WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.100 So let's turn back to Philippians, and we're going to spend some time here. 00:00:06.339 --> 00:00:14.859 So we've been thinking about the house that Jesus builds, thinking about what it looks like as we have the life of God in the life of the church. 00:00:15.300 --> 00:00:22.859 And that takes us to this wonderful phrase that we find at the beginning of Philippians, partnership in the gospel. 00:00:24.219 --> 00:00:28.120 So let me read just the first six verses for us. 00:00:28.120 --> 00:00:38.640 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons. 00:00:39.240 --> 00:00:43.900 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:44.960 --> 00:00:47.820 I thank my God every time I remember you. 00:00:48.020 --> 00:00:57.659 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 00:00:58.119 --> 00:01:08.159 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 00:01:08.819 --> 00:01:09.239 Amen. 00:01:10.120 --> 00:01:14.819 So when we come to this passage, we're coming actually to one of my favorite phrases that Paul uses. 00:01:14.959 --> 00:01:18.280 He uses it here in his letter to the Philippians. 00:01:18.359 --> 00:01:20.120 It's the idea of gospel partnership. 00:01:20.120 --> 00:01:20.680 Partnership. 00:01:20.859 --> 00:01:25.920 It's a really rich idea, actually, because it contains within it the idea of fellowship. 00:01:26.859 --> 00:01:32.840 Here are a people, a group of Christians bound together in the cause of Christ, spreading his good news. 00:01:33.540 --> 00:01:36.840 But it also contains within it the idea of generosity. 00:01:37.780 --> 00:01:45.500 God has graced these Christians, and that grace is now being worked out in sacrificial commitment to other believers. 00:01:45.500 --> 00:01:49.000 And, of course, it also has the idea of partnership. 00:01:49.540 --> 00:01:57.019 Here are a group brought together, working together in a common gospel cause with a shared gospel goal. 00:01:57.480 --> 00:02:00.879 Gospel partnership is a really rich phrase. 00:02:01.960 --> 00:02:04.019 That's one of my favorite phrases that Paul uses. 00:02:04.840 --> 00:02:06.260 That led me to think. 00:02:06.780 --> 00:02:11.479 Apologies for people who haven't read Lord of the Rings, but gospel partnership took me down. 00:02:12.080 --> 00:02:13.259 The Lord of the Rings rabbit hole. 00:02:13.259 --> 00:02:21.239 It's one of my favorite books to reread because it captures so helpful, I think, so many of the ideals of friendship and fellowship. 00:02:21.979 --> 00:02:26.039 You find a group who are brought together on a shared quest. 00:02:26.780 --> 00:02:34.500 They are bound together in this wonderful fellowship that is marked by sacrifice and commitment, as well as genuine friendship. 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:37.340 Let me give you one snippet as we begin. 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:39.979 This is Mary, one of the hobbits. 00:02:39.979 --> 00:02:42.239 So this is early on in the tale. 00:02:42.240 --> 00:02:49.680 Some of the hobbits have just discovered that Frodo has been told by Gandalf he's got the job to go to Mordor to destroy the ring. 00:02:50.080 --> 00:02:52.920 And Mary says this to his friend Frodo. 00:02:52.919 --> 00:02:58.399 You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin, to the bitter end. 00:02:59.039 --> 00:03:03.579 And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours closer than you can keep it yourself. 00:03:04.459 --> 00:03:10.219 But you can't trust us to let you face trouble alone and go off without a word. 00:03:10.899 --> 00:03:12.500 We are your friends, Frodo. 00:03:12.699 --> 00:03:13.819 Anyway, there it is. 00:03:14.199 --> 00:03:15.839 We know most of what Gandalf told you. 00:03:15.840 --> 00:03:17.259 We know a good deal about the ring. 00:03:17.539 --> 00:03:19.120 We are horribly afraid. 00:03:19.740 --> 00:03:23.180 But we are coming with you or following you like hounds. 00:03:23.780 --> 00:03:25.219 There's a great picture of true fellowship. 00:03:26.060 --> 00:03:31.800 And this fellowship will bring comfort and joy to Frodo and indeed to each of the members of the fellowship of the ring. 00:03:31.800 --> 00:03:41.320 And what we see in a still more profound way is the sense of joy and comfort that Paul has as he thinks about this church in Philippi, 00:03:41.400 --> 00:03:46.800 this church that he helped to plant as he sees their ongoing gospel commitment. 00:03:47.780 --> 00:03:52.140 So we're going to see a model for us in Philippi that we can learn from. 00:03:52.880 --> 00:03:56.960 And we're going to ask three very simple questions about gospel partnership. 00:03:56.960 --> 00:04:00.960 And the first is this, who is involved in gospel partnership. 00:04:01.860 --> 00:04:03.439 Let me read verses 1 and 2 again. 00:04:03.600 --> 00:04:09.120 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, 00:04:09.600 --> 00:04:16.199 together with the overseers and deacons, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:22.060 Just to very briefly remind ourselves that about 10 years earlier, 00:04:22.060 --> 00:04:28.680 and you can read about this in Acts chapter 16, Paul arrives in the city and he plants a church. 00:04:29.319 --> 00:04:33.939 He meets Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman praying by a riverside. 00:04:34.480 --> 00:04:39.459 Then there is the servant girl, dramatically transformed from demon possession. 00:04:39.680 --> 00:04:42.939 And then there is the jailer who is saved from suicide. 00:04:43.079 --> 00:04:47.000 And they become part of this early church that meets in Lydia's home. 00:04:47.540 --> 00:04:49.459 But this is now 10 years on. 00:04:49.459 --> 00:04:53.039 But what's abundantly clear is Paul really loves this church. 00:04:53.479 --> 00:04:57.379 I look at chapter 4, verse 1, to see how he describes them. 00:04:57.879 --> 00:05:08.979 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown stand firm in the Lord. 00:05:09.459 --> 00:05:10.060 He loves them. 00:05:10.240 --> 00:05:11.839 It is joy and crown church. 00:05:11.919 --> 00:05:15.839 And the letter is full of a joy that Paul has in Jesus. 00:05:15.839 --> 00:05:21.339 But the letter is also marked with the joy that Paul has in his friends. 00:05:21.539 --> 00:05:26.399 And just as a wee, this is almost like a trailer, because early in 2027 as a church, 00:05:26.859 --> 00:05:30.779 we're going to read and study together the letter of Philippians. 00:05:30.879 --> 00:05:31.959 Think about joy in Jesus. 00:05:32.279 --> 00:05:35.839 Our students are already ahead of us because they're doing that in their discipleship groups. 00:05:35.839 --> 00:05:43.639 But here is Paul 10 years on, and he's able to reflect on 10 years of faithful gospel partnership. 00:05:44.599 --> 00:05:46.500 But who's involved in this gospel partnership? 00:05:46.939 --> 00:05:48.139 Well, back to verse 1. 00:05:48.459 --> 00:05:52.439 Verse 2, people mentioned are Paul and Timothy, these servants of Christ Jesus. 00:05:52.599 --> 00:05:53.799 So here they are. 00:05:53.859 --> 00:05:55.339 They're church planting missionaries. 00:05:55.419 --> 00:05:56.339 We know that about them. 00:05:56.759 --> 00:06:00.679 We know that Paul is called by Jesus to be an apostle, to speak for him. 00:06:00.680 --> 00:06:04.600 And they describe themselves as servants of Jesus. 00:06:04.900 --> 00:06:08.259 It's a significant image you could use, the word slave. 00:06:09.300 --> 00:06:15.560 Paul always understands that he has been set free from an old master, the old master of sin that held him in chains. 00:06:15.860 --> 00:06:20.480 And he's been set free, not to live as he pleased, but to serve his new master, Christ Jesus. 