The Joy Of Fellowship | Philippians 1:1–11

Opening Remarks:

Introduction: As I prepared for tonight’s message, believe it or not, Christmas came to mind. Specifically, an old Christmas film called “It’s A Wonderful Life.” It’s one of the most well-known Christmas films, and I’m sure most people are somewhat familiar with the story.

It revolves around a man named George Bailey who is an extremely generous and sacrificial person. As 12 year old, he rescues his brother from drowning in a frozen lake. He then prevents his boss, a pharmacist named Mr. Gower, from accidentally poisoning someone. As an adult, he uses his honeymoon money to keep the family building and loan business open.

But trouble comes when George’s uncle Billy misplaces a large sum of money and George might go to jail for the mistake. At the end of himself, he goes to a bridge and jumps into the freezing river, only to be rescued by his guardian angel named Clarence. As they talk, George says, “I wish I’d never been born,” and his wish is granted.

So he returns to Bedford Falls only to find everything completely different. His brother died when he wasn’t there to save him as a kid. Mr. Gower is a drunk who spent years in prison for accidental poisoning. The town is now a sleazy place because George wasn’t there to influence it. His own wife doesn’t recognize him. He has no children. And George realizes that he has made a difference in people’s lives, even though it wasn’t obvious to him in the moment.

So when he wishes for everything to be back to normal, he returns to the real world grateful to be alive. When he gets home, his wife she says, “You have no idea what happened while you were gone.”

Then, person after person enters his home with cash and donations to help make up for the lost money. The whole town comes out to support George Bailey and everything is conveniently resolved in a little over 2 hours.

As he contemplates what happened, he sees a book on top of the pile of money. He opens it and sees that it’s a gift from his guardian angel, Clarence. Inside the cover, he has written these words, "No man is a failure who has friends."

What George had not realized is Joy is not as dependent on riches or success, as it is the people you share life with.

The point is not about a movie, it’s about the phrase, “No man is a failure who has friends.” The richest people in life are those that experience the Joy of relationships with others. Starting with Jesus, but then filtering down to God’s people. There’s no better illustration of this truth than a church family.

The bond a church family has together in Jesus Christ is special. The bonds of love, the growth we experience with each other, the shared victories and heartaches - God knew that we needed each other.

The book of Philippians is a reflection of the Joy of Fellowship. Paul had a deep love for the church at Philippi, and they returned that love to him. As Paul writes this letter from prison to a congregation hurting for him, it’s clear that they are in his mind, in his heart, and in his prayers. The message I want to emphasize today to us as members of Eastside Baptist Church is this – Genuine Christian fellowship produces a special kind of joy.

I. God designed us with a desire to fellowship with other believers.

No one likes to be lonely. Some of us may like to be alone, but no one wants to be lonely.

God made us for fellowship. God is a God of fellowship. He created Adam for a relationship of fellowship with Him. He than gave Eve to Adam to complete him because Adam looked at the animals and said, “Where’s my companion?”

So it’s no wonder that God’s plan for His people is to be a part of a group of people in which deep relationships are built.

By the way: I John 1:3 says, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

Fellowship doesn’t start with you and I. Our fellowship begins when each of us fellowship with God through Jesus, then our fellowship is deepened with each other.

In other words, the level of deep fellowship you enjoy with others is dependent on the depth of your fellowship with the Father.

I read a quote this week from a missionary named Paris Reidhead who said, “Most Christians do not have fellowship with God; they have fellowship with each other about God.”

I find that extremely convicting. Do I have fellowship with God directly or with others about God? My ability to fellowship with others begins with my commitment to fellowship with God first.

That fellowship bond was what Paul is referring to here in Philippians.

II. Paul described his strong bond with the believers at Philippi as “fellowship in the gospel.” (vs. 5)

Many people think “food” when they hear “fellowship.” As heretical as this sounds, fellowship is not dependent on food.

Fellowship means to have things in common. You see that in chapter 1:

Serving Christ brought Paul and Timothy together. (v. 1a) Timothy was with Paul while he awaited his trial in Rome. And I’m sure Paul was thankful to have someone likeminded with him during a difficult time. But what brought them together? Personality type? Background? Not really. Paul says, “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ.”

But that wasn’t the only bond Paul had.

His fellowship was with “all the saints,” not just a few. (v. 1b)

Interesting. He’s writing to Philippi, but he clearly feels a bond to anyone who knows Jesus.

The basis for their fellowship was that they were “in Christ Jesus.” (v. 1c)

Knowing Christ automatically bond and knits hearts together, no matter your background or experience.

He writes to all those at Philippi, including the leaders and spiritual leaders. (v. 1d)

Paul’s introductory comments to the Philippians demonstrate a special Joy that came out of a strong bond of fellowship.

Look at three traits of fellowship from Paul’s letter

Read Philippians 1:3-6

III. #1 - Fellowship means we think of each other often. (3-6)

Paul was a prisoner. He could have easily been focused on his own situation.

But he gave thanks upon every thought of them. (v. 3)

Not only that, but he thought of them often. (v. 4a)

He had pleasant thoughts toward them. (v. 4b)

The requests he prayed for them were accompanied by Joy. When Paul thought about the Philippians, it brought him joy.

When people think about you, do you think that memory is one that is accompanied by Joy? If not joy, what word would describe it when people think about you? Critical? Moody? Carnal? Angry? Bitter? Impatient? Self-focused?

