Philippians 4:14–23
Today is Reformation Sunday: (The Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Read: Philippians 4:14–23
Introduction: Thank you!
Our union with Christ is the foundation of our communion/fellowship with one another, and that communion should lead to common participation in gospel ministry, for the glory of God.
Our union with Christ produces communion with one another
See how Paul bookended the epistle:
“Saints in Christ Jesus” (1:1)
Richly supplied “in Christ Jesus” (4:19)
Koinonia begins with a genuine spiritual encounter with Christ. Here, Paul talks about the inseparability of koinonia with Christ (Savior, the “spiritual glue”) and believers in Christ (saints). In fact, “koinonia” with Christ is the foundation of our “koinonia” with one another. Also, “in Christ” is the locus of all spiritual blessings.
Philippians 1:7 – “We are partakers (koinonia) of grace”
Philippians 2:1 – “Participation (koinonia) in the Spirit”
Philippians 3:10 – “Share (koinonia) in His sufferings”
Do you know Christ? What binds us together?
Before we can talk about our “fellowship” with one another we need to be clear first with our “fellowship” with Christ. Our “koinonia” flows from our union with Him.
Communion with the saints should lead to partnership in the gospel – “koinonia”
Fellowship in the gospel
Fellowship should go beyond “casual cooperation,” “kind gestures.” Biblical koinonia shows “participation in the great task of getting the gospel out” (Kent Hughes). It also means that biblical koinonia is costly (not cheap). We share in another’s joy as well as another’s trouble (Paul’s suffering became the Philippians’ concern).
Dennis E. Johnson talks about “three-way partnership”
Christians who give
Gospel heralds who go – Paul paid a high price, too.
The God who guides them both
Is the gospel the controlling truth that shapes our belief, proclamation, and deeds?
Philippians 1:5 - “your partnership in the gospel”
Philippians 1:7 - “the defense and confirmation of the gospel”
Philippians 1:12 - “to advance the gospel”
Philippians 1:16 - “for the defense of the gospel”
Philippians 1:27 - “worthy of the gospel of Christ” and “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel”
Philippians 2:22 - Timothy “served with me in the gospel”
Philippians 4:3 - “labored side by side with me in the gospel”
Philippians 4:15 - “in the beginning of the gospel”
Fruit of gospel partnership
Joy - Paul’s joy is inseparable from that investment he shared with the Philippians
It benefits others
It pleases God - God is pleased with the generous spirit of his people. The Philippians’ generosity to Paul was of the highest value to God himself. Using an OT language of “sacrifice” (burnt offering – the sweet aroma of sacrifice). It shows our solidarity with the OT saints and ultimately with Christ who gave an unparalleled sacrifice. Their sacrifice is nothing short of “pleasing and acceptable” to God.
Conclusion:
The Spirit works through the body of Christ. Our union with Christ means inclusion in his church (both universal and local) and our inclusion in this church means partnership.
Faithful partnership produces fruits and will never lack God’s supply (Phil. 4:19).
Doxology - When God’s people are generous, praise to God is the proper response. From “My God” to “Our God”–Paul united himself with the Philippians in ascribing glory to God forever
Discussion questions:
Because we are united to Christ, how should our identity “in Christ” change the way we see, love, and care for our fellow saints?
Biblical koinonia is costly. Whose burden or trouble is God calling you to share, and what would that look like? Explain assurance of supply in Philippians 4:19.
Are you merely attending church, or actively participating in gospel partnership through your time, gifts, resources, prayer, service, and mission work?
Sources:
Hughes, R. Kent: Preaching the Word, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
Johnson, Dennis: Reformed Expository Commentary, Philippians.
Strain, David: The Lectio Continua, Philippians.