00:06:22.139 --> 00:06:25.980 And Paul and Timothy, they will serve Jesus as they share the gospel. 00:06:26.199 --> 00:06:27.860 So they're involved in gospel partnership. 00:06:27.860 --> 00:06:35.080 And they're involved in this gospel partnership with all God's holy people who are in Christ Jesus in Philippi. 00:06:36.259 --> 00:06:40.080 To all the saints is how it can often be translated. 00:06:40.740 --> 00:06:44.120 And that's not the idea that there is within the church some kind of special elite. 00:06:44.720 --> 00:06:46.780 Oh, yeah, there's the leaders there. 00:06:46.920 --> 00:06:47.699 They're the saints. 00:06:48.400 --> 00:06:51.199 This is the normal way that Paul describes Christians. 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:58.479 To be holy or to be a saint is to be set apart by God and to be set apart for God. 00:06:58.899 --> 00:07:00.719 And so they're involved in gospel partnership. 00:07:01.219 --> 00:07:04.519 And then he mentions together with the overseers and deacons. 00:07:04.680 --> 00:07:08.620 So this is him speaking about church elders and deacons. 00:07:08.839 --> 00:07:12.039 And the question is asked, well, why do they get the special mention? 00:07:12.040 --> 00:07:23.300 And it's possibly just to highlight the fact that this is the group who are responsible for organizing the special collection that Paul talks about at the end of the letter that he's really thankful for. 00:07:23.720 --> 00:07:27.820 But the point to see is that every Christian is brought into gospel partnership. 00:07:28.280 --> 00:07:39.200 So whether it's the church planter, whether it's the elder or the deacon, or whether it's the Christian church member, all of them sharing this together. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:41.180 We could put it another way. 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:48.240 Everyone who shares grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ is involved in gospel partnership. 00:07:49.099 --> 00:07:58.699 To receive God's grace, that free, spontaneous, unmerited love of God to us as sinners binds us together to Jesus and to his people. 00:07:59.159 --> 00:08:04.639 To receive this peace that Paul speaks about and that Peter spoke about in Acts chapter 10. 00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:09.539 To be reconciled to be reconciled to God by God's grace through the work of Jesus Christ. 00:08:09.659 --> 00:08:14.659 That binds us to Jesus and to our brothers and sisters in partnership. 00:08:15.379 --> 00:08:21.979 So for us, if we're a Christian here today, the question isn't to ask, I wonder if I'm included in gospel partnership. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:28.620 No, rather it's to presume that we are and then to ask, how will I live out the reality of gospel partnership? 00:08:28.620 --> 00:08:33.120 But here is Paul and he's giving thanks. 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:39.320 You know, he's separated by geography, maybe 450, maybe 600 miles away. 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:44.299 Separated by circumstances, he's in chains for the gospel. 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:45.600 They're enjoying freedom. 00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:48.539 But he knows there is this bond. 00:08:48.779 --> 00:08:50.519 They are united in gospel partnership. 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:53.699 So that's who's involved. 00:08:54.159 --> 00:08:56.259 And we'll see some of what that looks like shortly. 00:08:56.500 --> 00:09:02.179 But at this stage, just to think about, we're trying to think about this, a fair amount here as a local church. 00:09:02.259 --> 00:09:03.559 What's our vision? 00:09:03.759 --> 00:09:06.480 What is it that we want to be as a people? 00:09:06.559 --> 00:09:17.939 And we want to be, by God's grace, worshiping Jesus together, growing as family together, and loving our city together. 00:09:17.940 --> 00:09:25.180 And each of these are part of what gospel partnership looks like in a local context. 00:09:25.880 --> 00:09:28.040 And we're all, as Christians, called into it. 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:28.980 So that's who's involved. 00:09:30.120 --> 00:09:35.700 The next question to ask is, how does Paul feel about gospel partnership? 00:09:36.260 --> 00:09:38.420 Let's just dig into how he feels. 00:09:38.419 --> 00:09:45.360 Again, before we get into our text, just to go back to our other Lord of the Rings for a moment, 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:54.419 to think about the friendship of Sam and Frodo, which, in my view, is one of the great friendships in all of literature. 00:09:55.120 --> 00:09:56.899 They are together, come what may. 00:09:57.639 --> 00:10:00.839 So there's the moment where Sam speaks to Frodo. 00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:02.779 You know, things are getting really hard. 00:10:02.939 --> 00:10:05.000 Frodo's kind of falling into a little bit of despair. 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:08.379 And Sam wants to encourage him by reminding him of his devotion. 00:10:08.679 --> 00:10:10.779 He says, I made a promise, Mr. Frodo, a promise. 00:10:11.419 --> 00:10:13.279 Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee. 00:10:13.440 --> 00:10:14.539 And I don't mean to. 00:10:15.600 --> 00:10:20.259 And then there's the moment, as Frodo is coming towards the end of the quest, 00:10:21.220 --> 00:10:24.240 and they're coming towards Mount Doom, and Frodo turns to Sam. 00:10:24.940 --> 00:10:29.399 And he says, I'm glad you're here with me, here at the end of all things, Sam. 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:34.559 It's a wonderful friendship that is committed, come what may. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:40.279 And it's the kind of friendship that Paul is receiving from these Christians in Philippi. 00:10:41.039 --> 00:10:46.899 That while he is in chains for Christ, there is this wonderful light, 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:52.159 and there's this wonderful comfort that comes as he considers his friends 00:10:52.159 --> 00:10:57.720 who are faithful towards him in the gospel. 00:10:57.720 --> 00:11:00.560 So what does he say in his introductory words? 00:11:00.800 --> 00:11:03.700 How does he feel about this gospel partnership he shares? 00:11:04.180 --> 00:11:05.180 Look at verse 3. 00:11:06.660 --> 00:11:11.480 I thank my God every time I remember you. 00:11:12.779 --> 00:11:14.399 So one of the things that's really important, 00:11:14.540 --> 00:11:17.940 and we'll see this when we look at Philippians over a few months, 00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:19.759 this is not a perfect church. 00:11:20.820 --> 00:11:24.460 None of the New Testament letters are written to perfect churches 00:11:24.460 --> 00:11:27.480 because no perfect church exists. 00:11:28.280 --> 00:11:31.540 One of the things bubbling under the surface, I think, in Philippi 00:11:31.540 --> 00:11:33.480 are these signs of division. 00:11:34.060 --> 00:11:35.960 It comes to the fore in chapter 4. 00:11:37.019 --> 00:11:39.940 But what Paul does, and he does this so often in his letters, 00:11:40.080 --> 00:11:44.700 he chooses first to put on the glasses of the gospel, 00:11:44.700 --> 00:11:52.200 to sharpen his vision, to make sure he is thankful to God 00:11:52.200 --> 00:11:54.840 for these brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:11:54.980 --> 00:11:57.800 So he is thankful every time he remembers them. 00:11:57.980 --> 00:12:01.340 He is thankful for what he's seen of God's work in them. 00:12:02.340 --> 00:12:07.240 And he's thankful for their ongoing participation in God's work with him. