Tag: Fellowship and partnership

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How to Know The Call of The Apostles And Disciples

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The Voices of the Apostles and Disciples

© 2026 by C. O. Bishop

2nd Corinthians 6:1-13

The Testimony of the Apostles and Disciples:

1 We then, as workers together with him (disciples), beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. 12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

Introduction:

Last week we addressed the first four verses. We saw this whole passage as the voice of the Apostles and all true disciples at the time. They all were experiencing the Cost of Discipleship.

The Cost of Discipleship varies by location and time. Prior to 1947, one might not have faced punishment in what is now Pakistan, for preaching Christ publicly. Why?

Centuries of Colonial History

Because for centuries, Britain had ruled all of India as a colonial tributary, and the Church of England was still present, along with the Roman Catholics. So, many people of India had at least nominally embraced “Christendom” in the form of either Romanism or Anglicanism. Whether they actually knew the Lord, or were disciples, is hard to say: Their entire families took on the name of “Christian,” whether it was a genuine relationship with Jesus or just a religious preference.

But, ever since the mid-1800s, Britain had been gradually losing control of India, and after WWII, Britain made the decision to “Partition” India into two sovereign states, the “Dominion of Pakistan,” and the “Union of India.” The result was a bloodbath. Muslims slaughtered millions of Hindus, and many survivors fled the country permanently. But most could not. And those who survived and remained became a persecuted minority within what had been their own country.

The Result for Disciples in Pakistan

But a largely Hindu nation called “India,” and a supposedly entirely Muslim nation called “Pakistan” are the long-run Geopolitical result. And in that nation of Pakistan, even today, it is a dangerous place for followers of Jesus. In many other nations, it is also dangerous to stand for Jesus. It is dangerous to shine a light: Dangerous to sound the alarm of the Gospel! Disciples are in serious danger, there.

We pray for the disciples in Pakistan, who are risking their lives to teach Christian Discipleship. They are faithfully practicing it themselves, and we are deeply aware of the risk, and the potential cost.. Reading these verses in 2nd Corinthians 6:1-13, we have a more “distant” view. But we still have still a real sense of the potential “Cost of Discipleship” in this fallen world.

How Should Such Knowledge Affect Us, As Disciples?

The Hebrew believers knew about the Cost: The danger in being a disciple. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews addressed the Cost of Active Faith, in Hebrews 11:35-40.

“35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

We read of these disciples who lived horrible lives and died horrible deaths. And it troubles us to know the reality. They did not have some sort of “happy ending” appear. to “let them out of the trial.” They endured the trial, and they died in it!

But tin Chapter 12, He tells us how we ought to respond to this knowledge: The challenge to be Disciples.

How Should We Respond As Disciples? (Hebrews 12:1-4)

“1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”

The witnesses are not “watching you.” They are testifying TO you: Bearing witness TO you, just as Paul testified to the Corinthian believers, and just as the disciples in Kenya and in Pakistan are testifying to all of us, today. They are witnesses to the Glory and Power of God, and they testify to us week by week, showing us the result of God’s Word in that hostile environment.

Consider: How Do Weeds Respond?

Oddly enough, if I consider how weeds respond to their environment, I can see that (because we don’t irrigate) the weed seeds in our hard-packed, crushed-rock driveway get exactly the same amount of rain as the weeds out in the grass we keep calling a “lawn.”

But, the weeds in the driveway have a great deal harder time growing, as they can only get a few roots down through the rock into the soil below. The roots have to go very deep to find reliable water and nutrients. So, the stunted plants mature at only 2-3 inches in height. Their stunted leaves are very small, along with that short little flower stem. But that stem bears a blossom, and that blossom goes to seed, and the wind scatters those seeds, to start new plants…exactly the same as the taller weeds do, in our neglected lawn.

The weeds in the lawn grow to 18-24 inches in height, and some of their flower stems branch out and bear more than one flower: The flowers themselves are larger and bear more seeds. And the wind also scatters their seeds. And their seeds go further, because they launched from a higher elevation.

