Hi Ladies,
If you have a big task looming in front of you, some of you prefer to buckle down by yourself and get it done as quickly as possible. And some of you need the motivation of others around you to get started (and to keep you going 😊). When it comes to the Christian life, God’s design is that we work together, for better or for worse! This doesn’t mean others can do your work for you, but it does mean that we need each other. Even the Apostle Paul, who seems like he would be the guy in the former category with incredible capacity, passion and drive to get ‘er done, says this to his beloved brothers and sisters in Philippi:
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” (Phil. 1:3-5)
Notice the bolded phrase. Paul calls them partners. The Greek word here for partnership - koinonia - speaks of fellowship and the intimate bond that unites us around a shared purpose. Despite differences of personality, social status, vocation or interests, koinonia is possible because of a unifying center. This is true of everyone who is in Christ! We are united by one Spirit, members of one Body, with Christ as our Head.
Paul knew this, and he lived it out. He had taught them, corrected them, modeled to them, prayed for them, and loved them. His deep care for these brothers and sisters shines through this statement and others in his letter. But he had also received from and benefited from them. He didn’t view himself as better or superior, but rather saw them as fellow workers alongside himself - partners for the same purpose: for the sake of the gospel.
Practically, what does partnership in the gospel look like? We get some hints of what Paul means by looking at a few other statements in his letter. First, “From the first day until now” likely means that Paul is thinking back to Lydia, the first convert in Philippi (Acts 16:11-16). And he probably had many distinct memories of this beloved spiritual family from that point on. They were partners in believing and proclaiming the good news of Christ!
Second, in Phil. 4:15, he uses the same word koinonia saying “no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.” So there was a partnership in financial support. Paul worked hard to make a living so that he wouldn’t be dependent on others. But he had times of need, and he ministered to other churches in great need. He needed and valued their vital partnership in this very practical way as well.
And thirdly, there was a partnership of presence, especially from Timothy and Epaphroditus, extensions of the body of Christ who came to be with him, minister to him and bring gifts from the Philippians (Phil. 2:19-30, 4:18). Paul was not a loner. He needed embodied encouragement just as the Philippian believers did.
But notice, finally, that partnership itself wasn’t Paul’s end goal. As much as he loved this fellowship of believers, he begins by saying, “I thank my God,” and I offer “my prayer with joy.” His ultimate focus - His ultimate love - is the One in whom they are united: the triune God! Paul knew that God was magnified by people partnering together for the spread of the glory of His name. And so it was a great joy for him to have this koinonia with the Philippian church.
And it is such a joy for me (and I trust for you) to partner together at ABC for the same. There is a good reason our membership is called partners in ministry! I am so grateful for the growing partnership we have with one another, and I trust it will only grow stronger.
Will you pray with me, that God would strengthen our partnership in the gospel? Partnership in believing and proclaiming the glorious news of Christ, partnership in support, and partnership of presence. These are a great place to start. ❤️🙏🏼
Anna
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