INTRO: The immensity of our calling shown in this video could discourage us if we each faced it alone. But the lyrics & images also point out that we work together as Christ’s body.

Jars of Clay Video

If you’ve ever been on a mission trip, or had a whole lot of people help you with a huge task, you may have experienced how something potentially discouraging became a source of joy and thanksgiving.

1. Scripture, Philippians 1:1-8

2. Background

Ø Philippians most likely written from Rome in 61 or 62 based on Paul’s imprisonment where there was a palace guard (1:13) and the possibility of an official execution (1:20ff.)

Ø It is written by Servants. And…

Ø Written to “saints”, “the holy ones” or the “set-apart ones” of that city. What is implicit in the word is often forgotten in practice. We are set apart wholly and unreservedly for Christ if we are in Christ; dying to self & flesh, and living for God; not our own, but bought with a price.

Ø The Philippians practice of this heavenly reality, created bonds of joyful, thankful companionship.

3. Other Companionship

Ø Before we dig into this Kingdom Companionship that they shared, let’s acknowledge that this is not the only companionship that results in thankfulness & joy, but unlike most of other types, this one is secure & permanent because of Jesus.

Ø Party companionship usually ends when you walk out the door. Being based so heavily on the event, it dies with the event’s end.

Ø Sexual companionship is faux deep. It is there, but it isn’t. The real union created in the act ends for lack of commitment. At the parting, part of your heart gets ripped out. Sometimes it’s obvious and painful. Sometimes the damage lurks hidden, especially when repetition has built up scar tissue.

Ø “Friends” sometimes aren’t around when you need financial help. If they’re there after you dig your own grave and want help getting out, that’s rare.

Ø Marriage is a close second to true Kingdom fellowship, and more tangible. It is a great model and it is “until death do we part” permanent.

Ø Why do people want to be married when they lose so much freedom? Lasting belonging.

4. Kingdom Companionship

A. A Shared Cause, Christ’s Kingdom

Ø What was it about Paul’s relationship with the Philippians that made him so thankful and joyful? Look at it, vs.5, 6, & 8.

Ø That’s the basis of true Christian fellowship. Life in Christ & His Gospel. Kingdom Companionship. Koinonia

Ø Partnership, companionship, fellowship; those who together are partners, associates, comrades, companions. Each has a share. (key word)

Ø Think of the video. We will either quit on the Kingdom and suffer hypocrisy…

Ø gut it out alone and suffer under the burden…

Ø or live in Kingdom Companionship.

B. A Lasting Cause

Ø After 10 year’s he still said I think about you, pray for you and long for you.

Ø They still thought of him, too. More than any other church they supported him financially. They also sent a servant, Epaphroditus with the money they sent him in his imprisonment.

Ø In Py, relatives feed you in the hospital & prison. There was probably little food for Paul w/o this.

Ø Paul is confident that Jesus will finish this good work begun in them. It may include their ministry partnership specifically, but it is their Kingdom partnership at its heart. This is what is brought to perfection on history’s last day.

C. A Burden Sharing in the Cause

Ø When asked what it would take to get CCC out of the house stage, I responded “a partner.” To go back to the intro, I was lonely in the cause. I needed a partner. Tim (Ellen was yes & no)

Ø This Kingdom partnership was so deep it created a longing that was out of Jesus’ bowels. What!?! Out of the deepest emotional place in Jesus, Jesus’ longing had become Paul’s.

Ø This love is in Christ, not in us. We receive it and share it. We don’t birth it within by our own effort. We can stir up what’s been given.

D. Our Cause

Ø And in your life & @CCC what would it look like?

Ø I have Meredith’s permission to share about how she was asked to counsel a relative in a desperate situation. Rough gig. Scary responsibility. Burdens shared and lightened.

Ø This Saturday I experienced some of that companionship joy. Often lately.

Ø The more I live this collective life, the more my own trials are minimized. They are real, but they are offset by the joy of others.

Ø Are you the kind of Christian who brings joy to the minds of your leaders when they think of you?

· Some joy over all due to the guarantee of Christ finishing the work.

· Greater joy over those whose partnership is easily visible.

Ø It is a shame that it is often less true to say of Christian companions “You’ve really been on my heart lately” than “You’ve really been on my nerves lately!”

Ø Let’s be the exception. Let’s know the joy of true Kingdom Companionship that is deep and abiding.

Kingdom Companionship