be a people who truly pursue koinonia—a depth of sharing rooted in the mindset of Christ, where we put others before ourselves for God’s glory.