The Importance of Cooperation in the Church of Christ

Preacher: Bishop Charles Kariuki (Kenya)
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:5-7

INTRODUCTION

Each of us needs to understand our place and our role within the church.
When you understand this, it will transform your life.
If you fail to understand the church, it becomes easy to lose your sense of responsibility and fall into danger.
No one in the church is without a role, and no one can succeed alone.

  1. THE DANGER OF WORKING ALONE

The Example of Elijah: A Powerful but Lonely Prophet
Elijah was a very powerful prophet:

  • He stopped the rain for three years.
  • He was fed by ravens for a whole year.
  • He lived with a widow.
  • He killed 450 prophets of Baal.

But his greatest mistake: He preferred to work alone!

  • He did not seek out the 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal.
  • He fled from Jezebel by himself.
  • He asked God to take his life instead of facing Jezebel with the strength of unity.
  • He did not finish his work; he was taken up by God prematurely.

Lesson for Us Today
If it were us (many together), we could have confronted Jezebel with the power of unity.
But Elijah ran away because he had no one to encourage him.
Your future success depends on your fellowship and cooperation with others in the church.

  1. THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST

Different Ministries, One Lord
1 Corinthians 12:5-7 reminds us:

  • “There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.”
  • “To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

Every Part Is Valuable

  • The body is not made of one part but many parts.
  • Some parts are hidden and do not receive much honor.
  • But each part has its own important function.
  • Do not desire to be the visible part; be content where God has placed you.

The Importance of Every Member

  • A body cannot be called a body without many parts.
  • A church cannot be called a church without many members.
  • Every member has been given a role to play.
  • There is no such thing as a church of one or two members.
  1. DO YOUR WORK DILIGENTLY

The Body Grows Through the Work of Every Part
Ephesians 4:15-16 says:

  • “From him the whole body, joined and held together… grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
  • The body grows when every part does its job.
  • A part that does not function becomes weak.

Do Your Work Without Comparing Yourself to Others

  • If your duty is sweeping, sweep diligently.
  • If your duty is arranging chairs, arrange them diligently.
  • If your gift is giving, give generously.
  • Do not look at others while neglecting your work.

The Church Is Like a Football Team

  • Every player knows his position on the field.
  • The goal is to make sure the team does not lose.
  • Jesus, as the head, rejoices when every part is working together.

CONCLUSION

Some miracles cannot be obtained through prayer alone; they require work!
Each of us must join in the work of the Lord.
Do your part diligently, whether you are seen or unseen.
Know that you are very important to the growth of the church.

CALL TO ACTION

Today I urge you: Be content with the place where God has positioned you!
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Start doing your work diligently for the benefit of the whole body.

PRAYER

“Father, we ask You to remove every hindrance that prevents Your people from serving You.
In the name of Jesus, may they be strengthened to serve faithfully in their roles. Amen.”