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:10.940 He is thankful for this commitment that is real and practical. 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:15.940 He is thankful as he prays for them. 00:12:16.940 --> 00:12:20.240 But as we'll see, part of his thankfulness is also that he knows 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:22.279 they are praying for him. 00:12:24.180 --> 00:12:26.100 It's a partnership that's rooted in prayer. 00:12:26.539 --> 00:12:27.980 So he's really thankful for them, 00:12:28.139 --> 00:12:31.500 and he's really joyful as he thinks about them. 00:12:31.500 --> 00:12:36.259 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:40.379 because of your partnership in the gospel. 00:12:41.399 --> 00:12:44.299 It's almost like air going into a balloon, 00:12:44.419 --> 00:12:46.000 and it's causing it to expand. 00:12:46.340 --> 00:12:52.059 Paul's heart expands as he gives himself the time to think about 00:12:52.059 --> 00:12:56.940 the reality of the gospel partnership that he is in 00:12:56.940 --> 00:12:58.299 with these other Christians. 00:12:58.299 --> 00:13:01.379 He's bursting with joy. 00:13:01.799 --> 00:13:04.479 Maybe like proud new parents, bursting with joy. 00:13:04.919 --> 00:13:07.339 Ten years of standing together, 00:13:08.120 --> 00:13:10.459 of seeing their commitment to Jesus 00:13:10.459 --> 00:13:14.319 and to the man who planted their church 00:13:14.319 --> 00:13:17.740 gives him a sense of deep joy. 00:13:19.219 --> 00:13:23.779 Paul has this laser-like gospel focus on God's grace 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:28.779 that's able to put to one side the issues that he needs to address 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:30.839 in their life, in their church fellowship, 00:13:31.019 --> 00:13:32.600 to focus on what is good. 00:13:34.079 --> 00:13:36.299 I was reminded this week of a pastor 00:13:36.299 --> 00:13:40.000 who makes it his practice to keep a journal 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:43.659 of what he calls wonderful things that God has done. 00:13:44.779 --> 00:13:46.799 So whenever he is aware, for example, 00:13:46.879 --> 00:13:49.360 of God answering prayer, it goes in the journal. 00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:53.340 When he sees examples of God working in or through a person, 00:13:53.399 --> 00:13:54.360 it goes in the journal. 00:13:54.639 --> 00:13:57.279 As he hears God speak in his word, 00:13:57.360 --> 00:13:58.659 that goes in the journal. 00:13:58.840 --> 00:14:03.860 And he says he does this to promote his contentment, 00:14:04.440 --> 00:14:08.759 his thankfulness, his joy in his local church. 00:14:09.800 --> 00:14:12.560 What a wonderful pattern for any of us as Christians 00:14:12.559 --> 00:14:16.439 to when we think about other brothers and sisters. 00:14:18.159 --> 00:14:19.399 As much as we might think, 00:14:19.539 --> 00:14:22.639 oh man, there's so much that I would love to correct or change. 00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:24.839 Where can we be thankful 00:14:24.839 --> 00:14:28.439 as we see God's work in their lives? 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:30.379 So he's thankful, he's joyful. 00:14:31.559 --> 00:14:33.439 And notice in verse six, 00:14:34.179 --> 00:14:36.339 that he is confident. 00:14:39.039 --> 00:14:41.919 Being confident of this, he says, 00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:44.559 that he who began a good work in you 00:14:44.559 --> 00:14:46.620 will carry it on to completion 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:49.860 until the day of Christ Jesus. 00:14:51.019 --> 00:14:52.379 So what's happening here is 00:14:52.379 --> 00:14:55.939 as he's reflecting on the evidence of gospel partnership, 00:14:56.159 --> 00:14:58.699 as he's reflecting on the work of the gospel 00:14:58.699 --> 00:14:59.819 in their lives, 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:02.199 he sees the gospel is bearing fruit. 00:15:02.379 --> 00:15:03.879 They're signs of spiritual life. 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:08.139 And so he trusts that this is a true work of God. 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:12.919 And he believes that what God starts in a person's heart, 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:14.539 God finishes. 00:15:15.980 --> 00:15:17.500 He can look at them and he can say, 00:15:17.639 --> 00:15:20.779 well, I know that God has begun to redeem you 00:15:20.779 --> 00:15:22.059 and to renew you. 00:15:22.319 --> 00:15:26.199 And I am certain that on the day Jesus returns, 00:15:26.299 --> 00:15:29.360 that work of redemption and renewal will be completed. 00:15:30.419 --> 00:15:32.080 On the day of Christ's return, 00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:33.879 when he comes to judge, 00:15:34.179 --> 00:15:37.000 when he comes to establish the new heavens and the new earth, 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:40.679 when final salvation is brought in for the people of God, 00:15:40.919 --> 00:15:42.240 he is confident 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:46.759 because he sees God's work in their lives. 00:15:48.360 --> 00:15:50.100 Thankful, joyful, and confident. 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:53.399 Two things by way of application. 00:15:54.639 --> 00:15:55.940 For our own prayers, 00:15:57.399 --> 00:15:59.320 depending how we are temperamentally, 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:03.779 it can be easy to perhaps feel down 00:16:03.779 --> 00:16:06.419 about church. 00:16:06.899 --> 00:16:08.459 It can be easy, perhaps, 00:16:08.699 --> 00:16:11.539 to be down on other Christians. 00:16:12.019 --> 00:16:15.059 It can be easy sometimes to find faults. 00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:18.779 But Paul would encourage us 00:16:18.779 --> 00:16:22.039 to look at people through the lens of the gospel 00:16:22.039 --> 00:16:24.299 and learn first 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:26.759 and primarily to give thanks 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:29.039 for every evidence that we see 00:16:29.039 --> 00:16:31.539 of God working in another person's life. 00:16:31.539 --> 00:16:35.919 that we would cultivate our own joy 00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:38.860 as we would consider 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:42.159 what God is doing all around us 00:16:42.159 --> 00:16:45.000 if we would lift our eyes and look. 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:47.419 That's what Paul's able to do. 00:16:47.819 --> 00:16:51.480 And it really fills his prayers with joy 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:53.019 because of it. 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:55.299 So here's something for our prayers, 00:16:55.679 --> 00:16:59.219 but something also for our gospel confidence. 00:16:59.220 --> 00:17:02.820 Because what Paul wants to remind us of, 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:05.079 and he wants to remind the Philippians of, 00:17:05.120 --> 00:17:08.420 is that salvation rests in the work of God 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:10.160 from beginning to end. 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:13.319 What God starts, God must finish. 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:16.720 God cannot fail to be faithful 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:18.319 and to follow through. 