Thinking Biblically

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Tag: fellowship

Commit to the Church: Fellowship Joyfully

November 15, 2022 /
Sermon Series Graphic

I recently began a new sermon series called Commit at my church on what biblically committed church membership looks like. This post is based off of the ninth sermon in that series, which was not recorded.

Every person, whether they will acknowledge it or not, longs to be a part of a community. In the town I live, we see the words “Hornet Nation” on the windows and signs of various businesses. For the most part, the people of my town rally around the school. We could say that “Hornet Nation” is a community.

We could also speak of other types of community. Farmers make up the farming community. Veterans make up the veterans’ community. Sometimes people refer to an ethnic community, such as a Hispanic community. We could speak of the academic community. There are organizations of people interested in social justice or the environment. There is the LGBT community. There are many people that rally around their favorite sports teams. I know this because I have a Facebook feed and I get tired of seeing everyone’s outbursts on Saturdays about the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Here’s the bottom line: every person wants to feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves. From the very beginning of creation, we see that God has designed us to be social beings. We are not made be in isolation from other people.

Genesis 2:18

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

That passage is speaking of marriage, but the principle is the same. Human beings are made in God’s image (Gen 1:26-27) and we are made to be in relationship with one another. God has designed the church to be the community that every person is looking for. When we trust in Jesus, we have fellowship with God. Not only do we have fellowship with God, but when we join a church we have fellowship with one another. This is the community for which we have been designed – the community of those redeemed by Christ.

You might be thinking, why do we need a whole sermon on fellowship? I would answer by saying that most of us even in the church have an incomplete view of what fellowship is. We tend to think of fellowship as simply spending time with other Christians. We think of potlucks or ice cream socials. Certainly, fellowship can happen at those events, but Christians can spend time together and never have true biblical fellowship. I’m going to flesh this out in just a moment, but let’s first read Acts 2:41-47.

Acts 2:41-47

41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

This has kind of been our main text for this sermon series. Acts 2 is where the Christian church is born through Peter’s preaching about Jesus. Those who received his word were baptized and added to the church in Jerusalem (v. 41). Verse 42 says that these believers devoted themselves to four things: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

Verse 42 is the first verse in our New Testament that uses the word koinonia (here translated fellowship). The word is used 19 times in the New Testament. In the ESV, it’s translated:

  • Fellowship (9x)
  • Participation (3x)
  • Share (3x)
  • Contribution (2x)
  • Part (1x)
  • Partnership (1x)

Notice right away from verse 42 that fellowship is not the same as sharing a meal. Fellowship is not the same as breaking bread (or sharing a meal together). Today, I want to help us to understand what it means to have fellowship with one another and how we can do it more effectively.

(1) The basis for biblical fellowship is our fellowship with God

1 John 1:1-3

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

In these verses, John is going to great lengths to show that Jesus was indeed God in the flesh. John has heard him, seen him, and touched him. John was an eyewitness of Jesus’ life. And what John is saying in verse 3 is that to have fellowship with him and those with him you must believe the same things about Jesus. In other words, you must first be a Christian to have true biblical fellowship with other Christians.

You must believe the gospel. You must believe that the Bible is God’s Word. To join our church, you need to believe what we believe.

You shouldn’t join a church because its members share your political party. You shouldn’t join because you share the same social status or economic status or skin color. Instead, you should join a church whose fellowship is built upon the gospel and the truth of God’s Word. If the fellowship of a church isn’t built on the right foundation, then it will not stand.

So, the basis for true fellowship between Christians is that they are in fact Christians.

(2) In biblical fellowship, there is a community relationship

We see this in Acts 2:42. These early Christians were not devoted to just social activities. Rather, they had a relationship with one another. Their fellowship with God (1 John 1:3) had brought them into this fellowship. They had been redeemed by Christ and indwelled by the Holy Spirit, they began to share their lives with one another.[1]Jerry Bridges, True Fellowship, 10-11.

That’s what true fellowship is. It is sharing a common life. Our shared salvation in Christ is an objective truth that provides the foundation for the experiential aspects of fellowship.[2]Bridges, True Fellowship, 50. One passage (in addition to Acts 2:42-47) that encapsulates the meaning of true fellowship is found in Romans 12. I’ve shared some of the verses below.