But, Why the Differences?

Why do they grow taller? Because they have better soil, and an easy life. Why do they have multiple blooms on their stems? For the same reason: They are blessed with an easier life! Why do they bear more seeds, and thus, more fruit? It is for the same reason again!

But in the Body of Christ, at large, we see that the persecuted churches, growing in the most difficult and the most dangerous environments often display the deepest faith (think “deeper roots”) and they spread rapidly, in spite of the difficulty and danger.

We have a relatively easy, safe life with far more resources, and very little real opposition. Does it not follow that, as disciples, we should bear more “fruit,” and that our “seed” ought to be scattering and finding root everywhere? Give that some thought! Why is it that weeds will follow the correct pattern, while we, as believers, tend to just “coast?”

Consider the Salmon!

We see the same pattern in salmon: The ones who are willing to focus their lives on swimming upstream will overcome all obstacles, or die trying. They risk their lives to get to the specific gravel beds they seek. Those who succeed will spawn, and produce hundreds of baby salmon just like them. Any fish choosing to do otherwise removes itself from the gene pool by that choice. (To my knowledge, no salmon ever chooses to take the easy way.)

But! You may protest that: “Salmon do not have a completely free will: They only do what their instinct demands that they do!”

Aha! And therein lies the problem! You and I DO have a free will! God called us to Himself, and we responded by our own will, though originally, our only motive may have been “to flee from the wrath to come.” Since then, we have read and believed His Word: Again, by choice.

And, according to Romans 12:1 He calls us, daily, to serve Him as our reasonable service of Worship. He calls us to voluntarily offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, to serve at HIS will, not ours. But He always leaves us the option to say, “No, I would rather serve myself!” And, when we do so, the consequences of that choice are that we have no fellowship with Him. (Fellowship implies Partnership.) And, it means we do not join Him as “workers together with Him.”

Also, although God has “laid the foundation of Christ” in our lives, (By Grace, through Faith) the layers we add to that foundation during the time when we are “off, doing our own thing,” are “wood, hay, and stubble.” Human works without God’s blessing have no eternal value!

So, How Can We Change?

Like the weed-seeds, we may find ourselves in a rocky place. We may bemoan how we got there, and we may suffer remorse for all the bad decisions that brought us to this point. But, regardless of how we arrived here, we now have the same choice as the weed-seeds: Take root and grow where God has planted you, or don’t. In the plant’s experience, it means “Grow here or die!”

In our case, it may only mean, “Blossom and bear fruit where you are, or continue to waste the opportunities God offers you!” You may look around and feel that “But the land is so barren around me: There is no hope!”

Remember, after Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem, God told Israel, “Stay put, and obey Me, and that I will bless you!” They rebelled and ran off to Egypt, in Jeremiah 42:19-43:7. And they suffered the consequences of disobedience: No blessing, no sustenance, and no safety!

But, What Are the Consequences of Commitment?

Most of you would agree that when you began to try to seriously walk with Jesus, your life got harder, not easier. You entered into the spiritual warfare of the Christian Life, and discovered that the Enemy was actually YOUR enemy!

Could the apostles and early disciples have decided against suffering the Consequences of Commitment? Sure! And some did! Demas began as a co-worker with Paul. He was valuable in the work. (See Colossians 4:14, and Philemon 24. Paul included him as part of his team!)

But later, Demas decided it was costing him more than he was willing to give, to serve as an Ambassador of Christ. So, the last thing we hear of him, is in 2nd Timothy 4:10. “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica.”

What a sad epitaph for one who began strong, but who ultimately “sold out cheap.” He wanted what the World offered, and he finally took the bait! Balaam did the same thing: He was a genuine prophet of God, but he sold out and, today, he is only remembered for his failure.

Don’t sell out! Make your walk with Jesus the core value in your life, and offer yourself to Him to be used as He chooses. That is the kind of choice God will honor and bless.

