Coworker in Christ

Most people who work in an office have coworkers, and together they share a common goal — to fulfil the tasks they are called to do, they complement each other to the goal of the company to be successful.  For example, in a car mechanic shop, one worker may repair the car, another may clean it, and another may greet the customer — and the list goes on to serve the repaired car.

Coworkers in Christ

Just as we have coworkers in our everyday jobs, we also have a coworker in our spiritual life, we (all believers) are coworker in Christ.

[1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV] 9 For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building.

Too often, we think of “God’s coworkers” as pastors, missionaries, or those in full-time ministry. But Scripture says “WE ARE” — meaning every believer is invited into this partnership with Jesus to be a coworker in Christ.

God didn’t call us just to enjoy His blessings of healing, provision (job, house, good life, life partner) or worldly blessing. He blesses us so we can be a blessing to others and carry the will that’s planned in our life, how do we do that ? We do that by working with Him: planting the Gospel, growing faith, serving with love, and leading people back to His Kingdom.

In 1 Corinthians 3:9–15, Paul paints a clear picture of what it means to be coworkers in Christ.

1. We All Work Together for God’s Kingdom –

   1. We are all partners in God’s work. Whether it’s preaching, teaching, serving, healing, or any other ministry, it’s all part of building up the body of Christ — God’s “field” and God’s “building” [1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV]

   2. Field refers to God’s work of cultivating people in the world. Building refers to constructing His Church — the united body of all believers.

   3. God is the one who calls and equips people for this work. He chooses different individuals for different tasks, but the warning is the same for all: do the work for God’s kingdom, not for any individual. Paul writes us to build the kingdom “with care” do the work with so much of personal involvement / care and love for God - [1 Corinthians 3:10 NIV] 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.

2. Christ Is the Only Foundation –

   1. The foundation has already been laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ  [1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV] 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

   2. Nothing can replace Christ as the foundation. Any church or ministry built on anything else — whether to please the crowd, chase worldly wealth, centre on a pastor’s name / ego, or pursue personal gain — will crumble and will not last. On the Day of Judgment, such work will be exposed for what it is. Paul describes it like fire testing a building — gold, silver, and precious stones survive, but wood, hay, and straw burn away Christ  [1 Corinthians 3:11-13 NIV] 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work.

   3. The work done by the coworker is to edify and give glory to Christ. If you pray and heal someone, it’s not by your power you heal, it’s by the power of Christ you heal. Coworkers attitude has to be like how Paul describes [1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV] 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

3. Coworker will be tested - If our work for God survives the test, we will receive a reward (v. 14). But if it burns up, we will suffer loss — no reward — yet still be saved, “only as one escaping through the flames” (v. 15). This means salvation is by faith in Jesus alone, not by our works, but our works will determine our eternal rewards.

   1. [1 Corinthians 3:14-15 NIV] 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved--even though only as one escaping through the flames.

   2. [Matthew 25:11-12 NIV] 11 "Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!' 12 "But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.'

4. Coworkers Attitude at field – A true coworker in Christ draws strength from Jesus alone, relying fully on the Holy Spirit. Our human nature often tries to lean on intellect or personal skill to do God’s work, but Paul warns that we are called to serve with the humility of a “fool.” In God’s kingdom, a servant must be willing to appear foolish in the world’s eyes to be truly wise in His. [1 Corinthians 3:18 NIV] 18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise.

Expectations for Co-workers in Christ

[1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NIV] 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.

1. Spread the Gospel Boldly – Our main mission is to work the “field” and build on the foundation of Christ (1 Cor. 3:9). Every co-worker is called to advance the Good news of Salvation thru Jesus with courage and clarity. (V2) We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ

2. Strengthen and Encourage the Faithful – Live in a way that inspires believers, especially in trials. Our perseverance in suffering points others to the hope and freedom we have in Christ. Coworkers are expected to live that reflects the true transformation of Christ in them, they are the witness for Christ [Acts 1:8 NIV] 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

3. Stand Firm in Trials – Hardship is not a surprise but a destiny for every believer and coworker (1 Thess. 3:3; 1 Pet. 4:12) In Christ.

   1. [1 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV] 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.

   2. [1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV] 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

4. Faith Foundation is built by Trais- Trials build perseverance, and as Romans 5:3 says, perseverance strengthens faith — because the focus shifts from self-reliance to total dependence on Christ. [Romans 5:3 NIV] 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

5. Resist the Weapon of Fear – Satan uses fear to weaken faith (1 Pet. 5:8–9). Stay alert, rooted in the Word, and firm in faith so his schemes can’t derail your mission. Resist him with authority: “In the name of Jesus, I command you to go!” — and he will flee. [1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV] 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

6. Share in Christ’s Sufferings – Like Job, accept both good and trouble from God without sinning (Job 2:10). Suffering is part of the co-worker’s journey, and it shapes us for eternal reward. Paul described the same as what Job calls as well.