Romans 12:4-5, 9-13, 15-16a

4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another…

…9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality…

…15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another.

These verses describe what it means to experience fellowship. We are individually members of the same body. We are to love one another, to avoid evil, and hold fast to what is good. We show honor to one another. We are to zealous and to fervently serve the Lord. We are to be patient in tribulation and constant in prayer. We’re to care for the needy among us. We are to be hospitable to one another. We rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. We live in harmony with one another.

Acts 2:44 says it simply this way.

Acts 2:44

And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

That sounds like a community that I want to be a part of. I hope you do as well. Does Romans 12 describe your commitment to the church?

  • Do you have a genuine love for other members of the church? Do you know their names? Do you know their kids’ names?
  • Do you honor other members of the church by considering the good of the church above your own preferences?
  • Do you fervently serve the Lord?
  • Do you consistently pray for members of the church?
  • Do you care for the needy among in the church?
  • Do you rejoice with those who rejoice?
  • Do you weep with those who weep?
  • Are you seeking to live in harmony with others?

Does this describe your commitment to the church, or do you view the church as simply a service you attend?

Is the church a group of people you fellowship with or simply a service you attend? Are you sharing your life with others or simply sharing a pew with them?

We are not called to simply share a pew with one another. We are called to share our lives with one another! In biblical fellowship, there is a community relationship. In addition, there is a spiritual relationship.

(3) In biblical fellowship, we have a spiritual relationship

As I mentioned earlier, we are not created to be alone. Spiritual fellowship is necessary for our spiritual growth and health. I think most of us have a truncated (or incomplete) view of fellowship.

We tend to think that Christian fellowship is simply spending time with other Christians. I would push back on that and say that unbelievers socialize with one another every day. Koinonia is more than simply sharing a pew with someone. It’s more than talking over a meal.

Isn’t it true that Christians can sit and talk together for ours and speak about sports, the weather, or politics? They can spend much time together and never discuss God, the Bible, and spiritual matters. If our fellowship doesn’t have a spiritual aspect to it and doesn’t help us grow in Christ, then it’s not biblical fellowship.

If our fellowship doesn’t have a spiritual aspect to it and doesn’t help us grow in Christ, then it’s not biblical fellowship.

Here are just a couple of verses indicating that fellowship is more than Christian social activity:

Heb 10:24-25

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

1 Thess 2:8

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

How can we foster spiritual relationships with one another?

  • We must commit to the church.
  • We must seek to encourage, admonish, and pray for one another.
  • We should be willing to watch out for one another.
  • We seek to bear one another’s burdens.
  • You should join a small group in your church.
  • You should seek out relationships with other church members where you:
    • speak of Scripture with one another.
    • are open with one another.
    • are accountable to one another.
    • pray with one another.

Here are some questions you can ask someone to go beyond the surface: [3]Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines within the Church, 161.

  • What has God been doing in your life?
  • What are some spiritual challenges you’ve had recently?
  • What have you been reading in the Bible?
  • How’s your prayer life?
  • How can I pray for you?

Here’s what I’m saying. You’ll never experience true fellowship with others in the church if you only come to our Sunday morning service. You may be encouraged by the music and the sermon but you cannot have a deep level of Christian fellowship in one hour a week.

Fellowship is going to take some work. Don’t expect to become close with others just by walking through the church doors. Seek fellowship through small groups and conversations with others. If you want to have friends, you must be friendly yourself.

Biblical fellowship is built on a relationship with God through Christ. Biblical fellowship has both community relationship and spiritual relationship aspects.

(4) In biblical fellowship, we share our possessions and resources

Look again at Acts 2:44-46

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

In v. 46, we see that these early believers broke bread together in their homes. Again, you see them sharing their lives with one another. Also note that in v. 45 that these Christians sold their possessions and belongings in order to care for the needy among them. An important aspect of biblical community is that we share our possessions with one another.

Before you ask, I’m not a socialist. I think that our capitalistic system in America has done so much good not just for us in America but for the entire world. That is a subject we could spend many hours talking about. Socialism is an economic system where your money is taken by force and redistributed.  

When it comes to the church, we are not forced to give to others. While we are called to care for the needy among us, it should be something we desire to do because of the grace of God and the working of the Spirit (2 Cor 8-9). We care for others because we are members of one body (Rom 12:5).

