READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l We often wonder whether we have arrived in our Christian discipleship journey but every Advent we are reminded that we have not! Christ has not yet returned and so our sanctification continues. This is the message from the Apostle Paul in today’s scripture passage.
Paul was in prison facing execution when he wrote this letter to the 10-year-old church in Philippi. He thanks the church and exhorts their continued partnership in advancing the cause of the gospel to which he has committed his life. So why was Paul so committed to spreading the gospel?
The gospel is the good news of what God has done to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus Christ and it is also the power of God for salvation. The gospel does not just save us but it should transform us! As we anticipate the return of Christ we are to work out the gospel in our lives. Let me ask therefore how the gospel has transformed me in every area of my life?
The Call To Koinonia
The Church’s mission is to proclaim the gospel and we called to koinonia (partnership) with the church. We are to embrace the gospel, live out the gospel, proclaim the gospel and see the power of the gospel transforming lives in every sphere of society. This must be at the centre of our church relationships. It must extend into our families, social interactions and work places. The Philippi church truly supported Paul in his efforts to spread the gospel and even provided for him while he was in prison. In the same way we need to keep our eternal destiny central to the way we relate to each other and live our lives. In this partnership there must be reciprocity and mutual dependency. For that to happen, the following is essential:
Grow in Discipleship
We must take intentional steps to grow in our discipleship not just for ourselves but for the church community.
Give as you Receive
We must share our spiritual gifts, obey the call of God upon our lives and serve with the best of our time, treasure and talent.
Build Trust through Righteous Living
We need to build trusting relationships with each other and not allow sin to have a foothold. There is no place for gossip, envy, bad mouthing, judgement etc
Pursue Accountable Relationships
We allow others to help us mature as disciples.
The Grace For Koinonia
The wonderful news is that God gives us His grace (v7) In every season of life we are either suffering for the gospel, defending (giving a reasonable explanation for the gospel) or confirming (showing others that the gospel is reliable and true).
Gospel work is costly and calls for sacrifice. In some parts of the world the church is still being persecuted. We can be misunderstood and rejected even in Singapore and there are times we need to stand up for what we believe. In our friendships we encourage each other with our lives and stories of victory. Take heart that His grace is sufficient! But let’s be clear that our koinonia does not advance God’s Kingdom – God does that Himself! We just rely on His grace!
The Joy Of Koinonia
Paul talks of joy (v4). We too can testify to the joy we find in friendship, fulfilment and focus as we serve together as a church. Let us find a group where we can grow and encourage one another or serve in one of the church ministries. If God calls you do not turn away but pray for grace to take the next steps.
The Hope in Koinonia
Joy comes from the hope we have in koinonia (v6). There is a certainty of Christ’s return. This is what we truly look forward to because God is faithful to complete the work He begun in us. God’s purposes will be complete when HE returns! Let us run the race well and trust that God will complete the work! Our labour for the Lord is never in vain (1 Cor 15:58)
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Why is the Apostle Paul so committed to advance the gospel?
- What does koinonia mean?
- How have the Philippians shared in the work of the gospel?
- What are the implications of koinonia on the way we serve together for the gospel?
- In this season, what grace do you need for the work of the gospel in your life?
- Share how the work of the gospel has brought you joy.
- What is the hope in koinonia? How does that encourage you to press on?
- Pray for each other to stay faithful to the work for the gospel.
