This is an excerpt from the Philippians Bible Study.
Some people express emotions often and freely, while others seek to keep their emotions in check or avoid them altogether. But rejoicing in the Lord is less about leaning into a particular personality trait or outward expression as it is about leaning into a true understanding of who God is and what He is doing in our lives. That’s what Philippians is all about! Paul’s introductory words reveal the reasons for joy that he will unpack throughout the letter. They also include a prayer that expresses what Paul hoped the recipients of his letter would gain. Paul was thankful to God for the joyful gift of partnership with other believers. The word partnership in verse five comes from a Greek word that means “to share or to participate in,” and signifies a deep relationship of mutual love and support. In the case of Paul’s relationship with the Philippians, his “partnership” involved a financial gift, prayer, and standing firm in living out the gospel together. As we commit to ongoing partnership with other believers, God uses those relationships to deepen our faith and reveal more of Himself to us. God gives us the gift of partnership with other believers to help meet our daily needs, propel us forward, and assure us of His presence in the gospel work He has called us to. Pursing the work and call of God with others gives us reason to rejoice in the Lord!
As we commit to ongoing partnership with other believers, God uses those relationships to deepen our faith and reveal more of Himself to us.
Juan Sanchez
In addition to partnership with fellow believers, our ultimate partnership is with God. He will begin and finish the work He desires. He is more than able. One of the ways He works is through the partnership in the church. We can give thanks to God for the church because of our partnership in the gospel and our confidence in the Lord’s saving work among us. Through Jesus we have a shared work and common goal to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
The Philippian church was loving. Still, the unity of that church, like every church, was threatened by opposition, personal conflicts, false teachers, and worldliness. So, Paul prayed that their love would grow more and more, with knowledge and discernment. That is because love without knowledge and discernment, or truth, is just sentimentalism. Christian love—both for God and others—stands in contrast to the sentimental love of the world. Growth in the knowledge of God leads to discernment and Christian maturity that presents itself through love. Christian maturity is rooted in knowledge and love. Knowledge or truth without love is not spiritual maturity at all—it is proud and leads to legalism. True spiritual maturity seeks to apply the knowledge of God to every situation, in love.
Life is a series of choices, and we choose what we love the most. We make life choices and relational choices based on what we love and what we know. As Christians, we are to choose what is excellent—what is of more value and superior—based on what we have learned about God—His Word, His purposes, and His ways. This is what the Bible calls wisdom.
While being thrown in prison may be cause for despair, for the apostle Paul it was a cause for joy. Why? Because through it all the Philippians had walked in partnership with him. Rather than feel abandoned, Paul felt supported. Rather than feel useless, Paul redeemed the opportunity. As we study Philippians, we too will learn of the joy of partnership for the sake of the gospel.