Lord Jesus, clear our minds, and let us see clearly the choices before us. Help us to make decisions that honor You and which draw us into a deeper relationship with You.

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How to See Food Sacrificed to an Idol vs. The Lord’s Table

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Foods Sacrificed to Idols Versus the Lord’s Table

© 2024 by C. O. Bishop

1st Corinthians 10:14-29

14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

(What then?)

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

Introduction:

Flee Idolatry

14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

Paul circled back to his discussion about idols, and what hazard they may present to believers. “Flee Idolatry” cannot be equated with “Be afraid of other people’s images.” Idolatry is a heart-issue, and we can find enough idols in our own hearts. Other people’s idols are a separate subject. Paul expected the believers to exercise wisdom and understand what he said.

We already addressed the issue of covetousness, and we saw that covetousness is idolatry, according to Colossians 3:5.  But Paul specifically speaks about food offered to pagan idols.

What Is the Table of the Lord?

We eat bread, and we drink grape-juice, in Communion, and we share that food. We “fellowship” or “partake together” of a commemorative meal. By doing so, we honor Jesus, and we confess that His Grace alone (in the form of His Blood, poured out at the Cross, and His body, torn and pierced for us) is our only hope of salvation.

When we partake together of the Lord’s Table, it is an act of Worship, and of Obedience, and of Testimony. We testify that “He died for me!” And, we confess that “My sins put him on that Cross!” We confess our faith His Death and His burial, and His Resurrection, on the third day. Finally, we declare that He is coming again.

In verse 16, Paul says, “16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”

Communion Means Fellowship

This is where we get the word “Communion:” The Greek word, “koinonia” means fellowship, or sharing. Please don’t be confused by those who teach that “communion” means “common union:” That is simply not true. But do remember that “fellowship” implies “partnership.”

So, we ask ourselves, “Is this a person with whom (or a practice with which) I can have fellowship?” We need to remember that whatever and whoever it is, we are asking “Do I want to be a partner in what is going on, here?”

If the Person in question is Jesus Christ, or like-minded believers who desire to follow Jesus on a day-by-day basis, and who believe His Word, then Yes, I do want to be a partner in that fellowship.

If a practice dishonors Him or there are people who are advocating a different Gospel, then I must remember that Galatians 1:6-9 says they are accursed. I cannot try to be “partners” with them, nor pretend fellowship with them: They are going a different way, and it will present a wrong message, at the very least. I have to be kind, and loving, but I cannot “go along to get along.” There are some limitations to how much we can “Go Along” with the world.

Paul Also Compares Our Feast (Communion) With That Of Israel

17 For we being many are one bread (or, “loaf”), and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? (This is an important point!)

We base our unity upon the One Sacrifice that Jesus made. We declare our unity and our partnership with Him and with one another when we share in the Lord’s table.

Israel shared the bronze altar and the tabernacle. Those who ate the sacrifices of that altar declared their allegiance to, their dependence upon, and their worship of the God of that Altar.

Every single person n the original Passover, in each house where the lamb was slain, ate of that lamb! Every single person who claimed to be “under that blood”—ate of that lamb!

As a general rule, by eating food dedicated to a deity, one declares one’s identification with that deity. And eating such food usually constitutes an act of worship to that deity. But Paul points out the facts, here, in verse 19:

“19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?”

The Idol Itself Is Nothing…But There Is A Spiritual Connection

The implication here, as well as in chapter eight, is that the idols are just lumps of clay, wood, metal, or stone. They are material, physical, inanimate objects. The idols themselves are nothing to fear at all. They have no more power than a brick or a chunk of firewood has.

However, there is a spiritual connection that affects the adherents to that religion. Paul explains, “20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.”

Don’t Mingle Darkness With Light

Paul says we are not to join people in their worship of demonic creatures or forces. We are not to give the impression that we agree with their teaching. There would at least be a conflict of interest! On the one hand, we take communion, together, stating our allegiance to, and our dependence upon, and our worship of Jesus Christ.