00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:23.359 And so when our faith is in Jesus, 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:26.919 and when there is evidence of our life bearing fruit, 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:30.059 then we are invited to have assurance, 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:33.539 to have that kind of confidence, 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:37.220 to have confidence as a church, 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:40.220 as we see God's work in the lives of one another. 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:43.440 So like Paul with the Philippians, 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:45.440 this is the kind of thankful joy 00:17:45.440 --> 00:17:46.120 that God, I think, 00:17:46.180 --> 00:17:48.120 wants to cultivate in all of our hearts 00:17:48.120 --> 00:17:50.180 as we look around 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:51.559 and as we share life together 00:17:51.559 --> 00:17:52.579 in our local churches 00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:55.339 and as we partner in the mission of Jesus, 00:17:56.059 --> 00:17:58.140 to have joy that we don't have to do it by ourselves, 00:17:58.940 --> 00:18:03.000 rather to have joy in our gospel partnership. 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:09.220 Here's the third question that we'll ask this evening is this, 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:13.200 what does gospel partnership look like? 00:18:14.240 --> 00:18:16.039 So I'm going to suggest there's a few examples 00:18:16.039 --> 00:18:17.400 in the book of Philippians, 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:18.279 and we'll look at some, 00:18:18.859 --> 00:18:20.140 but there's many more. 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:24.240 But just to think about the diversity for a moment. 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:25.299 Again, just to go back, 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:27.240 within Lord of the Rings, 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:29.299 you've got this very different group 00:18:29.299 --> 00:18:31.380 who are brought together in a common cause. 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.319 You've got a bunch of hobbits, 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:32.899 you've got an elf, 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.500 you've got a dwarf, 00:18:33.619 --> 00:18:34.240 you've got some others. 00:18:35.139 --> 00:18:37.259 And as the story goes on 00:18:37.259 --> 00:18:39.119 and as their friendships develop, 00:18:39.679 --> 00:18:41.159 as their partnerships develop, 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:43.439 you see different examples everywhere. 00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:46.079 So sometimes one person will share 00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:48.119 their precious supply of food with another, 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:52.220 or sometimes one will share a horse with another. 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:56.779 We find them fighting to protect a friend from an enemy. 00:18:57.579 --> 00:18:59.439 We find a chap called Boromir 00:18:59.439 --> 00:19:00.779 sacrificing his life 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:02.559 to save a couple of hobbits. 00:19:03.399 --> 00:19:04.420 We hear Sam 00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:06.799 with his brilliant line about the ring, 00:19:06.899 --> 00:19:08.879 I cannot carry the ring for you, 00:19:09.319 --> 00:19:11.160 but I can carry you. 00:19:12.379 --> 00:19:13.660 And any sort of friendship, 00:19:13.859 --> 00:19:14.680 any partnership 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:19.039 will be full of lots and lots of different ways 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:20.319 that that's going to look. 00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:23.480 And so while we can find three examples 00:19:23.480 --> 00:19:24.460 of gospel partnership 00:19:24.460 --> 00:19:25.859 here in the book of Philippians, 00:19:25.859 --> 00:19:28.639 we don't want in any way to restrict it 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:29.039 and to say, 00:19:29.379 --> 00:19:31.439 well, the only way that we can cooperate together 00:19:31.439 --> 00:19:32.699 is these three ways. 00:19:32.779 --> 00:19:36.799 This is just almost to enable us to see it in action, 00:19:36.919 --> 00:19:38.119 but there's lots of other ways 00:19:38.119 --> 00:19:39.839 that we can put this into practice. 00:19:39.979 --> 00:19:41.859 But here's the first thing for us to notice, 00:19:42.439 --> 00:19:44.299 and it actually takes us to chapter four, 00:19:44.959 --> 00:19:47.399 that gospel partnership is practical. 00:19:47.400 --> 00:19:49.560 So if you look at chapter four, 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:56.000 Chris read for us from verse 14 to verse 20, 00:19:56.460 --> 00:20:01.460 which gives us one of the reasons why Paul writes. 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.259 Paul is writing, 00:20:04.860 --> 00:20:06.759 one reason is to say thank you 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:08.580 for the financial support 00:20:08.580 --> 00:20:11.620 that he has received on his mission. 00:20:11.619 --> 00:20:14.719 He is writing to say thank you 00:20:14.719 --> 00:20:18.079 that they have helped to meet his needs. 00:20:18.859 --> 00:20:19.399 Verse 14, 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:21.519 it was good of you to share in my troubles. 00:20:22.199 --> 00:20:22.779 Verse 18, 00:20:23.259 --> 00:20:24.479 I have received full payment 00:20:24.479 --> 00:20:25.579 and have more than enough 00:20:25.579 --> 00:20:28.559 now that I've received the gifts you sent. 00:20:30.039 --> 00:20:33.799 So he's thankful for these gifts. 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:35.659 He's thankful because it's part 00:20:35.659 --> 00:20:37.839 of their consistent pattern. 00:20:38.939 --> 00:20:41.039 Generosity is part of who they are. 00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:42.139 Verse 15, 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:44.599 not one church shared with me 00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:46.200 in the matter of giving and receiving, 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:47.859 except you only. 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:50.200 For even when I was in Thessalonica, 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:51.879 you sent me aid more than once 00:20:51.879 --> 00:20:52.779 when I was in need. 00:20:53.119 --> 00:20:56.200 So they are given the gospel. 00:20:56.639 --> 00:20:57.279 Here is Paul, 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.819 the pastor of the church planter, 00:20:58.859 --> 00:21:00.279 and he's giving them the good news, 00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:01.920 but he's receiving from them. 00:21:02.099 --> 00:21:03.159 He's receiving support 00:21:03.159 --> 00:21:04.359 when they're in his city 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:06.839 and then when he moves to another city. 00:21:07.700 --> 00:21:08.799 And he's thankful 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:10.819 for this practical expression 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:11.619 of their partnership 00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:14.899 because it shows an act of worship. 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:17.039 Look how verse 18 ends. 