   1. [Job 2:10 NIV] 10 He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

   2. [Philippians 1:29 NIV] 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

7. Free the Captives - As coworkers with Christ, we serve in the power of the Holy Spirit, carrying out the mission of setting people free from all forms of bondage (Nine forms) This calling reflects the work described in [Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV] 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Warning for Coworker - Arrogance and Spiritual Pride make Co-workers fail

• Paul warned the Corinthian church about their arrogance — a dangerous pride that mirrors Satan’s own rebellion. Twice in his letter (1 Cor. 4:6, 18), he calls out their puffed-up attitude, reminding them that the Kingdom of God is not about talk, but about power from Christ. [1 Corinthians 4:6, 18 NIV] 6 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. ... 18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.

• Arrogance is Satan’s signature. Lucifer (Satan) fell because of pride (Isa. 14:12–15; Ezek. 28:12–17), trying to exalt himself above God. That same spirit tempts believers to think their gifts, ministry, or power come from themselves. But the moment we forget that all power comes from Christ, we’ve already stepped onto dangerous ground. [Luke 10:18 NIV] 18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

• Arrogance springs from a proud heart — the very nature of Satan. He plants this spirit to sabotage our spiritual walk and work in the field. Once pride takes root, he can twist a person into a false prophet, using them inside God’s kingdom to attack co-workers and tear down the church with false teaching.

• Paul makes it clear: a true servant leads with humility and a servant attitude. Power in the Kingdom flows from God’s Spirit, not human strength. So, the choice is ours — will we receive correction in love, or will we face the rod of discipline? (1 Cor. 4:20–21). [1 Corinthians 4:20-21 NIV] 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

• Arrogance leads to Spiritual Pride that leads the downfall of a Coworker

  
  

Coworkers in Christ / People who worked with Paul

In Paul’s Epistles, we meet various coworkers of Christ and God who served alongside him. Here’s a brief summary of them—I encourage you to meditate deeper on each of these Coworkers to get an inspiration and learning from their work to serve God in his kingdom

1. Timothy

   1. Cities: Lystra, Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus

   2. Young disciple, mentored by Paul (Acts 16:1–3)

   3. Co-writer in many letters (1 & 2 Thessalonians, Philippians, etc.)

   4. Appointed by Paul to lead the church in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3)

2. Silas (Silvanus)

   1. Cities: Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth

   2. Travelled with Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15–18)

   3. Imprisoned with Paul in Philippi (Acts 16:25–26)

3. Luke

   1. Cities: Troas, Philippi, Caesarea, Rome

   2. Author of Luke and Acts

   3. Travel companion and physician (doctor) (Colossians 4:14)

   4. Stayed with Paul till the end (2 Timothy 4:11)

4. Barnabas

   1. Cities: Antioch, Cyprus, Iconium, Lystra

   2. First missionary journey companion (Acts 13–14)

   3. Known as a great encourager (Acts 4:36)

5. Titus

   1. Cities: Corinth, Crete, Jerusalem

   2. Helped with difficult church matters (2 Corinthians 7:6–7)

   3. Sent to organize the church in Crete (Titus 1:5)

6. Epaphroditus

   1. City: Philippi

   2. Messenger and helper to Paul during imprisonment (Philippians 2:25–30)

7. Phoebe

   1. City: Cenchreae (near Corinth)

   2. Deaconess and helper of many (Romans 16:1–2)

   3. Likely carried Paul’s letter to the Romans

8. Onesimus

   1. City: Colossae

   2. Former slave converted by Paul, whom he sent back with the letter of Philemon

9. Gaius

   1. Cities: Corinth, Derbe

   2. Hosted Paul and the church (Romans 16:23; Acts 20:4)

10. Tychicus

    1. Cities: Ephesus, Colossae

    2. Trusted letter carrier and encourager (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7)

11. Aquila & Priscilla

    1. Married couple and tentmakers by trade (Acts 18:2–3)

    2. Met Paul in Corinth and became his close coworkers in Christ

    3. Travelled with Paul to Ephesus and helped strengthen the church there (Acts 18:18–19)

    4. Taught Apollos “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26)

    5. Risked their lives for Paul (Romans 16:3–4)

    6. Hosted a church in their home (1 Corinthians 16:19)

Summary

Reflect - Are you just a believer, or a true coworker with Christ? We are called to labour with Him. Seek God and ask, “Lord, what do You want from me?” He will place you in His field with a unique assignment no one else can replicate. Your gift and calling come from Christ alone—only He can shape how you are to be used to build His body. For some, it will mean full-time ministry; for others, part-time work. God works through our weakness, for He chooses the unlearned weak people of society (Fisher men to be his disciples)—not the learned or the wise—to proclaim the gospel and advance His kingdom.