Fellow worker in Christ
Romans 16:9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #597 Once, Knowing Not the Lord, for From His Face (#378 in previous version)
The works Paul used the most were ‘in Christ.’ This is because Paul considered the blessings in Christ as the greatest blessings. If we don’t realize this blessing, we will not be able to overcome the great many accidents, calamities, and hardships that befall us in the future. Conversely, if we realize this blessing, the evidences will be given to us in our academics and our businesses. There is a reason why Paul said the words, ‘in Christ’ so frequently.
1. The words that change our destiny
If we are in Christ, our destiny will change. This is a destiny that mankind cannot change. Originally, man lived in happiness together with God. However, mankind fell into Satan’s temptation, sinned, and became separated from God. Man who is separated from God cannot meet with God. This is the Genesis 3 incident. No matter how much we try, how morally or ethically we live, and no matter how religiously we live, we cannot meet with God. This is destiny. God knew that we could do nothing about this situation and for this very reason, He sent the Christ. Christ died upon the cross to solve all problems, and in doing this, He completely changed our destiny.
2. The words that change our status
Our status has changed in Christ. However, the vast majority of Christians don’t even know that their status has been changed. Rather, they are completely devoid of answers. Although we are sinners because we have been deceived by Satan and we fell into sin, our status itself has been changed. Although destruction approaches us, we have been given the status to live our lives in Christ. Even when we face crises, we have the status that sets us free in Christ. Even if we are falsely accused, even when we face hardships, when we confess Christ, we have the status that will grant us victory. We have the greatest status to do world evangelization.
3. The words that change our authority
In Christ, our authority has changed. In the past, we lived according to our own abilities, but now, we have the authority of a child of God. With this authority, we have become fellow workers in Christ. In Christ, all people become one body that fulfills the plan of God. The members of the Early Church received the blessing of meeting with evangelists and leaders who evangelize in Christ, and Paul received the blessing of meeting with disciples who evangelize. This is our blessing.
● Forum Topic - In Christ, our illnesses, poverty, and powerlessness are no problem at all. We just need to carry these things into Christ right now. Enjoy this blessing in prayer.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2010.3.7