Galatians 6:10

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Biblical fellowship isn’t just having coffee and doughnuts together. Sometimes, biblical fellowship is digging deep into our pocketbooks to help a brother or sister in need. We talked about giving a couple of weeks ago. What is your attitude towards giving to another church member in need? Do you love to bless others in the name of Christ?

In our Commit series, we’ve talked about giving and serving. Both giving and serving are aspects of true biblical fellowship. Verse 46 also speaks of the believers breaking bread in their homes.

When is the last time you hosted another church family in your home for a meal? Church, let’s practice fellowship by sharing our possessions and resources with one another. Let’s fellowship with one another in our homes.

Finally, the last thing about biblical fellowship I want to mention is this:

(5) In biblical fellowship there is a shared partnership

We tend to think of fellowship as within the body of Christ and that’s true. As we build up and encourage each other we are in fellowship with one another. But the word koinonia, the word translated fellowship, can also be translated partnership. Look at Philippians 1:3-5.

Philippians 1:3-5

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

The word partnership in v. 5 is koinonia, the same Greek word that is most often translated fellowship. You probably remember from our sermon series in Philippians that the Philippian church were in a partnership with Paul. They supported him through prayer and financial support as he preached the gospel. Because of this, Paul regarded the Philippians as partners with him in the gospel.

Biblical fellowship is also a shared partnership. We work together within our own church for the sake of missions and evangelism. In addition, we support gospel ministry through prayer and giving. We’ve done that most recently with the Huffines and the Mintons. We give to the ministries of the Trinity Baptist Association, the ABSC, and the SBC.

I’ll say it once more. One aspect of biblical fellowship is a shared partnership in the gospel.

Conclusion

I know I’ve said a lot this morning, but I want to sum it up in a few words. All of us desperately need biblical fellowship. We cannot simply share a pew. We must share our very lives with others. Seek to know others. Be willing to be known. Let people into your business so to speak. In doing so, you will be encouraged more than you could ever imagine. Hornet Nation is great, but belonging and committing to the body of Christ is infinitely better.

Donald Whitney writes of a pastor that went to visit a church member who had been neglecting the fellowship of the church. The pastor went into the man’s house and they both sat down by the fireplace. Without speaking, the pastor looked at the fire for several minutes. He pulled out one of the red-hot coals and set it apart from the others. Soon it lost its glow and became dark and cold. After a short time the pastor put the coal back into the fire with the others and it quickly returned to its former strength. The strength of your spiritual fire is related to the fellowship you have with the body of Christ. We need koinonia fellowship with other believers. [4]Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines within the Church, 158-59.

References

References
↑1 Jerry Bridges, True Fellowship, 10-11.
↑2 Bridges, True Fellowship, 50.
↑3 Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines within the Church, 161.
↑4 Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines within the Church, 158-59.

Gospel Unity – Philippians 2:1-4

June 21, 2022 /
Philippians

This blog is based on a sermon from Philippians. You can listen to the sermon here (unfortunately, some of the sermon was not recorded).

Sermon Text: Philippians 2:1-4

If you’ve been a part of a church for a while, you’ve probably experienced or witnessed conflict within the church.

Why is it that so many churches seem to have so much conflict?

Of course, no church will never be able to eradicate all conflict because every church is made up of sinful people.

But what if there is some way that we can minimize conflict within the church? Our text this morning speaks to this issue.

Last week, as we finished Philippians 1, Paul began giving instructions to the Philippian church.

Paul told the Philippians to “live worthy of the gospel” by:

  • Being unified around the gospel (27)
  • Not fearing those who oppose the gospel (28)
  • Being willing to suffer for the sake of Christ and the gospel (29-30)

In last week’s text, Paul was addressing external opposition. In today’s text, we see Paul focusing on how to have unity within the church.

BIG IDEA: Our church will have unity as we practice Christlike humility and service.

Our church should be marked by unity (1-2)

We see in verse 2 Paul’s command to have unity. But before he gives the command, he provides the basis for Christian unity and fellowship in verse 1.

The basis of unity and Christian fellowship (1)

Phil 2:1 – So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

Paul uses the conditional statement “if” to get the Philippians to consider whether these qualities are present in their lives.

