Partners In The Gospel

June 15 | Rick Thiemke

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The letter to the Philippians is deeply personal. It’s not driven by correction or rebuke, but by joy, affection and encouragement. Paul is writing from a Roman prison. Life is not easy. He’s in chains. But his heart is full. Why? Because of a church family in Philippi who hasn’t forgotten him. They’ve stayed faithful. They’ve partnered in the gospel. And it gives him joy.

Philippians tells us a lot about the mission of God and how God’s people participate in that mission. This is a community that didn’t just believe the gospel - they shared in it. They supported it, sacrificed for it and lived it.

Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, full of patriotic pride and built around retired soldiers. A Jesus-centered community there stood out. Paul writes to them from prison - not with bitterness, but with joy. Why? Because of a deep spiritual connection - not a vague sense of community, but a life-on-life partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:1–2).

Right from the start, Paul’s tone is pastoral, humble and personal. He gives thanks (Philippians 1:3–5).

We Are In The Same Boat

Paul uses the word partnership (Greek: koinonia). It means more than shared interests - it means shared mission. They’ve invested together in the gospel: financially, relationally, spiritually. They’re in this together (Philippians 1:7).

This is more than nostalgia. Paul is saying: “You’re not just a church I started. You’re part of my life. You’re part of what God is doing in me.” He’s calling out something we all need: spiritual belonging - a place where we know and are known; a place where we are committed together. 

Paul’s confidence isn’t in the Philippians’ ability to stay faithful. It’s in God’s power to finish what He started (Philippians 1:6). 

If God started something in you - He’s not quitting. The “day of Jesus Christ” refers to the final day when we stand before Him, made whole. Paul is keeping their eyes on that day (2 Timothy 4:6–7). 

Gospel Prayer Reorients Your Priorities

Paul then tells them exactly what he prays (Philippians 1:9–11). 

This is a prayer for depth - not surface-level spirituality. Paul doesn’t just want them to love more - he wants them to love more wisely. Love with discernment. Truth and love growing together (Romans 12:9). He’s praying for their decisions - what they approve, what they say yes to. Because that determines the kind of people we’re becoming (Romans 12:2). 

Paul’s prayer ends with a vision of a life filled with fruit (Philippians 1:11). He’s not pushing performance - he’s pointing to Jesus. The result? A life that reflects Christ - not just to feel good about ourselves, but to give glory to God.

Paul is challenging a half-hearted version of faith. Not just then, but now. He reshapes your entire operating system (Philippians 1:27). 

Paul’s affection, his prayers, his confidence - it’s all centered in the gospel - the full weight of Jesus' grace (Hebrews 12:1–2). The gospel is not just the entry point - it’s the engine. It doesn’t just forgive; it transforms. 

Are you a partner in the gospel - or just a passive participant? Are you praying for comfort - or for loving discernment and fruit? Is your life shaped by Christ - or only sprinkled with Him? Let’s not settle for spiritual convenience. Let’s lean into gospel community, gospel transformation, gospel joy. Let’s live in unity - and on mission - together.