In His Name Devotionals
JOY OF PARTICIPATION
In His Name Devotionals
JOY OF PARTICIPATION
“...in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1:5)
In recent years, the Greek word Koinonia has become familiar to many people as the New Testament word for “fellowship.” However, it is also translated “partnership” and “participation.” In Philippians 1:5, Paul uses it to emphasize the participation of the Philippians in common ministry goals.
Romans 12:13 gives one aspect of that partnership and participation: monetary contributions. That is one aspect of fellowship that the Philippian church eagerly shared with Paul. As he says, “At the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs” (Philippians 4:15-16). They were partners in his ministry because their financial support made it possible for him to preach the gospel more effectively.
The Philippians knew that Paul carried a tremendous burden in his heart for all the churches. In listing many of the trials he endured as an apostle, he added, “Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28). The Philippian church eased that burden somewhat by being committed to Paul, to his teaching, and to godly living. That brought great joy to him.
How about you? Do your leaders derive encouragement and joy from your participation in the Gospel? Remember, you share in a sacred partnership with Christ and your fell-Christians in the advancement of the Gospel, just as the Philippians shared a partnership with Paul. Rejoice in that privilege, and make the most of it today.