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:20.399 These gifts are a fragrant offering, 00:21:21.079 --> 00:21:22.639 an acceptable sacrifice, 00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:24.740 pleasing to God. 00:21:25.899 --> 00:21:27.319 So imagine his joy. 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.180 You know, here is Paul. 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:31.899 He's locked away in prison. 00:21:31.900 --> 00:21:35.920 He's not free to do 00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:37.420 what he wants to do. 00:21:37.600 --> 00:21:38.920 He still gets to share the gospel 00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:39.820 and that gives him joy. 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:41.160 And then think about the moment 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:42.320 when Epaphroditus 00:21:42.320 --> 00:21:43.940 comes through the door. 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:46.660 Because when Epaphroditus comes, 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:48.980 you know, Paul is grateful for the money, 00:21:49.080 --> 00:21:49.780 but more than that, 00:21:49.840 --> 00:21:51.000 he's grateful for the money 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:52.100 as an expression 00:21:52.100 --> 00:21:54.400 of their loving concern for him. 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.740 But it's a reminder 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:58.280 that partnership is practical. 00:21:59.320 --> 00:22:00.840 You know, God calls us as Christians 00:22:00.839 --> 00:22:02.480 to steward our money well. 00:22:03.459 --> 00:22:05.279 God calls us to steward our money 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:06.599 for the sake of his mission. 00:22:07.899 --> 00:22:09.299 He calls us to use our money 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:10.039 like the Philippians 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:11.959 to bless and to encourage others 00:22:11.959 --> 00:22:14.480 and to enable the work of the gospel 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:15.500 to go forward. 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:17.579 So practically, 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:19.679 when we think about gospel partnership 00:22:19.679 --> 00:22:21.459 as we see it in Philippi, 00:22:23.379 --> 00:22:24.939 there's an encouragement to us 00:22:24.939 --> 00:22:26.599 to examine our own bank statements 00:22:26.599 --> 00:22:28.000 and our bank balances, 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:30.539 to ask ourselves, 00:22:30.700 --> 00:22:32.579 is this same kind of regular 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:33.920 sacrificial giving 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:36.940 something that I am participating in? 00:22:37.259 --> 00:22:39.839 You know, maybe for a local church 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:41.640 and maybe for a church worker, 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:43.019 maybe for gospel partners, 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:45.279 maybe just to show hospitality. 00:22:46.619 --> 00:22:47.980 But what we see is that 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:51.200 gospel partnership is practical. 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:54.580 Another aspect of gospel partnership 00:22:54.580 --> 00:22:55.519 we find here 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:57.900 is that it is prayerful. 00:22:58.420 --> 00:22:59.480 So on the one hand, 00:22:59.580 --> 00:23:00.180 verse 4, 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:02.600 we have all of Paul's prayers 00:23:02.600 --> 00:23:03.380 for all of you. 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:05.019 He is a man of prayer. 00:23:05.120 --> 00:23:06.940 He's consistently praying for them. 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:09.880 But then if you look at verse 18 00:23:09.880 --> 00:23:10.880 into verse 19, 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:11.279 he says, 00:23:11.279 --> 00:23:11.519 Yes, 00:23:11.579 --> 00:23:12.980 and I will continue to rejoice 00:23:12.980 --> 00:23:14.460 for I know that 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.539 through your prayers 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:17.119 and God's provision 00:23:17.119 --> 00:23:18.799 of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:20.139 what has happened to me 00:23:20.139 --> 00:23:22.599 will turn out for my deliverance. 00:23:23.899 --> 00:23:25.200 So Paul is in prison 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:26.579 and while he's in prison, 00:23:26.639 --> 00:23:27.500 he's still doing mission. 00:23:27.619 --> 00:23:28.700 He's found this new sphere 00:23:28.700 --> 00:23:29.440 for his mission 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:31.000 among the prison guards. 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:32.660 And he's told them 00:23:32.660 --> 00:23:34.099 just a few verses before 00:23:34.099 --> 00:23:35.160 how much he loves 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:37.639 when Jesus Christ is preached. 00:23:37.640 --> 00:23:40.000 And as he thinks about 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:41.960 the joy of Christ being preached, 00:23:42.040 --> 00:23:43.440 that leads him to think about 00:23:43.440 --> 00:23:46.100 the prospect of his release from prison 00:23:46.100 --> 00:23:47.740 to be able to continue 00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:50.560 a more wide-ranging ministry. 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:54.259 And that brings him to verse 19. 00:23:54.860 --> 00:23:57.660 It brings him to give thanks 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:59.740 for their prayer. 00:24:01.100 --> 00:24:03.000 And notice that Paul depends 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:05.080 on two sources of help. 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:07.720 It's through the prayers 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.839 of God's people 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:10.599 and God's provision 00:24:10.599 --> 00:24:11.679 of the Spirit of Jesus 00:24:11.679 --> 00:24:13.299 that he has this confidence 00:24:13.299 --> 00:24:14.500 that what has happened to him 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:16.359 will turn out for his deliverance. 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:19.259 And I think those two things connect 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:22.439 because we can well imagine 00:24:22.439 --> 00:24:24.419 the Christians in Philippi 00:24:24.419 --> 00:24:25.139 praying, 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:28.220 Father, send your Spirit 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:30.299 to support Paul 00:24:30.299 --> 00:24:31.759 in his weakness 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:32.939 and in his chains. 00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:35.220 Father, send your Spirit 00:24:35.220 --> 00:24:36.360 to provide for him 00:24:36.360 --> 00:24:37.799 everything he needs 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:39.759 so he will remain faithful 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:41.440 and be full of joy 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:43.279 in Jesus, your Son. 00:24:45.360 --> 00:24:46.500 Paul prays for them. 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.200 And Paul is glad 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:49.860 to acknowledge 00:24:49.860 --> 00:24:51.080 that he depends 00:24:51.080 --> 00:24:52.980 on their prayers for him. 