Philippians 4:10-20 | Gospel Partnership

Service Project

A few weeks ago, Elizabeth Raths, approached me about doing something practical for those that had been affected by recent hurricane in North Carolina.

Elizabeth, you have a special connection with Convoy of Hope. Tell us more about your story.

What can we do to help?

[Show graphic] Hurricane Relief Hygiene Kits.

[Slide] New sermon series beginning on December 8: “In Christ, A new Identity & Purpose in Ephesians 1”

[Slide] ESV Scripture Journal, Ephesians

Pray for the mesage!

In this series, we’ve been exploring how God’s heart beats for all nations to know Him.

Two weeks ago we looked at Psalm 67, where we discovered that God's ultimate vision for the world: that every people and nation would come to know and worship Him. God’s blessings are not meant just for our own benefit but to make His salvation known throughout the earth. In this psalm, we saw that God’s heart longs for all to experience His goodness, His joy, and the awe-inspiring fear of the Lord.

Last Sunday, I introduced you to the “Father of Modern-day Missions,” William Carey, who believed passionately in the Great Commission found in Matthew 18 even when most of his contemporaries believed that the Great Commission and cross-cultural missions applied only to the Apostles. In 1792, William Carey wrote the pamphlet, An Enquiry Into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens, where he argued that the Great Commission still applies to every generation of believers.

Today I want to talk to you about gospel partnership. To introduce the concept of gospel partnership I want to introduce you to William Carey’s friend, Andrew Fuller. Carey, Fuller and other ministers established the Baptist Missionary Society in 1973 to send missionaries out into the nations.

“Our undertaking to India really [seemed] to me, on its [beginning], to be somewhat like a few men, who were deliberating about the importance of penetrating into a deep mine, which had never before been explored. We had no one to guide us; and while we were thus deliberating, Carey, as it were, said “Well, I will go down, if you will hold the rope.” But before he went down . . . he, as it seemed to me, took an oath from each of us, at the mouth of the pit, to this effect — that “while we lived, we should never let go of the rope.” (John Ryland quoted in Offering Christ to the World, 136)

William Carey went down into the pit, while Andrew Fuller and his friends held the rope.

Andrew Fuller took this vow to heart. For over twenty-one years, he dedicated himself tirelessly to the mission, taking on the roles of promoter, thinker, fundraiser, and communicator. He traveled extensively, raised funds, wrote newsletters to update supporters, and sent encouragement to the missionaries on the field. Fuller wasn’t on the mission field himself, but he was indispensable to its success, embodying the very essence of gospel partnership.

Just as Fuller held the rope for Carey, we, too, are called to support and partner with missionaries and ministries, whether we go ourselves or faithfully support those who do. Paul’s letter to the Philippians reflects this same spirit, showing how the Philippian church partnered with Paul in ministry—not by being with him physically, but through their prayers, gifts, and encouragement. Paul writes a letter thanking God for the gospel partnership with the church at Philippi.

In Acts 21, Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and by the time we get to Acts 28, he is imprisoned in Rome.

The church at Philippi hears about Paul’s situation and collects a financial gift.

How’s Paul going to get the money?

Mail a check?

Wire money via Western Union, or Vemno, or PayPal?

The church at Philippi sends an individual named Epaphroditus to deliver the gift to Paul in Rome and assist him. The trip would be long and dangerous from Philippi to Rome. It would have taken anywhere from 4-6 weeks to travel about 800 miles over land and sea. Paul held Epaphroditus in high regard, referring to him as "my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier". While in Rome, Epaphroditus became ill near the point of death, causing concern among his friends in Philippi. After recovering, Epaphroditus was sent back to Philippi by Paul, carrying the apostle's letter to the church there.

Read the passage.

Gospel Partnership!

Philippians 1:3–7 “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. 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. 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.”

&

Philippians 4:10–20 “10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

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Missions Partners

Tony and Laurie Thompson

Ryan and Christy Gerbrandt

Kevin & Sylvia Rosendahl

Jeff and Anna Pankratz

Kelley and Jola Johnson

Steve and Kathy Austvold

Jeff and Cheryl Norbie

Ryan and Bekah Vance

MITRA Asia | Indonesia Church Planters

Dan Moose

Wesley George

What can you do?

Pray

Give

[Slide] Harvest Offering Graphic: Kevin Rosendahl, Mexico & Ameet, Northern India

[Slide] Harvest Offering Graphic: How to give