Vs. 5 - One of the primary reasons Paul thought about them with Joy was their participation in the Gospel ministry. The work of God was important to them. They were busy about the Lord’s work. They invested in Paul’s work as well.

Vs. 6 - It was clear to Paul that the Philippians were serious about letting God do all the work He wanted to do in their church. It was obvious to Paul that the Philippians were going to give God every opportunity to mature them and use them in every way possible. That gave Paul confidence. Now, his confidence was first in God, but his confidence was bolstered by how consistent and serious the Philippian disciples were.

How often do you think of others in your church family? If it’s not often, do something to change that. (Directory, prayer time, notes of encouragement, hospitality).

IV. #2 - Fellowship means we care deeply for each another. (7-8)

Paul had them in his heart. That means they mattered to Paul. It means Paul had genuine love for them.

1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

The most visible way to express fellowship is love lived out. Not that we feel love, but that we reveal love.

Paul says, “We’re all recipients of the same grace. We’re all in the same boat. I’m no better than anyone else. This is an important point. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been saved or how much Bible knowledge you have or how much influence you have, none of us would be anything without God’s grace. Our mutual need for God’s grace brings us together as a church family.

Vs. 8 - Paul had a deep and unwavering love for them. But notice that it didn’t come from within Paul. He says, “in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” Paul’s love came from the Lord.

The reference to “bowels” refers to the innermost part of man. It conveys the idea of heartfelt emotions. Understand, if you expect to find that kind of love for people within yourself, it’s not going to happen. God’s love is shed abroad in our hearts, which gives us the capacity to love others as we should.

Truth is, love doesn’t come easy because we’re selfish and many people aren’t very lovable. We must have God’s help to give us the capacity to love others like we should. And when you allow that to happen, the Joy you get from love on that level is indescribable. That’s what Paul says.

It is indescribable Joy to love others with the love Jesus loves with.

V. #3 - Fellowship means we pray for each other. (v. 9-11)

Paul prayed for a few specific things:

That their love might abound toward each other.

That their love might result in them making choices that are best for each other.

Knowledge and judgment means knowledge of God and insight into His ways. The more we deeply understand and know God, the better we will treat others.

“Approve what is excellent” - Means to discern what is best and do it.

I think discernment is a lost art these days. The desire to be appropriate doesn’t seem important to most people. I don’t mean right or wrong or moral or immoral. I mean appropriate. That’s what Paul is stating.

For instance: in our worship, it is often a question of appropriateness more than right or wrong. Is a certain style of music appropriate for worshipping a holy God? Not necessarily right or wrong, but appropriate. Are there certain things that would be inappropriate for worship? I would think so. So our responsibility is to find that line and stay on the safe side of it.

This can be a great question in every part of life. Not, “Is this right or wrong,” but “Is this appropriate.”

“Is this appropriate dress for serving or representing the Lord?”

“Is this an appropriate form of entertainment for a disciple?”

“Is this an appropriate comment or interaction as a child of God?”

That’s what Paul says about genuine fellowship. When you have real fellowship, it’s a body of believers that isn’t just concerned with self, but is also concerned with how their actions impact other people and the body as a whole.

Paul prayed for that. He also prayed for Sincerity.

Vs. 10 - “That ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”

“Sincere” literally means to be tested by sunlight. Potters heated clay vessels in a furnace. Due to intense heat, some of the vessels cracked. Not wanting to lose profit, some potters filled the cracks with wax. If a vessel was in mint condition, it was said to be “sincere” or without wax. You could hold it up to the light to see for yourself that it was sound.

Paul wanted the Philippians to pass the test when they stood before Christ. If they were real, then they would be “without offense”. He prayed that they would live a blameless life in preparation to stand before the Lord. (v. 10c)

They would be prepared to stand before the Lord if their lives were filled with righteousness. (v. 11)

When you have genuine fellowship with other believers, you’re not just concerned that you have a good time when you’re around them. You have such concern for them that you pray they would be discerning about what is appropriate. And you will pray that they are pure in heart so they can stand blameless before God.

When’s the last time you prayed for a fellow church member on this level? It’s right for members of the same family to be concerned with the genuine spiritual well-being of others. In fact, if that’s not present in your life, it could indicate a lack of genuine fellowship.

CIT: Our fellowship at Eastside Baptist Church is revealed in our thoughtful care and prayer for each other.

Do you have Joy in Fellowship?

I don’t mean, “Do you have a good time with others?”

No, Christian Fellowship, is measured this way:

1. We think of each other often

2. We care for each other deeply

3. We pray for each other regularly

Not because we like each other. Or we enjoy certain personalities. But because we have a bond in Christ that should be stronger than any other bond on earth. It helps us overlook the things that would otherwise drive a wedge.

What can you do this week to ensure you think about your church family more often?

How can you express this week that you care deeply for someone at Eastside? What’s keeping you from doing it?

What do your recent prayers say about your concern for the spiritual well-being for the people in your church family? We’re so self-focused in our prayer lives. But the people around us desperately need someone to consistently seek God on their behalf. Will you be the one that does that?

Paul had the Philippians in his mind, in his heart, and in his prayers. And his Joy was helped by that fellowship.

Ask the Lord to give you a greater love for our church family. Ask Him to give you the love He has for our church family. And you’ll discover a Joy in Fellowship you can’t find in any other group of people, because our bond begins with Jesus Christ.