KOINONIA WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT - 2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace begins it all. The love of God is the foundation for everything we do. The Love of God is seen in the love demonstrated in the death of Jesus. When we do not appreciate the love of God shown through natural things- His blessings- we find it difficult to appreciate the death of Jesus that delivered us from Hell, Damnation, Condemnation, the way we were- we did not deserve all that He did- But He did it because He loves us!

(1) Intimacy-(Gal 2:9) Right hand of fellowship. Tender and intimate fellowship. This is a relationship built on intimate and meaningful communion and based on absolute trust. Look unto me and see!

(2) Partnership-(Luke 5:7) Partnership-a form of Koinonia. Real, legitimate business partners who are working together on the same job, for the same cause, as one team.

(3) Responsibility- (Phil 4:14) Communicate with my affliction. The Philippians’ church took responsibility for Paul.

Giving the Spirit freedom to work
Intimacy leads to deep spiritual relationship with God. He convicts us that we need Christ, brings us to the place of repentance and then imparts faith to us so we can believe and be saved. He came into our hearts, and gives life to our previously dead spirits. Our relationship is based on Trust, Commitment and Relationship. We must make it our highest priority to know Him the way that Jesus knew Him. Matt 6:6- enter your “closet”- Secret place where valuables are hid! Closet (?) - like a safety deposit box- bed chamber- place of intimacy. Prayer in closet- implies a relationship with God that is so tender, so special, so intimate- that is shared only between you and Him and no-one else. When my relationship with Him is strong, it makes my relationship with my wife and children strong.

(4) Cultivate a life of service to God
Romans 12:1-3. When our bodies are presented, our minds can be renewed.
Philippians 3:3
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Any confidence in the flesh will hinder the real renewal of our minds.

Worship and Service: Your motivation for service must be love- seeking the highest good of others. You will see more conflicts and contradictions but as you look unto Jesus (Heb 12:1)- who for the joy set before Him- Joy is ours through our knowledge of His Word- Endured the cross. God’s will, will deal with the flesh when you seek the highest good of others- He ministers strength to you to have this endurance and ability as you set your will to do it.

DESPISE THE SHAME, HANDLED THE CONTRADICTIONS OF MAN!

Have a servant’s heart in your service to God. (1 Thess. 1:3-10) Reaching out to others is part of your service to God! The work involved in obedience is work!

Jesus said His meat was to do the will of God and to finish it. This was spoken with respect to the Samaritan woman in John chapter 4.

(5) Cultivate the lifestyle of meeting other people’s needs by the power of the Holy Spirit
The needs around us present an opportunity for growth in our lives.

The exercise of spiritual gifts
Mark 16- these signs follow believers. Many in scriptures have risen to their destinies through meeting NEEDS of OTHERS. How to minister in the power of God tape is recommended.

Nehemiah- The wall was built
Esther- Rose to save her people
Joseph- protected the posterity of Israel
Daniel - prayed after the 70 years in exile was up.

You are not known for what you know but for what needs you meet. There is something in you that is the answer to someone’s problems.

RISE UP TO MEET THAT NEED.
Paul was such a man, taken as a prisoner, had a shipwreck, got beaten by a snake and yet rose up to meet the needs of others who were sick on the island of Malta. (Acts 28:5).

(6) Cultivate a lifestyle that develops in all areas. A lifestyle of excellence
Jesus grew in all areas- Wisdom –Mental –Stature –Physical
Favor with God- Spiritual
Favor with Man- Social
Development implies improvement - a result of review and feedback and a consistent application of biblical principles to develop these areas.
-A healthy book from time to time to build a healthy mental diet - building you up
-A good diet, enough rest and respect for healthy life and sufficient exercise.
-Deepen your walk with God, Spiritually. This can be done through hunger for more, and by seeking God more.
-Develop compassion, communication and leadership skills, etc.

Learn to be organized!

(7) Cultivate the lifestyle of KINGDOM EXPANSION
-Reach out
-Give out
-Touch Lives
-Grow out

God Bless
Rev Kola Ewuosho