Partnership in the Gospel
In many churches marked by a zeal for biblical truth there’s a lack of mutual affection and joy. Why the disconnect? Surely love and joy ought to flow from sound doctrine. Consider how Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi which opens:
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” - Philippians 1:3-5
The word “partnership” that Paul uses is the word ‘koinonia’ which is commonly translated “fellowship.” It has been famously used in the modern church to signify something like getting together to watch the game and gobble up buffalo wings. Or as our former Senior Pastor Denton Lotz often jested, “Fellowship isn’t just two fellows in a ship.” He had us cracking up with that one, but the point was made. Fellowship or partnership in the gospel isn’t casual. Though it may include some measure of buffalo wings, partnership in the gospel centers on life together on mission for Jesus.
Of all of Paul’s letters to the churches, Philippians strikes us more as a letter commending faith rather than correcting error. Galatians and 1 Corinthians stand as examples of Paul rebuking churches that were veering into shocking sin. Philippians seems filled with affirmation. But even the church at Philippi had its blindspots. Paul hints throughout the letter about a matter of disunity that he clearly states towards the end of the letter. He calls on two members of the church, women named Euodia and Syntche to “agree in the Lord.” (4:2) Thus, it’s no surprise that Paul calls the whole church in chapter 2 to walk in the pattern of humility that Jesus displayed. The one who “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:8)
When our life together centers on Jesus’ death and resurrection—in effect, when we are truly partnering in the gospel, a humility that produces unity, love, and joy will be stoked. When we’re eager to agree in the Lord—that is, to embrace His commands together, we will be “of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (v. 2) We will “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than ourselves.” (v. 3) We will “look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (v. 4). This goes for pastors and those in the pews alike. When our life together centers on Jesus and His gospel mission, we can pray for one another like Paul does at the opening of the letter. May this kind of unity, grounded in humility lead us into affection and joy as a congregation, so that we display Christ to all who cast eyes on us!
