Joy in Partnership

A professor at Africa Nazarene University, Nomfundo and her family. She was my daughter's roommate in
graduate school in England. We are all connected -- partners in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Scripture

Phil. 1:3   I thank my God every time I remember you, ⁴ constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, ⁵ because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.

Observation

Paul’s greeting to the church in Philippi continues, but it deviates from the normal Greco-Roman letter form. Usually this section would be about health, something like, “I trust you are feeling well.” Instead, Paul transforms that portion into a new Christian greeting where he thanks God for his friends in Christ. 

Here we catch a glimpse of Paul’s prayer life, and of how this shapes or forms him. Paul remembers the church in Philippi often and thanks God in his prayers for these people. They are a regular part of his prayer list, but they also bring him joy. Paul believes that joy is a fruit of the spirit and that, no matter the circumstances, a Christian’s life is to be marked by joy. Paul’s prayer is filled with joy, even while he is in prison. The very thought of these believers brings joy to Paul’s heart. He is not only thinking about positive things, but he is praying into the positive experiences in his life. 

This church, although poor, was extremely generous. They had helped Paul time and again while on his missionary journey. They had sent money to him to help him survive while in jail. While they had little, they sent an offering to help out the poor believers in Jerusalem. Paul sees this church, while separated from him physically, as partners in his work. The word “sharing” is koinonia in Greek. This word can be translated in numerous ways including “fellowship,” “participants,” or even “partakers.” Interestingly you see the word later in 2 Peter when referring to the possibility for us to become “participants” with the Divine Nature. What we find here is intimacy in a relationship. This isn’t some kind of a work contract for partnership, but it is a deeply intertwined kind of holy fellowship that makes the mission and passion of Paul, the mission and passion of the Philippian church and the work of the Philippian church the mission and passion of Paul. Although he is not with them physically, they remain connected, bound together in the sharing of the gospel, united on God’s mission. 

Application

The generosity of the church in Philippi cannot be overstated. This church was started by a group of women who went out to pray and met the Apostle Paul. Lydia probably gathered believers in her own home as that first church grew and developed. More than likely they were all gentiles for there is no record of a synagogue having ever existed in this city. Early on they understood that their ministry was to be interdependent with the expanding church. Because of this, they remained in fellowship with Paul and all the work that he touched throughout his life. No wonder they brought him great joy. 

We remain in the season of COVID-19 pandemic and some may wonder whether there is a reason to be joyful. I’ve thought about this lately as I am now in my 6th week at home. Life has changed dramatically in the last few weeks and we don’t really know what the future holds, but I have found a place of real joy. I’ve been able to slow down and enjoy things that I would have normally taken for granted. On my daily walks I’ve been enjoying the unfolding of spring before my eyes. What incredible beauty there is in God’s creation. The fish in the creek that hide under the bridge seem to be getting a little bigger by the day. Croaking frogs jump into the creek and hide themselves in the mud. Flowers and greenery are lush and the songs of the birds ring out in the air. Somewhere in my heart there is a deep joy and peace as I am relearning how to appreciate all the little details that God has in his hands. 

I am joyful in my heart because of the friends and “partners” in God’s work. The response of the church in this season has been phenomenal. Churches large and small have banded together to reflect Jesus and to minister to those in need. Whether through food banks, providing masks or monetary gifts for those who have little resources, the church is a partner in the gospel. This is a time to practice a spirit of generosity which will bring great joy. That’s what the church in Philippi learned — they could be joyful and generous even when they had very little. 

In the last few days I’ve connected with believers in South Africa, Haiti, the Dominical Republic, Panama, Mexico, Guyana, Hungary, New York City, across the US, Canada, and beyond and I’ve seen how God is working. We are part of a large and interconnected body where some are suffering more than others. There is joy in this partnership — joy in participating together to help one another in this difficult time. 

Today I can pray with a heart of joy — even in the midst of COVID-19 — and with a heart of gratitude. The koinonia that we have with God and with one-another binds us together as partners in the gospel. That truth cannot be destroyed by any kind of virus. To God be the glory. 

Prayer

Lord, may your joy fit my life, no matter my circumstances. Thank you for helping me slow down and see your hand at work in this world. My heart is filled with gratitude for those with whom I am blessed to partner in this ministry. Amen.