Sunday, November 14, 1999   

Someone has defined fellowship as two fellows in the same ship. Christian, we are in this together and we need to be good companions as we sail the sea of life. We need to be good companions because we all face storms of difficulty, disappointment, discouragement and dashed hopes. We need fellowship and the best fellowship is "fellowship in the gospel" (verse 5).

I. Verses 3-5, THANKS FOR THE FELLOWSHIP

      A. Verse 3, Pay close attention to Paul's words: "I thank my God...". Not one of the pagan gods addressed by the heathens but theos the one and only true God.

            1. "My" is a personal pronoun in the Greek. Paul's salvation was personal; and if you are truly saved, your salvation is personal.

                  a. In Galatians 2:20, Paul said: "... I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." That's personal.

b. Paul did what each believer should do. He lifted up his heart and thanked God for moving folks to salvation and moving them to help him in the ministry.

            2. "....upon every remembrance of you."

                  a. Go back to the word "thank" in this verse. It is the Greek word eucharisteo meaning: "I am thanking."

                  b. Because he was thinking of them, he was thanking God for them.

                        1). He gave thanks for their salvation. Paul was in Roman chains 800 miles away, and it had been nearly ten years since he had first preached in Philippi. But time and distance could not erase the wonderful memories he had. Memories of Lydia saved by the river; the jailer saved at the jailhouse; and the demon possessed girl saved and delivered.

                        2). He gave thanks for their kindness and generous support (4:15-16).

                       3). He was thankful for each one of the believers at Philippi, but his thankfulness went beyond this for he knew that God was responsible for what had happened to them spiritually (Romans 8:28).

      B. Verse 4, Paul remembered the Philippians in prayer.

            1. "Always" this says that Paul was persistent in prayer. Being in chains, Paul had been stopped from doing many things, but he could not be kept from praying! Will you pray?

            2. "Prayer." Greek deesis meaning "a prayer for the fulfillment of a definite need that is keenly felt."

                  a). He prayed for their spiritual needs.

                  b). He prayed that God would keep from danger.

                  c). He prayed that the young Christians would be faithful.

                  d). He prayed that God would watch over the church.

            3. "You all"-- the local church.

            4. "Making request with joy." Paul prayed with joy for the Philippians. The joy of Christian prayer is bringing those we love to the mercy seat of God.

                  a. He had joy because his attitude was right. He didn't complain and whine.

                  b. This joy was real. It could not be conjured up by programs and fellowship meals.

      C. Verse 5, Paul was thankful for their "fellowship in the gospel."

            1. This is a fellowship that showed no sign of warning.

            2. They were his partners in the gospel ministry.

                  a. John Phillips says: "They had done for him what Jonathan had done for David 'strengthened his hand in God' (I Samuel 23:16 & 32).

                  b. They were with him; he could count on them.

                  c. They had proved their faithfulness and partnership with their giving.

                  d. He had brought the "gospel" to them and they wanted others to hear the good news. They would tell others and support Paul in his Gospel ministry. As he preached, they shared in it.

            3. "First day until now."

                  a. As soon as God opened Lydia's heart, she opened her home.

                  b. A member of the church was sent to help Paul (2:25).

II. Verse 6, THANK GOD FOR PERSEVERANCE AND PRESERVATION

      A. When we put verses 5 and 6 together, we see the close link between:

Human Perseverance Divine Preservation

"Your fellowship in the gospel "He which hath begun a good work

from the first day until now" in you will perform it until the day

Verse 5 of Jesus Christ" (verse 6).

      B. "He"-- God. This is why Paul was confident "salvation is of the Lord." Man fails; God does not.

C. "He which hath begun a good work."

            1. This good work is grace.

                  a. By grace men are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9).

                  b. By grace men are transformed (II Corinthians 5:17).

            2. This work is good in:

                  a. Origin God

                  b. Quality the best

                  c. Purpose conforming the saints to the image of Christ.

                  d. Result their willingness to serve God, especially in the efforts to get the Gospel out (2:12-13).

                  e. Perseverance is proof of salvation (I Thessalonians 1:2-5).

      D. "He...will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

            1. What God started in eternity he will finish in time (II Thessalonians 2:13-14).

            2. Preservation and perseverance are in harmony as shown by what the Bible says:

                  a. God's faithfulness will not be removed (Psalms 89:33).

                  b. God promises life that will never end (John 3:16).

                  c. God promises a gift that will never be lost (John 6:37,39).

                  d. God promises a chain that will never be broken (Romans 8:29-30).

                  e. God promises a love from which we shall never be separated (Romans 8:38-39).

                  f. God promises a foundation that will never be destroyed (II Timothy 2:19).

                  g. God promises an inheritance that will not fade (I Peter 1:4-5).

      E. "Until the day of Jesus Christ."

            1. The rapture when we are caught up to be with Christ.

            2. The work will be continued until we are glorified. We will get a new body and a new home. This is the parousia.

III. Verses 7-8, THANKS FOR THE PARTNERSHIP

      A. Verse 7, Paul had these partners in the Gospel in his heart.

            1. "In my heart"-- Paul had them in his very being (Proverbs 4:23).

                  a. This is better than on our lips talking about them only. Talk is often shallow.

                  b. This is better than on our minds. Paul did think of them, but it was from deep within.

            2. Two words are used by Paul to express the work of these Christians for the Gospel's sake:

                  a. "Defense"-- Greek apologia "defense of attacks which come from the outside."

                        1). The Christian is to be a defender of the faith, not an ecumenical whimp.

                        2). We are to be able to give a reason for the hope that is in Christ.

                  b. "Confirmation"-- this means to teach the doctrine of the Bible, to build up the faith and devotion of other believers.

            3. The Philippians gave evidence that they were in fellowship.

      B. Verse 8, Paul says here: "I love you like Jesus loves you." The love he feels is nothing less than the love of Christ Himself. His heart throbbed with the heart of Christ.

CONCLUSION: Are you in the fellowship of the Gospel?