  • Encouragement in Christ – nothing should lift our spirits more than knowing that we are in Christ. Paul is encouraging these believers when he himself is in prison.
  • Comfort from love – because we know the love of Christ, we are to love others. See 1 John 4:19.
  • Participation (or fellowship) in the Spirit – since all who are in Christ have the Holy Spirit within them, this should bring unity.
    • If the Holy Spirit truly lives within us, then we will be united around the Bible, which is breathed out by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21).
    • If someone in the church consistently causes division, this text implies that they do not have the Holy Spirit living within them.
  • Affection and sympathy – affections and sympathy (or mercy) towards others flows from our union with Christ.

Because we are in Christ, we should be encouraged and comforted, knowing that we are loved by him.

Furthermore, because we are indwelt by the same Holy Spirit, we should have unity and love one another.

In other words, Paul is saying if we have truly come to know Christ, then as true believers, we will be progressing in the faith.

These qualities will be increasingly present in our lives. Remember, Paul said in Phil 1:6 that where God has begun a work, He will bring it to completion.

So, our union with Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit within our hearts is the basis for unity in the church.

We see the basis for unity in verse 1. We see the command for unity in verse 2.

The command for unity (2)

Phil 2:2 – complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Paul says to the Philippians, since the things from verse 1 are present in your lives, “Complete my joy”, or “Make my joy complete”.

How could the Philippians complete Paul’s joy?

First, by “being of the same mind” – As Christians, our minds should be in tune with God’s Word.

Second, Paul says, “Having the same love” – We should love Christ as well as other Christians.

And finally, “being in full accord and of one mind” – We should be in agreement about the purpose of the church – to make disciples of Jesus (Matt 28:18-20).

Each of these phrases Paul uses in verse 2 point to unity. Paul, who is imprisoned for the sake of the gospel, says that his joy would be complete if the Philippians would live in unity. This shows us how important unity is in the church.

Why is Paul so concerned with unity?

If believers cannot live in unity, the transformative power of the gospel comes into question and the gospel message loses credibility among unbelievers.

If believers cannot live in unity, the transformative power of the gospel comes into question and the gospel message loses credibility among unbelievers.

How can we say we believe the gospel and have been transformed by the gospel if we are unwilling to forgive one another and to serve others (see Matt 6:14-15; 18:21-35)?

Just as a house divided against itself cannot stand, neither can a divided church. A divided church will be spiritually weak and no threat to the kingdom of darkness.

What are some ways we can cultivate unity?

  • By assuming the best of others’ motives.
  • By listening in order to understand the perspective of others.
  • Be refusing to speak ill of our Christian brothers and sisters.

We should practice Christlike humility and service (3-4)

Phil 2:3 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Remember from Phil 1:15 that Paul said some people were preaching out of envy and rivalry.

Some people, in their selfish ambition, join a church for the wrong reasons. They think it will increase their stature in the community – perhaps to win a vote or to market their business.

Others will leave a church and join another church if they are not given a certain position within the church. A person who is conceited believes he is always right and expects others to agree with him. He is only happy when he gets what he wants. I’ve heard it said that you see someone’s spiritual maturity (or the lack of it) when they don’t get their way.

Both those who are driven by selfish ambition and those driven by conceit are not seeking to make much of Christ, but to make much of themselves. They are seeking to advance their own agenda rather than that of Jesus.

This attitude is totally different than that of Jesus, who took emptied himself, took on the form of a servant, and humbled himself to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Notice that Paul continues in v. 3: “but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Paul wants us to see that selfish ambition will ruin a church, but humility helps build it.

Selfish ambition will ruin a church but humility helps build it.

When Paul wrote Philippians, humility was not considered a virtue. There were likely many retired Roman soldiers who were members of the Philippian church. These were proud men of position, but Paul told them to have humility.

Paul says that rather than being motivated by selfish ambition or conceit, we as Christians should walk in humility by counting others more significant than ourselves.

In verse 4, Paul shows what it looks like to put others first.

Phil 2:4 – “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

I’ve heard it said that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. A humble person thinks of others while a selfish person thinks only of himself.

In a culture that is all about me, myself, and I, Paul says that we should seek to put others first.

Many people in America attend a worship service to get something (a good message, good music, God’s blessing) for themselves rather seeking to serve their fellow church members and exalt Jesus.

In reality, church is not a service you attend but a people to belong to – other baptized Christians who are seeking to further the kingdom of God.

