Gtcotr/ws062409
Please turn with me to the book of Philippians.
There is a principle we have been repeating and benefiting from here at COTR since the fall of 1988. It was true then and it remains true today. This principle simply stated says:
Many hands make a light load.
Not only does God partner with us and us with Him, but also God designed life so that we must also partner with one another in order to be productive in life and in Kingdom adventures. When Jesus knelt in prayer as recorded in John 17, the agony of His soul which He poured out to His Father God included His cry that His followers might live and work in the power and expression of unity. “Make them one, Father, even as We are one …”.
Simple partnership in life’s endeavors … Have you found the book of Philippians yet? This is the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi. You see …
Philippi, the chief city and capitol of Macedonia, was the first place in Europe where the Gospel was preached by the Apostle Paul. It was on the Sabbath, down by a river where Paul met a business woman named Lydia. Paul spoke to her about Jesus while Lydia listened intently and as a result she and her whole household were saved and baptized into Christ.
It was in Philippi that Paul and Silas were put into prison and it was in that prison, mentioned in Acts 16, where at midnight they prayed and sang praises to God. At midnight, while the prisoners were listening, a great earthquake shook the city and the prison doors flew open. As a result of these things the jailer of that city, along with his whole household, was saved and Paul was ultimately released to preach Christ to the city before journeying onward.
A few years later, around AD 61 or AD 62, Paul found himself in another prison … a prison in Rome. In fact by this time he had been in bonds in Caesar’s palace for about two years and had achieved great success in witnessing to many royal servants of Caesar and to other prisoners alike. Many believers occupied the courts and city streets of Nero’s decadent Rome.
Around this time the Church in Philippi heard of Paul’s imprisonment and cared to know of his continued well being. They sent a messenger, a member of their Church named Epaphroditus, who also brought an offering from the Church to help Paul with his current financial distresses. Now, the Apostle Paul takes it upon himself to write this letter to the Church in Philippi. He hopes to send Timothy to see them soon and also believes that his case will soon be heard and judged by the court of Rome so that he might be released as well.
Nonetheless Paul tells the Church that the things which have befallen him, with his imprisonment, have actually worked out to the benefit and the furtherance of the Gospel. He encourages them not to be afraid of their adversaries or other hardships and, if necessity prevails, to remember that it was given them to not only believe on Christ but also to suffer, if need be, for His cause.
The book of Philippians holds such powerful words of courage and commitment to the Gospel and gives us a picture of the relevancy of the Gospel in the every day adventures of life and ministry.
Tonight I want to focus on the words of Paul found in the 4th chapter of Philippians as he is closing this last letter to his friends. As you turn there let me reiterate that at the time of this writing Paul is in prison in Rome and, as the founding Apostle of the Church in Philippi, is very well pleased with them, their ministry, their concern and their continued partnership with him.
(Provide studied commentary on each scripture with an emphasis on relationship and partnership as necessary to the advancement of the Gospel)
Philippians 4 NKJV
10 ¶ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 ¶ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
(Conclude with an encouragement to continue partnering through the church with those who are enhancing and advancing the Gospel. As a result of doing so, our God shall not only meet the distressful needs of so many ministers here and around the world but will also supply all of our own individual needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus to the glory of God the Father.)
