Partnership

Philippians 2:25-30

Background of the book

1849. Paul founded this church at Philippi.

Wealthy and slaves were part of this church.

Philippian Jailor was in this church.

Paul had great relationship with them.

A Theme of Joy intermingled with poverty.

But they gave to Paul. Paul counted the cost of doing the ministry.

He could endure practically because he had partners like Epaphroditus.

They send financial gift through Epaphroditus.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERTISTICS OF TRUE PARTNERSHIP?

PAUL COMMENTED HIM WITH THE WORDS THAT WILL ADEQUATELY DESCRIBE HIM.

My brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier.

Paul only comments two people with these titles. 1. Epaphroditus, 2. Titus.

Co-laborers in building a South Asian Church.

Practically speaking. Partnership is like a three-legged stool. There should be a healthy partnership between everyone. Relationship is the key. Child doesn’t aclimte to the situation.

Partnership between the LC and the Agency.

Paul and Philippian church linking arms with the LC. We need to send missionaries with good competency. Great intentionality need to take place.

FELLOW SOLDIER: Its like a wounded soldier. Three ways partners need to emulate those characteristics.

a.Messenger: Ambassador. Act in favor of the country. Epaphroditus is working on behalf of the church of Philippi to Paul.

b.Minister to my needs: Physical temporal needs and spiritual good.

Vs.26. Epaphroditus Longed to return to the church at Philippi. Great agony and distress, he could be home sick, concerned about the church. Regardless of the reasons he longed for them.

Going back to Spain: Not always connected to instagram. being connected to the moment and doing the task.

GOSPEL PARTNERSHIP IS NOT IMMUNED (ABSENT) TO PAIN (Vs.27).

He was near to death. He was giving up of himself for Paul. He became ill to the point of death. He became well some where along the way by the mercy of God.

With in the framework of God’s plan. God’s hand guided Paul’s circumstances. Bringing sanctification to him in the midst of that.

GOSPEL PARTNERSHIP IS COSTLY.

We are going to experience heartache. Something happens to us. Sth happens to someone back home. We scatter. Short term mission trips to show our love for the missionaries.

I need somebody to carry the weight. Epaphroditus carried that weight. He didn’t have to baby sit because Paul was not married. Joy mixed with sorrow.

Paul had joy of Epaphroditus being with him. At the same time sad that he was sick and had to go back. (Interns with us 8 weeks, we build great bonds and when they leave it is painful).

Paul says I am eager to send him(vs.28)

We need to receive our missionaries back with Joy just like a soldier coming back. In the Greeco-Roman world they cared for their soldiers.

Vs.30. Philippian church send one of their own to serve along side of Paul. Temporal and spiritual need.

What if they would have not send anyone at all. its not the check alone but someone standing along side is important.

Eph. Walk in a manner worthy of your calling. he had unique gifts to minister to PAUL. He really live out the obligation of one another. We are called to build up one another, serve, love one another.

Partnership is a theology of suffering. For the sake of the gospel. It is a great need. There will be pain involved. Church planters are opting for an Island.

Application:

Churches sometime wash their hands after the missionary is sent. Paul was send then they continued to partner together. We are continuing to partner together with you. This is going to take shape in sending people.

South Asian Community Church. Relationships are the bedrock of partnerships.

Churches need to develop meaningful partnerships with the ones that are sent.

We are able to send you and receive you back. We are here to stand along side of you.