Conclusion

So, Paul’s argument in vv. 1-4 is this: if we are truly Christians, then we should be unified. The problem is that in our flesh we are driven by selfish ambition and conceit. But we are to put off those things and grow in humility and service.

As we grow in humility and service, we will grow in unity.

First, how can we grow in humility?

1. We can grow in humility by reflecting on the cross (see Phil 2:6-8).

There is no room for pride when we realize that we deserve nothing but God’s wrath and eternal punishment.

2. We can grow in humility by reflecting on the glory of Jesus (see Phil 2:9-11).

Rather than making much of ourselves, we should bow the knee to King Jesus.

3. We can grow in humility through prayer.

When we refuse to pray, we are pridefully refusing to acknowledge that we need God’s help. We should also pray to God for humility, asking him to help us love others more than ourselves.

4. We can grow in humility by serving others (Mark 10:45)

Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

As we serve others, we are reminded that we are not the center of the universe.

Second, what are some practical ways we can look to the interests of others within the church?

  • Pray for one another.
  • Show hospitality by having church members into your home, especially those that you don’t know well.
  • Invite someone to your Sunday school class.
  • Take someone a meal when they have a baby or are sick.
  • A younger Sunday school class might give up the nicer classroom on the first floor to the senior adults who have a hard time climbing the stairs.
  • Older members can serve younger members by being okay with adding an instrument or two to the church music (so long as the congregational voices are still featured).
  • Serve in the nursery even when you don’t have kids.

The important thing to remember is this – we should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.

We should not think in terms of “us vs them” but instead “let’s make much of Jesus together.”

When Christians are controlled by humility and love, they will be genuinely united in spirit and will not allow small differences to divide them or hinder their service for the Lord.

Why do many churches have so much conflict? Because of of pride and selfishness.

How can we avoid conflict within the church? Through humility and service.

As a church, are we united?

Are we humble?

More personally:

Has your life been changed by the gospel?

Are you walking in a manner worthy of the gospel?

Do you promote unity within the church?

Is your life marked by humility and service?

Finding Joy in Christ and Community – Philippians 1:3-8

May 20, 2022 /
Philippians

I recently began a sermon series in Philippians. Unfortunately, this sermon was not recorded. Here is an older version of the sermon I previously preached (click here).

An Overview of Philippians (PDF)

“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”

Perhaps you’ve heard that song by U2. I looked up the song this week on YouTube, and it’s been played almost 140 million times.

That song is so popular because people are looking for something. Ultimately, whether they realize it or not, people are looking for something that will bring them purpose and joy.

Do you have joy in your heart as you’re reading this post? I hope that you do.

But I also know it’s very possible that you are not joyful. Maybe you’re discouraged for whatever reason. Maybe your job isn’t going well. Maybe you have problems in your marriage or with your children. Maybe your health is not good.

In Philippians 1:3-8, we see how that we can have joy, even during difficult circumstances.

Last week, I introduced the book of Philippians (see post).

One of the things that we looked at was the back story of the church in Philippi, which is found in Acts 16.

As you recall, Paul loved the church at Philippi, which he founded about 10 years before he wrote this letter. He wrote this letter in part because the church was discouraged that Paul, a missionary whom they had financially supported, was now imprisoned for preaching the gospel.

So, Paul wrote this letter to encourage these Christians who were young in the faith and discouraged. In the early verses of the letter, Paul writes with a tone of joy – that the Philippians (and us) can have joy because of Christ and the gospel.

Consider this: Paul was in chains because of the gospel, and yet he was likely the happiest man in Rome (if that is where he was imprisoned). How could this be? Ancient Rome was like a modern-day Las Vegas. There were games, sexual pleasures, parties, and more. And yet, the happiest man in Rome sat in prison.

Do you think you need something other than Jesus to find real joy? Perhaps you wish you could make more money or build a bigger house or build a bigger church. I agree with Tony Merida when he says that what we really need is a bigger vision of God. [1]Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Philippians, 23

The reason that Paul was happy even in prison is this: when you come to know God through His Son, Jesus Christ, you can have a joy that can never be taken away no matter what is going on in your life. This morning, we see four ways we can experience joy in the Christian life from our text.

