Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance Cooperation is the act of working together towards a common goal or purpose. In the biblical context, cooperation is seen as a vital component of community life and spiritual growth. It involves unity, mutual support, and the pooling of resources and talents to achieve objectives that align with God's will. Biblical Foundations The concept of cooperation is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with unity and harmony among believers. The Bible emphasizes the importance of working together in various contexts, from family and community life to the broader mission of the Church. Old Testament Examples In the Old Testament, cooperation is evident in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. The Israelites worked together under the leadership of Moses and later Solomon to build these sacred spaces. Exodus 35:29 states, "So all the men and women of Israel whose hearts were willing brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do." The account of Nehemiah also highlights cooperation. When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls, he organized the people to work together, each taking responsibility for a section of the wall (Nehemiah 3). This collective effort was crucial for the successful completion of the project. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, cooperation is a key theme in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself modeled cooperation by choosing twelve disciples to work alongside Him in His ministry. He sent them out in pairs to preach and heal, emphasizing the importance of working together (Mark 6:7). The early Church exemplified cooperation in Acts 2:44-47 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. With one accord, they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." The Apostle Paul frequently encouraged cooperation among believers. In 1 Corinthians 12, he uses the metaphor of the body to describe the Church, emphasizing that each member has a unique role to play and that all must work together for the body to function properly. He writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12 , "The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ." Practical Applications Cooperation in the Christian life involves recognizing and valuing the diverse gifts and talents within the body of Christ. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to serve others. Ephesians 4:2-3 urges believers to "walk with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." In practical terms, cooperation can manifest in various ways, such as participating in church ministries, supporting missionary work, and engaging in community service. It also involves resolving conflicts and working towards reconciliation, as unity is essential for effective cooperation. Challenges to Cooperation Despite its importance, cooperation can be challenging due to human nature and the presence of sin. Pride, jealousy, and selfishness can hinder collaborative efforts. The Bible warns against these attitudes and encourages believers to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in overcoming them. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Conclusion While cooperation is essential for the health and growth of the Church, it requires intentional effort and reliance on God's grace. By fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration, believers can effectively advance God's kingdom and reflect His love to the world. Topical Bible Verses Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Topicalbible.org Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of cooperating, or of operating together to one end; joint operation; concurrent effort or labor.2. (n.) The association of a number of persons for their benefit. Greek 427. aneu -- without (preposition) ... preposition). Part of Speech: Preposition Transliteration: aneu Phonetic Spelling: (an'-yoo) Short Definition: without, without the cooperation or knowledge of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/427.htm - 6k 4943. sunupourgeo -- to help together 2233. hegeomai -- to lead, suppose Library Church Cooperation in Community Life Church Cooperation in Community Life The Relation of the Sunday School to Community Organizations Preface The Calling of the Regenerate: Interdenominational Readjustment Summary and Conclusion Building for Community Service The Public School and the Boy Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is God's Greatest Work? Thesaurus Cooperation (1 Occurrence)... 2. (n.) The association of a number of persons for their benefit. Multi-Version Concordance Cooperation (1 Occurrence). Philippians ... /c/cooperation.htm - 7k Fellowship (114 Occurrences) Boats (11 Occurrences) Ships (46 Occurrences) Communion (8 Occurrences) Revelation (52 Occurrences) Predestination Temper (14 Occurrences) Thankful (15 Occurrences) Together (4710 Occurrences) Resources What is the National Council of Churches? | GotQuestions.orgIs ecumenism biblical? Should a Christian be involved in the ecumenical movement (ecumenicalism)? | GotQuestions.org What is decisional regeneration / decision theology? | GotQuestions.org Cooperation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cooperation (1 Occurrence)Philippians 1:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |