In It Together

Introduction

Weird jobs - Mostly for how people treat you when they find out.

Doctor. Comedian. Writer. Pastor.

The conversation on vacation - several seconds of silence as they replay conversation.

People will ask about “your church.”

Not wanting to be rude, and I know what they are asking…

But, really, it isn’t my church.

First and foremost, the church is Christ’s church.

Second, the church is our church - the members who have committed to be a part of this local body.

What does that look like, to be a church member, especially of a church that Christ is truly its head.

Matthew 16:18 ESV

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Paul writes to the church in Philippi, and so much for us to learn as well.

Partner With Other Christians

v. 1

Paul sets it up, “Paul and Timothy.” Grammar says Paul wrote it, but he includes Timothy as part of the team.

Even Paul saw that

We need partnership.

The concept of a church - “called out ones.”

The church is called out from and called into.

One of the things we are called into is service.

Paul, the great church planter, labels himself as a “servant.” Bondservant or Slave.

We have given up our rights to serve others.

Accepting the derogatory term, even embracing it!

All because of who they are servants of - Jesus Christ.

When we talk about Jesus being our Lord and Savior - Lord.

The next part of the letter contains a double meaning.

Servant of (Jesus Christ) to (all the saints).

The letter isn’t just to…but their service is also to the saints.

Saints = holy ones

To be completely separate. Different.

Thinking about the rejection of service by the world.

What do I get out of this? Even philanthropy.

What building will my name go on, what honor will I receive, how will this help me?

We are called to serve others, especially in the church.

Instead of the “us vs. them” mentality of the world, it is “us & them.”

Even with their leadership, the two positions in the church: pastors/overseers/elders and deacons.

The church ministers as a team.

Jesus washing the feet of the disciples.

John 13:12–15 ESV

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

Find Grace And Peace In Jesus

v. 2

Magic tricks. Favorite things to watch is when they reveal how tricks are done.

How? A normal question.

Especially when you see someone do something impressive.

When you see someone who is selfless in their service to others and to Jesus.

We might ask, “How?”

Two keys: Grace and Peace.

Two key elements to Christian teamwork.

Faith is foundational.

Because it all comes from God.

Relationship - “our Father.”

The process of Grace and Peace:

Up / In / Out

Up - We have Grace & Peace with God. Salvation.

In - We have Grace & Peace in ourselves. Sanctification.

Forgiving yourself for your past sins. Peace, fruit of Spirit.

Out - We give Grace & Peace to others.

As you have received, so give.

Assume the best about others.

Before jumping to a negative conclusion, consider other options.

Experience a cessation of hostilities.

Conclusion

The power of partnership.

One - church growth. The story of many members. Intentional.

Two - church ministry.

Share the burden.

Share the blessing.

Relationships drift.

So, something we have to continue to be intentional about.

Find a saving relationship with God through Christ.

Find a ministry relationship with others through Christ.