June 10th - Philippians 1:3-5

Philippians 1:3-5 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. I love this Philippian letter because it is so full of bubbling joy. That’s particularly remarkable because Paul was in prison as he wrote these words! Paul had three spells in prison and we can’t be sure which one this was, but most scholars think that he was in Rome at the time. His life was on the line and on a number of occasions he wrote as if his end might be very close. But nothing could stop his torrent of joyfulness. In this letter, Paul is particularly grateful for his Christian brothers and sisters in Philippi. He was there when the church was founded so only had to think about them to feel joyful. Christian fellowship is always an amazing and miraculous gift. The only reason we have a relationship with our Christian brothers and sisters is because of our relationship with Jesus. There is much to be joyful about, but it is all too easy for us to focus on the negative side of church life. Paul was fully aware of the problems facing the Philippian fellowship, but they were insignificant compared to the blessing of their unity in Christ. The partnership that Paul enjoyed with the Christians in Philippi had a very specific purpose: to share the good news about Jesus. Churches exist for many purposes –including worship, fellowship and service – but, if we are to remain faithful to Jesus’ Great Commission, we are always under an obligation to share the gospel as widely as possible. The people of Philippi, like our own society, would have had little or no knowledge of the Christian message and the only way they were going to hear it was if the Church committed themselves to spreading it. What activity could possibly be more joyful than that – for the Philippian church or for us? Question What is the main focus of your partnership with other Christians? Prayer Dear Father, thank You for the blessing of my Christian brothers and sisters. Help me to work effectively in partnership with them and always to be full of joy. Amen