Philippians 1:3-6 NLT
[3] “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. [4] Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, [5] for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. [6] And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Partners! I found a blog on the internet that confirms this theme in Philippians, by a blogger called Nam.

“By the way, the core message of Philippians is about partnership, not joy as I used to think.”
Nam: https://www.reconciledworld.org/partners_through_prayer

Nam’s article on “Partners Through Prayer” highlights the two-way relationship between Paul and the churches. There was a special bond between Paul and the church at Philippi because these believers partnered with him in his arduous, demandung, and often dangerous task.

Philippians 1:7-8 NLT
[7] “So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. [8] God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.”

I have already written about being “partners through prayer” in my series on Colossians, but it does no harm to re-emphasize this vital ministry of every church here.

Tha fact that Paul appeals for prayer for himself and his ministry in his letters should alert us to the huge part every church should and must play in the spread of the gospel.

Apart from this church being the first church he founded in Europe, it was the one church that prayed faithfully for him and also often supported him financially.

Let’s explore the meaning of this partnership and its outcomes.

1. They supported him in prayer.
Paul was conscious of his vulnerability as a contender for the truth against many enemies and humble enough to ask for help. His message angered both Jews and Gentiles. The Jews hated him because the one he preached claimed to be God (which, to them, was blasphemy), and apparently He rose from the dead, a claim they repudiated. Paul enraged the Gentiles because he presented Jesus, not Caesar, as Lord.

Paul travelled all over Europe and Asia Minor to preach to the Gentiles, putting himself and his companions in physical danger from many quarters…, physical, political, and religious.

Paul was aware of his need for support. He could not accomplish his mission alone. The Philippian
church took his call for help seriously and prayed faithfully for him.

“…Philippians 1:5 NLT
[5] for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”

They prayed for his safety and deliverance from his enemies.

Philippians 1:19 NLT
[19] “For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.”

They prayed for his ministry, for clarity, boldness, and effectiveness in his preaching.

Philippians 1:7 NLT
[7] “So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.”

They prayed for fruit…for many new believers to respond to his preaching.

Philippians 1:13-14 NLT
[13]”For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. [14] And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.”

2. They supported him financially.

The other part of their partnership with Paul was the regulator financial support they gave him more than any other church.

Philippians 4:15-17 NLT
[15]”As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. [16] Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. [17] I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.”

Paul had to labour long and hard to pay his way. Imagine his gratitude when the Philippians sent him gifts of money more than once to relieve him of the burden of having to earn his living.

Acts of the Apostles 18:1-3 NLT
[1]” Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. [2] There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. [3] Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.”

To the Thessalonians, he wrote…

1 Thessalonians 2:9 NLT
[9] “Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you.”

Although the churches were obligated to support Paul, according to…

Galatians 6:6 NLT
[6]”Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.”

… Paul made no demands on the believers, choosing rather to earn his own living than depend on them, but grateful for the help he received through their partnership with him.

Paul testified to lessons learned through every circumstance, good or bad. He shared his experience with his beloved Philippians believers.

Philippians 4:10-14 NLT
[10] “How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. [11] Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. [12] I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. [13] For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. [14] Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.”

So, we learn from Paul’s relationship with this church that, not only did the Holy Spirit help, strengthen, and support him through their prayers, but they also provided for his financial needs by  sending money to him time and again.

It’s no wonder then, that Paul loved them so deeply, not so much because of their generosity to him but because they were involved with him in the spread of the gospel. This partnership was much more than for Paul’s benefit. This joint effort was for the kingdom of God. Thus Paul could celebrate with them the fruit of their labours as a team. To go back to our Scripture for today…

Philippians 1:5 NLT
[5]… “for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”

So, Paul could assure them that God would continue and complete His good work in them as they confirmed their faith by sharing their lives and love with him.

Philippians 1:6 NLT
[6]”And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”