Co-workers in the Gospel

Sherry and I went to a holiday party last night for our school faculty and staff. It was fun to chat with co-workers and get to know them and their spouses better. Did you know that WE are also “co-workers” with God and other believers as we preach the gospel to reconcile men and women back to God?

2 Corinthians 5:18–6:1:
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath COMMITTED UNTO US the word of reconciliation.
Now then we are AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
We then, as WORKERS TOGETHER with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

The early church worked together with “Christ in” them to preach everywhere and see God’s mighty signs and wonders through Christ.

Mark 16:20:
And they went forth, and preached every where, the LORD WORKING WITH THEM, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Paul was a co-worker with Timothy in the gospel.

1 Corinthians 16:10:
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he WORKETH THE WORK OF THE LORD, as I ALSO DO.

Romans 16:21:
Timotheus my WORKFELLOW, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

1 Thessalonians 3:2:
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our FELLOWLABOURER in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith.

Paul encouraged others to work with him in ministering to believers in need.

2 Corinthians 8:4:
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the FELLOWSHIP OF THE MINISTERING OF THE SAINTS.

Paul was a co-worker with Titus in the gospel.

2 Corinthians 8:23:
Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and FELLOWHELPER concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

Paul was a co-worker with Epaphroditus in the gospel. He was Paul’s fellowsoldier, fellowservant, and fellowprisoner. He engaged in spiritual warfare with the heart of a servant, a bondslave to Jesus Christ. He was a “faithful minister of Christ.”

Philippians 2:25:
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and FELLOWSOLDIER, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Colossians 1:7:
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear FELLOWSERVANT, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ.

Philemon 1:23:
There salute thee Epaphras, my FELLOWPRISONER in Christ Jesus.

Paul was a co-worker with Clement, believing women, and others in the gospel.

Philippians 4:3:
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my FELLOWLABOURERS, whose names are in the book of life.

Paul was a co-worker with Tychicus in the gospel.

Colossians 4:7:
All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and FELLOWSERVANT in the Lord.

Paul was a co-worker with Aristarchus, Marcus, Justus, Demas, and Lucas in the gospel.

Colossians 4:10,11:
Aristarchus my FELLOWPRISONER saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my FELLOWWORKERS unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Philemon 1:24:
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my FELLOWLABOURERS.

Paul was a co-worker with Philemon in the gospel.

Philemon 1:1:
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and FELLOWLABOURER.

John encouraged other believers to work with him in spreading the truth of the gospel.

3 John 1:8:
We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be FELLOWHELPERS to the truth.

Let’s enjoy being co-workers with God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and each other as we speak the Word of reconciliation. It is a work that brings the greatest results–eternal LIFE!