Philippians 1:3-5 - "Your Fellowship in the Gospel"

Letus look at Philippians 1:3–5. The reason we are looking at these versestogether is that they form one continuous sentence from verse 3 all the waythrough verse 7. Today, we are just going to read through verse 5. Paul writesin verse 3, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in everyprayer of mine making requests for you with joy.” Then in verse 5—and thisis what we are focusing on today—“for your fellowship in the gospel from thefirst day until now.” Paulis thanking God for these dear believers and for the joy he has experiencedwith them. He is remembering Lydia, the demon possessed girl and no doubt thePhilippian jailer and his family, and all those who also became followers ofChrist. (“from the first day till now”). Here, he is speaking of theirfellowship in the gospel. He is making requests concerning their fellowship inthe gospel in his prayers, and he is thanking God as he remembers theirfellowship in the gospel. Thisfellowship in the gospel is more than simply being together. Paul is in prisonin Rome, while these believers are in Philippi in northern Greece. Yet thePhilippian believers were not just spectators—they were participants in thework of the gospel, and that is very important. The word “fellowship,”koinonia, in the New Testament has to do with working together and sharing in acommon purpose. Someone has described it as “four fellows in the same ship.”When you are in that kind of fellowship, you are close—doing the same work,moving in the same direction, and serving the same purpose. Paulis thankful for their fellowship in the gospel. He may be thinking especially,as he later writes in Philippians chapter 4, of how they partnered with himthrough giving. They gave of their substance. They gave financially. They alsogave encouragement through Epaphroditus, who came from Philippi to visit Paulin prison. They supported him in the ministry. Even when he was in otherplaces, they sent gifts to encourage him and help him carry out the work Godhad called him to do. In this way, they were truly fellowshipping with him. Godhas called all of us into the fellowship of the gospel—the gospel of JesusChrist. If you want real joy in your life, you must be a participant in thatfellowship, joining with others who share the same purposes and goals. You wantto be part of a church where people do more than just gather, talk, or enjoytime together. You want to be among those who are committed to taking thegospel to the far reaches of the world. Jesus told His disciples, “Go intoall the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” We are to teachthem, baptize them, and disciple them to follow Jesus Christ so that they, inturn, can reach others. That is the fellowship of the gospel. Whenyou are working together with others—participating in evangelism, giving,sharing, encouraging one another, helping each other grow, and holding oneanother accountable—you are experiencing true fellowship. We fellowship in thegrace of God. We fellowship in worship as we gather together on Sundaymornings. We are united. We are participating together with other believers tofulfill what God has called us to do. That is what Paul is so thankful forhere. And we should be thankful and encourage one another in the same way. Letme ask you today: Are you just a believer in the gospel, or are you a partnerin it? Thankyou for your prayers over these next few days. We will be in touch, and we willsee you on Monday morning.  Godbless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.