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:55.340 So again, 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:57.340 as we think practically ourselves 00:24:57.340 --> 00:24:58.820 about gospel partnership, 00:24:59.380 --> 00:25:00.580 is this a feature 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:02.399 of our own prayer life? 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:04.480 Are we praying regularly 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:06.220 for those who are in 00:25:06.220 --> 00:25:08.119 our church family? 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:10.480 Are we praying 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.779 that others would know 00:25:11.779 --> 00:25:12.839 the help, 00:25:12.939 --> 00:25:13.339 the support, 00:25:13.460 --> 00:25:13.919 the provision 00:25:13.919 --> 00:25:15.179 of the Holy Spirit 00:25:15.179 --> 00:25:17.259 in their workplace, 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.079 in their studies, 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:19.039 in their relationships, 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:20.199 in their struggles, 00:25:20.359 --> 00:25:21.379 in their circumstances, 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.960 and as they share the gospel? 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:26.140 Is that something 00:25:26.140 --> 00:25:27.660 that we can do together? 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:30.640 Clearly, 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.319 the Philippians 00:25:31.319 --> 00:25:32.380 were praying together 00:25:32.380 --> 00:25:33.640 and Paul was aware of it. 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:35.100 One of the reasons 00:25:35.100 --> 00:25:35.860 why we have prayer 00:25:35.860 --> 00:25:36.759 in our community groups, 00:25:36.840 --> 00:25:37.440 one of the reasons 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:38.180 why we gather 00:25:38.180 --> 00:25:39.240 for Engine Room 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.960 every fortnight 00:25:39.960 --> 00:25:40.840 is so that we can 00:25:40.840 --> 00:25:41.920 pray together 00:25:41.920 --> 00:25:43.000 as an expression 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:45.579 of gospel partnership. 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.980 And here's another thing. 00:25:50.440 --> 00:25:51.440 Paul is so full 00:25:51.440 --> 00:25:52.580 of joy and thankfulness 00:25:52.580 --> 00:25:53.360 for these Christians 00:25:53.360 --> 00:25:54.480 in part because 00:25:54.480 --> 00:25:55.820 he knows they pray for him. 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.019 And I wonder 00:25:58.019 --> 00:26:00.559 when we pray for someone, 00:26:00.680 --> 00:26:02.360 can we go that step further 00:26:02.360 --> 00:26:04.200 and let them know 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:06.360 by way of encouraging them? 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:08.440 I had that this week. 00:26:08.660 --> 00:26:09.820 It's a wonderful uplift 00:26:09.820 --> 00:26:11.580 just to hear someone say, 00:26:11.640 --> 00:26:12.840 I was praying for you this week. 00:26:13.420 --> 00:26:14.500 Can we do that 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:15.180 for one another 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:16.920 as part of our gospel partnership? 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.720 So gospel partnership, 00:26:18.920 --> 00:26:19.600 it's practical, 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:20.779 it's prayerful, 00:26:20.779 --> 00:26:22.279 and then finally, 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.639 it is personal. 00:26:23.799 --> 00:26:24.500 And that takes us 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:25.539 to chapter 2 00:26:25.539 --> 00:26:27.480 and verse 25 to 30 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:29.799 in the story of Epaphroditus. 00:26:31.619 --> 00:26:33.160 Look at verse 25, 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:35.180 the way that Paul speaks 00:26:35.180 --> 00:26:36.039 about this man. 00:26:36.539 --> 00:26:37.579 He is my brother, 00:26:38.160 --> 00:26:38.879 co-worker, 00:26:39.119 --> 00:26:40.619 and fellow soldier. 00:26:40.859 --> 00:26:42.519 He really honors him. 00:26:42.599 --> 00:26:43.319 And in verse 29, 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.599 he says to the church, 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:44.839 listen, 00:26:45.019 --> 00:26:47.039 welcome this guy Epaphroditus 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:48.319 back into your fellowship 00:26:48.319 --> 00:26:49.599 with real joy. 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:51.139 And so the question is why? 00:26:51.579 --> 00:26:52.959 What's been going on 00:26:52.959 --> 00:26:54.759 in Epaphroditus' life? 00:26:55.099 --> 00:26:55.279 Well, 00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:56.659 he is the guy 00:26:56.659 --> 00:26:57.699 who's been tasked 00:26:57.699 --> 00:26:58.879 with bringing 00:26:58.879 --> 00:27:00.259 the financial gift 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.279 and no doubt 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:03.119 the loving good wishes 00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:04.039 of the church 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:05.039 to Paul. 00:27:05.659 --> 00:27:06.500 And this has been 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:08.319 an incredibly difficult journey. 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:10.439 So he's either traveled, 00:27:10.939 --> 00:27:11.799 depending where Paul 00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:12.299 is in prison, 00:27:12.439 --> 00:27:14.259 he's either gone 450 miles 00:27:14.259 --> 00:27:16.759 or he's gone 600 miles. 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:17.879 So either way, 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:19.360 it's a really long way. 00:27:19.860 --> 00:27:21.260 And while he's on that journey, 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:23.160 he's gotten seriously ill. 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:23.920 In fact, 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:25.200 Paul says he nearly died. 00:27:26.400 --> 00:27:28.420 But why he's on the journey 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:29.940 is what matters. 00:27:30.040 --> 00:27:31.240 He's on the journey 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:33.020 because he is doing 00:27:33.020 --> 00:27:35.960 the work of Christ. 00:27:38.340 --> 00:27:39.580 Look at verse 29, 00:27:39.780 --> 00:27:40.880 welcome him in the Lord 00:27:40.880 --> 00:27:41.600 with great joy 00:27:41.600 --> 00:27:42.940 and honor people like him 00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:45.140 because he almost died 00:27:45.140 --> 00:27:46.160 for the work of Christ. 00:27:46.259 --> 00:27:47.860 He risked his life 00:27:47.860 --> 00:27:49.940 to make up for the help 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:50.559 you yourselves 00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:51.259 could not give me. 00:27:51.320 --> 00:27:51.539 Of course, 00:27:51.600 --> 00:27:52.299 the whole church 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:53.480 couldn't make that trip. 