Week of January 28, 2024

Journey of Missional Partnership

The church follows the lead of Jesus in that we do not exist just for ourselves. Yes, we are to make disciples which means ministries that bring about greater transformation for those who are already “insiders”. But we do so always with one eye on the mission that Jesus gives to those who are outside the church. As famous Swiss theologian Emil Brunner once wrote, “The Church exists by mission, just as a fire exists by burning.” We bring the Gospel and Jesus’ healing presence to a world in desperate need. Paul the missionary saw his relationship with the Christians in Philippi as having an impact that went beyond their own mutual support. It was a partnership in the Gospel that would by the Spirit’s power grow the church in Rome, in Philippi, and on into the Roman Empire. 

January 29  | Philippians 1:5-7, 19

We begin this week with what is by now very familiar Scripture as in the first verses of his letter, Paul introduces yet another important theme:  a missional partnership between himself and the church in Philippi. They were together in their “partnership in the Gospel.” (v.5)  As we focused on a couple of weeks back, this speaks to their communion in Christ. It also includes their partnership in the Gospel mission of bringing the love of Jesus to Philippi, Rome, and the Empire. Part of the “good work” that God will bring to completion in their lives (v. 6) is that of service and witness that the Spirit will use to bring people to Jesus. How do you see yourself in partnership with the leaders and fellow members of Peace? What are the biggest contributions that you can make to our Gospel work together? What are your abilities and strengths through which you see God at work?

January 30 | Philippians 2:14-16

The term “apologetics” is used to refer to the defense of the Christian faith. This includes answering objections to the Christian message and giving evidence for faith in Jesus, his resurrection, and the truth of his Word. Arguably the most influential evidence for the Christian faith is the transformed lives of believers. In these verses, Paul weaves in language from the wilderness experiences of Israel in which they too often were “crooked and depraved” (see Deuteronomy 32:5) and frequently complained. They were often like everyone else in their world. In contrast, as God worked in them, followers of Jesus were to be blameless and pure before a watching world. In so doing, they would “shine like stars.” How does sin undermine the witness of the Gospel? In what ways is God enabling us to be different from other ordinary Americans? What particular virtues could be especially influential in our witness to Jesus in contemporary America?

January 31 | Philippians 2:19-30

Here Paul speaks of personal mission partnerships with Timothy and Epaphroditus. How does Paul commend Timothy? Timothy was for Paul both a co-worker and a protégé. Can you identify individuals who fill those roles in your life? If so, what are their contributions to your life of service? Lynn Cohick comments on Epaphroditus: “Paul describes Epaphroditus in glowing terms: my “brother, co-worker … fellow soldier,” “your messenger,” one sent “to take care of my needs.” “Brother” is a generic term Paul uses to speak of other believers in the Lord. But to add “my” is distinctive and suggests affection and personal commendation.” But now Epaphroditus is being sent back to Philippi. “A possible scenario of Epaphroditus’s situation could look like this. The Philippian church set apart Epaphroditus to serve alongside Paul long term, and they contributed much financially toward Paul’s ministry, including Epaphroditus’s participation. But the rigors of this life ultimately prevented Epaphroditus from fulfilling that mission. Paul decides to send him back. Mission accomplished? No. However, was Christ honored? Yes, and that is the point Paul drives home in requesting the Philippians to honor Epaphroditus.” (Lynn H. Cohick, Philippians, 155, 157) How does Paul’s handling of this situation provide a model for how we deal with people when they can’t fulfill (or even don’t want to fulfill) the service they had committed to alongside us?

February 1 | Philippians 4:2-3

We go back to Euodia and Syntyche whom Paul describes as “yokefellows” or as those “who have labored side by side with me ….” The metaphor here is of the women being like a pair of oxen pulling a heavy burden of ministry along with Paul (nothing derogatory here!). We can’t be sure about their role in the Philippian church, but it was significant enough that their reconciliation with one another mattered! Why is it so crucial to have others pulling alongside us as we serve Christ? Even as he is admonishing them to reconcile, how is Paul commending them? Who is on your team when it comes to service at Peace?

February 2 | Philippians 4:10-20

Those in Roman prisons had to provide for their own physical needs. The Philippians had generously come alongside prisoner Paul by sending a servant (Epaphroditus) and financial resources to provide for him. What joy do you think the Philippians Christians received by being able to give to Paul? In what ways are your financial giving to Peace and other ministries an important part of your partnership in the Gospel? How do you think that the leaders of Peace should talk about money and financial giving? (Pastor Mark would love to get some feedback on this question)