Leadership and Unity
ICS Daily Devotions
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