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:55.240 But Epaphroditus says, 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:56.460 I personally 00:27:56.460 --> 00:27:57.500 will go 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:58.960 at a great risk, 00:27:59.259 --> 00:28:00.400 risk to his health, 00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:02.120 leaving everything behind 00:28:02.120 --> 00:28:03.740 to do the work of Christ, 00:28:03.820 --> 00:28:04.500 to be a source 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.160 of encouragement 00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:06.740 to Paul. 00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:11.000 It's a wonderful example 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:12.120 of personal, 00:28:12.819 --> 00:28:13.359 practical, 00:28:13.759 --> 00:28:14.200 and no doubt 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:15.339 prayerful commitment 00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:16.880 to someone else 00:28:16.880 --> 00:28:18.120 in the cause of Christ. 00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:18.700 So again, 00:28:18.940 --> 00:28:20.019 just for us 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:21.240 to think about this, 00:28:21.920 --> 00:28:22.460 when we think about 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:23.180 our commitment 00:28:23.180 --> 00:28:24.759 to gospel partnership, 00:28:25.920 --> 00:28:26.900 when we describe it 00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:27.460 in these terms, 00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:29.500 are we personally invested? 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:33.500 Are we sacrificially 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:34.740 giving and serving 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:37.680 in the cause of Christ? 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:40.960 What does our use of time 00:28:40.960 --> 00:28:44.519 reveal about our priorities? 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:47.400 Gospel partnership 00:28:47.400 --> 00:28:48.779 is a wonderful thing, 00:28:48.880 --> 00:28:50.180 but it obviously requires 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:51.640 much work, 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:52.240 practical, 00:28:52.460 --> 00:28:52.940 prayerful, 00:28:53.099 --> 00:28:53.559 personal. 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:55.960 Of course, 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.799 it's important for us 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:58.000 to recognize reasons 00:28:58.000 --> 00:28:59.140 that we have to be thankful 00:28:59.140 --> 00:29:00.720 for gospel partnership 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:01.819 whenever we see it. 00:29:01.839 --> 00:29:03.019 And there's lots of examples 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:03.779 of that within 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:04.920 our own church. 00:29:05.539 --> 00:29:06.799 It's to remind ourselves 00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:07.859 so that we can be encouraged 00:29:07.859 --> 00:29:08.879 and encourage one another 00:29:08.879 --> 00:29:09.519 who are involved. 00:29:10.139 --> 00:29:10.799 Think about the people 00:29:10.799 --> 00:29:11.859 who teach our children, 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:13.500 the people who are upstairs 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:14.399 teaching our teams. 00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:16.000 Think about the people 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:16.660 who make time 00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:17.519 to pray together 00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:18.240 for church, 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:19.480 those who practice 00:29:19.480 --> 00:29:20.940 hospitality regularly, 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:22.420 maybe to welcome people 00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:22.879 who are new, 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:24.220 maybe to welcome students, 00:29:24.839 --> 00:29:26.339 those who serve tea and coffee 00:29:26.339 --> 00:29:27.220 to allow friendship 00:29:27.220 --> 00:29:27.799 and fellowship 00:29:27.799 --> 00:29:28.700 to grow deeper. 00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:31.019 Think about our elders 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:31.960 and our deacons, 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.660 giving up so much 00:29:33.660 --> 00:29:34.500 of their time 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:36.099 to care pastorally 00:29:36.099 --> 00:29:36.759 and practically 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:38.180 for church members 00:29:38.180 --> 00:29:39.059 and their needs. 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:41.480 So many women 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:42.279 within our church 00:29:42.279 --> 00:29:42.839 who are visiting 00:29:42.839 --> 00:29:43.440 the elderly 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:44.220 and the unwell 00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:45.519 and who are bringing meals 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.940 and offering friendship. 00:29:48.379 --> 00:29:49.940 In so many ways, 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:51.359 it's really encouraging 00:29:51.359 --> 00:29:52.400 to see people 00:29:52.400 --> 00:29:54.160 serving and welcoming, 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:56.019 actively looking 00:29:56.019 --> 00:29:56.940 to meet needs, 00:29:56.940 --> 00:29:58.960 whether that's really visible 00:29:58.960 --> 00:30:00.420 or whether it's much quieter. 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:02.200 The partnership 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:02.840 in the gospel, 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:03.960 it's a beautiful thing, 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:05.900 but it's a costly thing. 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:07.940 Let me leave you 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:10.059 with three thoughts 00:30:10.059 --> 00:30:11.500 about gospel partnership 00:30:11.500 --> 00:30:13.039 as we close. 00:30:14.320 --> 00:30:14.779 Firstly, 00:30:16.600 --> 00:30:17.380 put the gospel 00:30:17.380 --> 00:30:18.100 at the center. 00:30:19.320 --> 00:30:19.720 I think that's 00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:20.620 the really important thing. 00:30:20.680 --> 00:30:22.000 That's why it's gospel partnership 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:22.920 and not just partnership. 00:30:22.920 --> 00:30:25.300 We remind ourselves 00:30:25.300 --> 00:30:26.320 that we are united 00:30:26.320 --> 00:30:27.700 by God the Father, 00:30:27.840 --> 00:30:28.340 God the Son, 00:30:28.400 --> 00:30:29.060 and God the Spirit. 00:30:29.180 --> 00:30:29.900 They're working us, 00:30:29.980 --> 00:30:30.840 binding us together. 00:30:33.180 --> 00:30:34.420 We work together 00:30:34.420 --> 00:30:35.460 in order to put 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:36.300 God's love 00:30:36.300 --> 00:30:36.960 in the gospel 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:37.700 on display. 00:30:40.060 --> 00:30:41.240 We put the gospel 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:42.140 at the center 00:30:42.140 --> 00:30:43.700 because we exist 00:30:43.700 --> 00:30:44.360 to share 00:30:44.360 --> 00:30:45.519 and to show 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:47.039 the love of Jesus 00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:48.380 to ourselves 00:30:48.380 --> 00:30:49.560 and to our watching world. 