“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.” (Philippians 1:3-7 KJV)
Have you ever tried to do “everything” by yourself? Did you find it stressful? Or even impossible?
One of the obstacle to growth, personally and organizationally, is our desire to do everything ourselves. In the beginning, neither Adam nor Eve could have achieved God’s purpose individually or alone (Gen. 2:18). God’s plan and purpose (Gen. 2:26-28) required both of them! They needed each other.
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV). Study this wisdom carefully. Meditate upon it. Understand its depths.
Sometimes we are asked to lead, but sometimes we are asked to follow and support another. Always we are asked to find others who can help and support the purpose God has given us. In every case, it takes courage and humility to fulfill our goals.
The Apostle Paul knew that he was limited in his ability to evangelize the Gentile world. Yet, he also knew that he was unlimited if others joined him in this challenge. From the New Testament record, we can see that Paul carried partners with him everywhere and developed others in each place to leave there so the gospel work wouldn’t cease after he was gone.
In our text passage, Paul acknowledges the impact his partners had in achieving God’s plan and purpose. It isn’t simple appreciation. Rather, it is their mutual fellowship in the gospel that causes Paul to remember them with thanksgiving and prayer. They are written in his heart because they “are partakers of my (his) grace.” They have identified with and felt his bonds. They have defended the gospel and confirmed its truth. They are more than believers who came to Christ under his ministry. They are his partners in his mandate from Christ.
Dear Father, thank for the mandate you have given each of us to achieve for your glory. Surround us with people who can help us achieve the vision you have given. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today with the partners in your ministry,