If we then turn and celebrate something that denies that truth, we are shaming Jesus, as our actions publicly state that we do not trust in His finished work at the Cross: We are not dependent upon Him, and our allegiance is not entirely to Him, so at best, we deliver a sadly mixed message. Light and darkness don’t mix: The only way darkness can exist is in the absence of light. And the smallest light dispels darkness in the area it can reach.

Children of the Light

1st Thessalonians 5:5 says we are Children of the Light and Children of the Day. Paul says we “glow in the dark” with the Light of Christ. Philippians 2:15, 16 says that we are to shine as lights in this dark World and offer people the Word of Life.

Ephesians 5:8-12 confirms this, saying “we”you are children oif the light…so walk as children of light. Don’t attempt to mix your light with the darkness of the world. Light dispels darkness. Light makes visible the things that are in darkness. Don’t try to mingle darkness with the Light of Life. Jesus is the Light of the World. You are a child of the Light. Shine like Jesus Shines!

22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

The obvious answer to both rhetorical questions is, “No!” So, if we are casual in our tolerance of worldly influences and demonic worship, then we need to remember that God is a jealous God: He does not share his honor with demons or any sort of idol. Further, it is a reminder that He is omnipotent: If you do provoke Him to wrath, nothing can stop His judgment!

1st John 1:5. 6 says, “This is the message that we have heard of Him and declare unto You, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth.”

Don’t try to mix light and darkness.

Why is this Even an Issue, if the Idol Has Not “Contaminated” the Food?

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

It is not “all about us” anymore. We need to consider how our actions and words may affect others. Yes, we have great liberty, but some things could truly be counterproductive in terms of our potential for ministry. We are to seek to promote the spiritual well-being of others, not just our own comfort, convenience, or pleasure. Paul gave his commands regarding “eating meats sacrificed to idols” for a purpose. He tells us to not cause a weaker brother to sin, and to not turn unbelievers away from Christ through what they perceive as blatant hypocrisy.

What About Food Sold in the Open Market? Or Served at a Feast?

“25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.  27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.”

The meat is not a “spiritual booby-trap” that can “ensnare your soul” because you ate it. So, the point of “not asking” would be that the seller may become convinced that the Spirit living in you is greater than the spirits of their idols. Yes, God owns it all, and He has not surrendered control to Satan, as some teach. He has always maintained control and supervision. He allows a great number of “bad things” to happen, in life, but it is because “The wages of sin is death.” The whole world is suffering the consequences of humanity’s collective sin.

The women and girls who used to paint the dials of “radium-dial” watches all died of terrible cancers of the jaw, tongue, and face. It was not their fault: The sin was not theirs! Their supervisors told them that the radium was harmless, and ordered them to twirl their brushes in their mouths to achieve a fine point for applying the luminous spots on the clocks and watches. So, they did: And the result was a gruesome death!

There are countless other historical tragedies we can recite. But God’s sovereignty stands, though He grieves with us for the consequences of humanity’s sin.

But eating that meat (as a rule) is not a sin. He explains what the problem is, in the next verses:

What About Testimony?

28 But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

So as not to contaminate the other fellow’s conscience, in that situation, we avoid the food. (“Oh! Thanks for telling me!”) If the opportunity comes to explain that it would have no effect on you, that is fine, but to prevent an imagined “smudge” on your testimony, and to satisfy the conscience of the other person, that is a good time to abstain. Yes, we have liberty, but we do not use that liberty in such a way that it damages others.

Keep in mind that when we share in Communion, we are joining as partners with the Body of Christ at Large, stating that He is our Savior, too, and that we Believe in Him, Depend upon Him, and Worship Him. We do not do that with other things or people, nor do we have faith in any other God. Jesus is our All in All. We do not mix His service with service to any other deity,

Lord Jesus, we often struggle to understand Your Word. It is above our human ability to comprehend. We ask that You continue to teach us by Your Holy Spirit and mold us into the Image of Christ.

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