Devotional 1

Introduction

One of the beautiful aspects of the Bible, and particularly the New Testament, is that it connects so neatly with our experience as members of the same church (even now in the 21st century!). We are going to be in Philippians 1:3-6 in the devotional times that we will have together, because I think these verses have much to do with that which you are currently experiencing by sending the Eccles to Ecuador, as well as in your partnership with Claudio and Iglesia Emaús.

Context

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi while he was in prison in Rome around the year 60-62. About 10 years earlier, Paul planted the church in Philippi. You will recall that Paul received a vision in Acts 16:9-10, a vision which compelled him to preach the Gospel in Macedonia and plant the church in Philippi.

Paul had suffered greatly, but he is expressing gratitude for the church in Philippi for their financial support, prayers, a visit from one of their own (Epaphroditus) and encouragement. Above all else, he is grateful to the Lord for allowing him the opportunity to preach the Gospel to the highest echelons of Roman political power (Philippians 1:13).

Writing to the Church in Philippi, Paul says the following:

Text

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 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. - Philippians 1:3-6

Today we will look at verses 3, 4, and 5.

Thankfulness to God

Paul was thankful to God for the closeness of his relationship with the Philippians. The Philippians were a cause for Paul to give thanks to God.

We will see later on that this church supported Paul...

…financially

…prayerfully

…in the sending of personnel in the person of Epaphroditus

And Paul remembered them fondly, prayed for them, and gave thanks to the Lord for them.

Application

As co-laborers with Justin, Laurel, Claudio, and Silvana, you (the Vine) are a cause for thanks in their lives.

The Lord is using you to serve as the means by which they can serve cross-culturally. You are a blessing to them, and a cause for which they can give thanks to the Lord.

Rooted to Partnership in the Gospel

The word that Paul uses here in verse 5 is fellowship, or participation. This is not something that is one sided, but two sided. The Philippians supported Paul in the Gospel ministry of planting churches, and Paul was the means by which the Philippians were able to participate in the Great Commission.

Paul’s partnership in Gospel ministry with the Philippians brought him joy. Paul did not despair, regardless of the circumstances he was in. He possessed a deeply rooted contentedness and peace and optimism grounded in Jesus and His finished work. A contentedness which was also grounded in the communities of Jesus-followers, or churches, who prayed with and for him, financially supported him, and co-labored alongside him.

Connection

What we see in these verses is that there is a precedent in Gospel-centered connections between local churches and missionaries in far off lands. The church in Philippi was an encouragement and support for Paul, in the same way that you are an encouragement and support for the Eccles and for Iglesia Emaús.

These types of relationships fuel the work of God in Gospel-expansion throughout the world.

In your generous giving...

…in your willingness to take vacation days to serve the church in a different cultural context...

…and in your prayers...

…you are participating in a true partnership in Gospel expansion. You are participating in The Great Commission. The Eccles and Claudio, Silvana, and Emaús need you to be obedient to the Lord in this way.

And you need them as they seek to be obedient in pursuing the Lord´s call on their lives.

…they provide a means by which you can meaningfully participate in the Great Commission.

…they open your eyes to the reality of how BIG the Lord is and what He is doing in the world.

…they serve as examples to us as to what it means to “lose our life for the sake of the Gospel and the sake of Jesus Christ (Mark 8:35).”

Application

In these days that we have together, let us soak in the blessing of being in a Gospel partnership. Let us consider how we may serve and encourage Justin, Laurel, and Claudio and Silvana so that their joy in Jesus and the work that He is doing through them is increased.