THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:
2 To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Colossians 1:1-2 (CSB)
The church is a faith community united in Christ, supporting and serving one another. Apostle Paul begins his letter to the Colossian church by emphasizing this unity, mentioning himself, his co-worker Timothy, and the saints in Colossae as connected members. In other letters, Paul often describes the community of faith as the Body of Christ, highlighting both individual and collective aspects of the church. Reflecting on Paul’s opening to the Colossians, we are invited to consider the community's togetherness, our roles within it, and the purpose it serves.
The Togetherness of the Community. Paul emphasizes the unity of the community of faith as he begins his letter to the Colossians. He refers to Timothy as a brother, which highlights the familial bond within the Body of Christ. This familial aspect signifies that the church is unified under the shared name of Jesus. Just as a surname signifies family unity on earth, the name of Christ unites believers. Paul underscores this point by calling himself “an apostle of Christ Jesus” and describing the Colossians as “the saints in Christ.” The faith community functions as a family, connected through each individual's relationship with Jesus and maintained by Christ.
The Roles in the Community. When we consider the opening of Colossians alongside the rest of the New Testament, Paul identifies himself as “an apostle” and Timothy as “our brother.” This indicates Timothy's role as a fellow worker in God’s Kingdom alongside Paul. Timothy served as the pastor in the church in Ephesus. Both are part of the community but have distinct responsibilities.
Paul conveyed this truth in 1 Corinthians 12 by showing that each believer is uniquely equipped to carry out the church's mission. Every individual has a distinct calling, gift, and passion, but they work together within the Body of Christ to fulfill Christ's work. Additionally, Paul’s letter to the Colossians emphasizes that we are members of a community and each have a specific role and responsibility to serve within the church.
The Purpose of the Community. A faith community offers a platform to serve the Lord alongside other believers. In this community, serving together enables us to collaborate and leverage our unique talents, abilities, and passions to share Christ with the world. We understand that the community of faith exists to encourage one another and to receive encouragement in return. It is a space of love, support, and unity. When the community of faith endeavors to fulfill its purpose, the Lord is honored, glorified, and worshiped.
QUESTIONS
Why does the unity of the Body of Christ depend on the person of Jesus? How does trusting in Jesus as the unifer provide victory over the issues that would divide believers?
How have you identified your role in the Community of Faith? Are you carrying out the role God has ordained for you or are you attempting to neglect the given task?