00:30:49.640 --> 00:30:50.220 So we need to put 00:30:50.220 --> 00:30:50.800 the gospel 00:30:50.800 --> 00:30:51.600 at the center 00:30:51.600 --> 00:30:52.480 whenever we're thinking 00:30:52.480 --> 00:30:53.400 about any kind 00:30:53.400 --> 00:30:55.620 of gospel partnership. 00:30:57.339 --> 00:30:57.839 Secondly, 00:30:57.940 --> 00:30:59.000 let's follow the example 00:30:59.000 --> 00:30:59.720 we find here 00:30:59.720 --> 00:31:00.799 to pray 00:31:00.799 --> 00:31:02.880 for gospel partnership 00:31:02.880 --> 00:31:03.980 to grow 00:31:03.980 --> 00:31:05.779 within this church 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:06.360 or the church 00:31:06.360 --> 00:31:07.519 that you belong to. 00:31:08.519 --> 00:31:09.759 For church members 00:31:09.759 --> 00:31:10.400 to be bound 00:31:10.400 --> 00:31:11.920 closer to one another 00:31:11.920 --> 00:31:13.120 as we are bound 00:31:13.120 --> 00:31:14.599 closer to Jesus. 00:31:15.900 --> 00:31:16.599 Let's pray 00:31:16.599 --> 00:31:17.140 that others 00:31:17.140 --> 00:31:18.400 would be drawn in 00:31:18.400 --> 00:31:18.960 to feel 00:31:18.960 --> 00:31:20.200 that this is 00:31:20.200 --> 00:31:20.980 a home 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:21.900 where they can 00:31:21.900 --> 00:31:22.360 belong 00:31:22.360 --> 00:31:23.079 and a place 00:31:23.079 --> 00:31:24.339 where they can 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:25.319 also serve. 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.440 So put the gospel 00:31:28.440 --> 00:31:28.980 at the center, 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:30.200 pray for gospel partnership 00:31:30.200 --> 00:31:30.779 and finally 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:32.259 participate 00:31:32.259 --> 00:31:33.819 sacrificially 00:31:33.819 --> 00:31:35.819 and joyfully. 00:31:36.640 --> 00:31:37.319 It's the pattern 00:31:37.319 --> 00:31:37.779 that we have 00:31:37.779 --> 00:31:38.799 both from the Philippians 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:39.960 and from Paul. 00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:41.480 And what we see 00:31:41.480 --> 00:31:42.599 is that when we do that 00:31:42.599 --> 00:31:43.559 we'll bring others 00:31:43.559 --> 00:31:44.880 thankfulness and joy. 00:31:44.880 --> 00:31:46.420 And when we do that 00:31:46.420 --> 00:31:47.880 well it's part of our 00:31:47.880 --> 00:31:48.920 worship for God 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:49.740 also. 00:31:51.560 --> 00:31:53.240 I thank my God 00:31:53.240 --> 00:31:54.740 every time 00:31:54.740 --> 00:31:56.020 I remember you 00:31:56.020 --> 00:31:57.480 and all my prayers 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:58.340 for all of you 00:31:58.340 --> 00:32:00.060 I always pray 00:32:00.060 --> 00:32:00.740 with joy 00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:02.260 because of your 00:32:02.260 --> 00:32:02.840 partnership 00:32:02.840 --> 00:32:03.640 in the gospel 00:32:03.640 --> 00:32:05.500 from the first day 00:32:05.500 --> 00:32:06.760 until now. 00:32:07.100 --> 00:32:08.360 Let me pray for us 00:32:08.360 --> 00:32:08.840 this name. 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:10.700 Lord our God 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:11.380 we thank you 00:32:11.380 --> 00:32:13.480 for this letter 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:14.080 that gives us 00:32:14.080 --> 00:32:14.640 such a lovely 00:32:14.640 --> 00:32:15.720 insight into 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:16.540 the relationship 00:32:16.540 --> 00:32:18.200 between a church 00:32:18.200 --> 00:32:18.920 planter 00:32:18.920 --> 00:32:20.160 and a pastor 00:32:20.160 --> 00:32:21.800 and his church 00:32:21.800 --> 00:32:22.420 over the course 00:32:22.420 --> 00:32:23.340 of long years 00:32:23.340 --> 00:32:24.640 and over faithful 00:32:24.640 --> 00:32:25.740 service together. 00:32:27.220 --> 00:32:28.040 And Lord we pray 00:32:28.040 --> 00:32:28.680 that that is 00:32:28.680 --> 00:32:29.360 what you would 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:30.740 cultivate here 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:31.700 within our church 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.160 and other 00:32:32.160 --> 00:32:33.440 local churches 00:32:33.440 --> 00:32:34.040 that we are 00:32:34.040 --> 00:32:34.880 connected with. 00:32:35.880 --> 00:32:36.600 And Lord we pray 00:32:36.600 --> 00:32:37.460 that our churches 00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:38.420 would be centered 00:32:38.420 --> 00:32:39.420 on the gospel 00:32:39.420 --> 00:32:40.600 that what would 00:32:40.600 --> 00:32:41.640 bind us together 00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:42.680 would be nothing 00:32:42.680 --> 00:32:43.640 less than the 00:32:43.640 --> 00:32:44.340 saving work 00:32:44.340 --> 00:32:44.880 of the Lord 00:32:44.880 --> 00:32:45.700 Jesus Christ. 00:32:46.640 --> 00:32:47.500 Now we pray 00:32:47.500 --> 00:32:48.480 that you would 00:32:48.480 --> 00:32:49.840 bind gospel churches 00:32:49.840 --> 00:32:50.680 more closely 00:32:50.680 --> 00:32:51.300 together 00:32:51.300 --> 00:32:52.640 so that the 00:32:52.640 --> 00:32:53.220 light of the 00:32:53.220 --> 00:32:53.800 Lord Jesus 00:32:53.800 --> 00:32:54.600 and his love 00:32:54.600 --> 00:32:55.180 would shine 00:32:55.180 --> 00:32:55.900 more brightly 00:32:55.900 --> 00:32:56.500 in us 00:32:56.500 --> 00:32:57.180 and be a source 00:32:57.180 --> 00:32:58.300 of encouragement 00:32:58.300 --> 00:32:59.140 and strength 00:32:59.140 --> 00:32:59.860 to one another. 00:33:00.800 --> 00:33:01.880 And Lord we pray 00:33:01.880 --> 00:33:02.360 that you would 00:33:02.360 --> 00:33:03.400 enable all of 00:33:03.400 --> 00:33:04.320 our church members 00:33:04.320 --> 00:33:05.720 to be participating 00:33:05.720 --> 00:33:07.039 with joy 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:08.379 and with sacrifice 00:33:08.379 --> 00:33:10.200 in the cause 00:33:10.200 --> 00:33:10.799 of Christ. 00:33:11.379 --> 00:33:12.119 Lord we thank you 00:33:12.119 --> 00:33:12.659 for the great 00:33:12.659 --> 00:33:14.319 privilege of being 00:33:14.319 --> 00:33:15.599 called into your 00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:15.960 kingdom. 00:33:17.019 --> 00:33:18.059 The privilege of 00:33:18.059 --> 00:33:19.920 having the treasure 00:33:19.920 --> 00:33:20.639 of the gospel 00:33:20.639 --> 00:33:21.779 in our own jars 00:33:21.779 --> 00:33:22.359 of clay. 00:33:22.940 --> 00:33:23.399 And we pray 00:33:23.399 --> 00:33:24.339 that we be faithful 00:33:24.339 --> 00:33:25.339 stewards of the 00:33:25.339 --> 00:33:26.839 gospel and we be 00:33:26.839 --> 00:33:27.779 faithful stewards 00:33:27.779 --> 00:33:28.619 of our resources 00:33:28.619 --> 00:33:29.680 and our time. 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:31.619 Enable us we pray 00:33:31.619 --> 00:33:33.680 to build one another 00:33:33.680 --> 00:33:34.559 up as we would 00:33:34.559 --> 00:33:36.220 share Christ together 00:33:36.220 --> 00:33:37.319 and give us 00:33:37.319 --> 00:33:38.140 opportunities even 00:33:38.140 --> 00:33:38.799 in this coming 00:33:38.799 --> 00:33:40.339 week to share 00:33:40.339 --> 00:33:41.259 Jesus with others 00:33:41.259 --> 00:33:41.799 we pray. 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:43.140 In Jesus name. 00:33:43.600 --> 00:33:43.860 Amen.