  1. We can know the joy of prayer (Phil 1:3-4)
  2. We can know the joy of gospel partnerships (Phil 1:5)
  3. We can know the joy of God’s work within us (Phil 1:6)
  4. We can know the joy of affection toward other believers (Phil 1:7-8)

Philippians 1:3-8 (click link for text)

First, I want to encourage you, to know the joy of prayer.

Know the joy of prayer (3-4)

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,…

Every time Paul thought about the Philippians, he thanked God for them. As Paul thought of the Philippians, he was overwhelmed by joy.

Notice that Paul emphasizes that he was grateful for all of the Philippian Christians. In verses 4, 7, and 8, Paul makes it clear that he is thankful for all the Christians there. Even though the church wasn’t perfect, Paul was grateful for them.

  • Like Paul, we should look for evidence of grace in people’s lives.
  • If you’re a super critical person who is always focused on what’s wrong in the church, then you will not have joy.
  • Don’t allow something small or petty within the church rob you of your joy and gratitude for the church and its leadership.
  • Look at the big picture and give thanks to God!

A question you might ask yourself is this: “Are you the kind of Christian who brings joy to your pastors and fellow church members when they think of you?”

“Are you the kind of Christian who brings joy to your pastors and fellow church members when they think of you?”

When Paul interceded on behalf of the Philippians, Paul had great joy. Paul was faithful to pray for the Philippian church because he loved them.

Are we as a church a prayerful people?

Are we faithful to thank God for those who have ministered to us? Perhaps it’s a previous pastor or church member, or a family member.

Maybe you lack joy because you are too focused on your own problems instead of being thankful to God for those who brought you the gospel.

The great thing about having the joy of prayer is that God is always listening. No matter where you are or what you’ve done, God always listens to those who call out to Him in faith.

Paul was in prison for the sake of the gospel, but he knew the joy of prayer.

And like Paul, we can know the joy of gospel partnerships.

Know the joy of gospel partnerships (5)

“…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.“

Why was Paul joyful every time he prayed for the Philippians? It’s because, as v. 5 says, Paul had a partnership in the gospel with this church.

Last week, we saw that Paul planted the church during a missionary journey through Macedonia (Acts 16). Since that time, the church at Philippi had supported Paul’s missionary endeavors.

In chapter 4, Paul said that the Philippian church was the only one that helped him financially after he left Macedonia (Phil 4:15–16).

Notice in v. 5 that the Philippian church had partnered with Paul “from the first day.” From the beginning of its existence, the church at Philippi was supportive of Paul’s work of advancing the gospel.

  • When we share in the work of the gospel, it is a sign that God is working in us and through us.
  • We must remember that we are partners in ministry with other likeminded churches (association, SBC) and even churches that are from other denominations but preach the message of grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
  • We are not competing with other churches – there are plenty of lost people to be reached with the gospel and discipled to spiritual maturity.
  • In partnering together for the gospel, we recognize our differences, but we celebrate our unity in Jesus and commit to the mission of making the gospel known.

The word that is translated partnership is koinonia, which is more commonly translated as fellowship.

As we see in this text, true fellowship, or partnership, is not just spending time with other Christians (although that’s not a bad thing).

In true Christian fellowship, the koinonia relationships exist because of the gospel (what God has done for us in Christ) and for the purpose of advancing the gospel (which God does through us).

D.A. Carson writes, “Both from Paul’s example and from that of the Philippians…we learn that the fellowship of the gospel, the partnership of the gospel, should be at the center of our relationships with other believers.” [2]Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians, 19

What do you talk about w/ other believers? Weather? Sports? Politics?

It’s okay to talk about these things from time to time, but the point is that we are meant for deep, meaningful relationships within the church.

My encouragement for you is to find other church members who will help you become more like Christ and spend time with them!

We can know the joy of prayer and of gospel partnerships. And third, we can know the joy of God’s work within you.

Know the joy of God’s work within you (6)

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Verse 6 speaks to both God’s work in the life of the church at Philippi and in the life of the individuals that make up the church.

Paul says that God has begun a work in the Christians at the church at Philippi and that he will bring it to completion.

This verse is important for a number of reasons.

