Philippians 1:7-8, 12-13
\nPreached Wednesday March 13, 2013<\/p>\n
Introduction:<\/p>\n
As we fight our way through this sin cursed world, it seems that joy can be hard to come by. Discouragement and apathy assault the mind of a believer and cause him to faint in the battlefield. Last week we discovered that Paul\u2019s letter to the Church at Philippi was written while he was in a Roman prison. We saw that in spite of Paul\u2019s bonds, this book reveals some keys to obtaining and maintaining joy in the life of a believer. The main thought of the book of Philippians is that the path to Christian joy is found though a Christ-like mindset.<\/p>\n
Chapter 1 tells us that we should have a single mine focused on the Gospel. If we are preoccupied with both the blessings of and the spreading of the Gospel, it would make sense that inner joy would be a natural result of that kind of mindset. The first thirteen verses of this chapter center around the \u201cFellowship of the Gospel\u201d. The term fellowship means a joint participation in a common interest and activity. So to fellowship with believers should be more than just having food\u2026 it is action shared to reach a common goal. The beginning of this chapter shows us that as we are single minded toward the gospel, we should be sharing together in common interest and activity of the gospel. Two weeks ago we saw that both the servants, those involved in vocational ministry, and the saints, have the same fellowship. They are united to help each other serve God and spread the Gospel through the local assembly.<\/p>\n
The path to Christian joy is found through a single mind focused on the Gospel. The best way to accomplish that is to have joint participation or:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tFellowship= shared action around the common activity of the gospel within the local church.
\n\u2022\tThere are three facets of this single minded fellowship of the Gospel that we will explore in the next few weeks.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThe fellowship of Praise \u2013 Philippians 1:3-6
\n\u2022\tThe fellowship of Grace \u2013 Philippians 1:7-7, 12-13
\n\u2022\tThe fellowship of Prayer \u2013 Philippians 1:9-11<\/p>\n
Tonight we will discover that Christian joy can be experienced as we share a single mind focused on the fellowship of Grace in the Gospel.<\/p>\n
I.\tThe Fellowship of Saving Grace<\/p>\n
Philippians 1:7 (AV)
\n7 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.<\/p>\n
A.\tWe are assured that God will continue the work He started.<\/p>\n
Philippians 1:6 (AV)
\n6 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:<\/p>\n
B.\tSo it is only meet = just \u2013 for Paul to meditate on how both he and the saints he led to Christ share that same promise of longevity.<\/p>\n
C.\tIt is only natural that both the servant and the saint would share the common bond of a sinner saved by Grace.<\/p>\n
1 John 3:14 (AV)
\n14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.<\/p>\n
D.\tNot only does Paul share the bond of having similar salvation, but the Philippians monetarily fellowshipped in his ministry.<\/p>\n
II.\tThe Fellowship of Sustaining Grace.<\/p>\n
Philippians 1:7\u20138 (AV)
\n7 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. 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n
A.\tPartakers of the same Grace = unmerited favor \/ Divine enablement<\/p>\n
B.\tGrace that enabled them to endure suffering.<\/p>\n
Acts 16:23\u201325 (AV)
\n23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
\n25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
\nsuch a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.<\/p>\n
2 Corinthians 12:7\u20139 (AV)
\n7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.<\/p>\n
C.\tGrace that enabled them to defend the Gospel = Judicial logical argument for the case of the Gospel.<\/p>\n
Ephesians 6:18\u201320 (AV)
\n18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
\n19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.<\/p>\n
Colossians 4:3 (AV)
\n3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:<\/p>\n
D.\tThis common bond creates the deep emotional tie between fellowshipping, co-laboring believers seen in verse 8.<\/p>\n
III.\tThe Fellowship of Saturating Grace \u2013 with the Gospel<\/p>\n
Philippians 1:12\u201313 (AV)
\n12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;<\/p>\n
A.\tSome were afraid that because of the adversity Paul experienced, the Gospel was hindered and Satan was winning.<\/p>\n
B.\tFurtherance = metaphor of the tree clearers that would proceed a conquering army. God was using these experiences to clear the way for more effective Gospel advancement.<\/p>\n
C.\tThe Palace Guard heard the Gospel.<\/p>\n
1.\t This was God\u2019s design from the beginning.<\/p>\n
Acts 9:15 (AV)
\n15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:<\/p>\n
2.\tAll was working according to God\u2019s perfect plan.<\/p>\n
Romans 8:28 (AV)
\n28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Philippians 1:7-8, 12-13 Preached Wednesday March 13, 2013 Introduction: As we fight our way through this sin cursed world, it seems that joy can be hard to come by. Discouragement and apathy assault the mind of a believer and cause him to faint in the battlefield. Last week we discovered that Paul\u2019s letter to the … Continue reading The Fellowship of Grace<\/span>