  • First, it tells us that God is the one that begun a good work in us. Romans 5 says that even while we were weak, even while we were ungodly, even while we were sinners and enemies of God that Christ died for our sins.
  • Second, this verse tells us that God finishes what he starts. If we are united with Christ (that is, we have been saved), then God will eventually complete the work of conforming us to the image of his Son (Rom 8:29). We don’t have to worry about losing our salvation. If we are truly saved, then we can count on the promise of Scripture that God finishes what he starts.
  • Third, this verse shows us that we cannot be perfect (without sin) in this life (“will bring it to completion”). It’s rare, but occasionally you may talk with someone who believes in Christian perfectionism – the idea that someone can live without sin in this life. This verse, along with several others in Philippians (Phil 1:25; 3:12-14, 20-21) destroys this idea.

Typically, we think of salvation as a one-time event. But biblically, we have been saved, we are being saved, and one day we will be saved. This verse teaches all three:

  1. First, God began a work in you. That is justification, a one-time event when we were saved. In justification, God, through Christ has worked for us – we are justified.
  2. Second, God is working in us to make us more like Christ. This is called sanctification. Sanctification occurs from the point in time where you were converted, or justified, to the time that you die. All through your life, God is working in you and through you.
  3. And when Jesus comes back, He will bring the work of sanctification to an end. He will complete His work and we will get our new bodies. This is called glorification.

Here is a graphic illustrating this:

Salvation in Philippians 1:6
Salvation in Philippians 1:6

Kent Hughes, a longtime pastor, said it this way:

“As I reflect on my fifty plus years in Christ it is indeed God who has kept me. It is not my grip on God that has made the difference, but his grip on me. I am not confident in my goodness. I am not confident in my character. I am not confident in my history. I am not confident in my “reverend” persona. I am not confident in my perseverance.” (Kent Hughes)

John MacArthur has famously said, “If you could lose your salvation, you would.”

I can’t help but read verse 6 and have joy. I am convinced that if we mediate what God has done in our lives and what He continues to do in our lives that we will have joy.

And finally, may we know the joy of affection toward other believers.

Know the joy of affection toward other believers (7-8)

7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Clearly, Paul loved this church. He says that he holds them in his heart. That is, the Christians at Philippi have a special place in Paul’s heart.

Paul loved this church the way that grandparents love their grandchildren. He was proud of them and the work that God was doing both in them and through them. He goes on. He writes:

“…for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.”

Paul is referring to the common bond that he shares with the Philippians. They are partakers with him of grace. They are united in fellowship because of the gospel.

The glue that holds the church together should be the gospel. It’s not the color of our skin, our social status, our income level, or our political beliefs or that we’re all Cowboys and like to ride horses.

This means that you should have more in common with a Chinese Christian than your neighbor across the street that hates God but votes the same way that you do.

The gospel must be the central focus in our church!

The reason we gather each week is because of what Christ has accomplished on the cross. We gather to celebrate the work of Christ, to hear the Word of God preached, and to grow into Christlikeness. If something besides the gospel becomes our central focus, then we should no longer call ourselves a church!

Paul wanted to thank the Philippians for supporting him through prayer and the financial gift they had sent to him while he was in prison. In the ancient world, imprisonment was a source of great shame, and the Philippians had encouraged Paul with a financial gift as he preached and defended the gospel.

8 – “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

Paul yearned to see the people he loved. His source of affection for them was the love of Christ. I hope you feel the same way about your fellow church members as well as other Christians that you know.

Paul couldn’t just Facetime these believers to check in. It would be many months before he would see them again. Fortunately for us, we are able to see each other almost every week.

I wonder though, do you yearn to see your brothers and sisters each week? Do you miss the fellowship of other believers when you are apart?

If you don’t love your brothers and sisters in Christ, then you need to check your heart.

When the gospel is central in our relationships with other believers, we will know the joy of affection toward them.

Conclusion

This morning, I hope that you can have the joy that Paul had. Even in difficult circumstances, Paul had great joy because of Christ and the community of fellow believers.

Do you have the joy that comes from knowing Christ as Lord and Savior?

Do you know the joy of prayer?

Do you know the joy of gospel partnerships?

Do you know the joy of God’s work within you?

Do you know the joy of affection towards other believers?

If you know Christ, then you have access to all these sources of joy. Take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ. Do not look at your circumstances. Look around and see God’s hand at work in your own life and in the lives of others.

Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith and our greatest source of joy.

References

References
↑1 Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Philippians, 23
↑2 Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians, 19

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