FELLOWSHIP'S PURPOSE (13 OF 52)
Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11, Philippians 4:14-20
This content is part of a series.
Fellowship's Purpose (13 of 52)
Series: Discipleship
Christopher B. Harbin
Philippians 1:3-11; 4:14-20
Fellowship is a word we often don't really know what to do with. We talk about fellowship. We gather in sacred spaces we call fellowship halls. We have meals in those same halls and call them fellowship meals. We know from church growth studies that those gatherings are very important to the growth of a church. We understand that we need to foster events that build community. When we look at what the Bible tells us about fellowship, however, our halls, meals, spaces, and gatherings, however, suddenly look very inadequate.
Perhaps here in Philippians is one of those texts that give us the most well-rounded grasp on what fellowship truly should mean. As important as meals, companionship, and getting to know one another are, fellowship seems to indicate something much deeper when we begin looking at what Paul writes to this dear church in Philippi.
The fellowship of the Philippian church was a fellowship borne out of partnership. Instead of gathering for food, playing games, socializing, or holding talent shows, they were focused on participating with Paul in his ministry and the promotion of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was this partnership, accepting that they were on a joint venture to fulfill the mission of God that gave them their sense of togetherness, purpose, and sharing in fellowship.
Paul writes the letter to the Philippian church from prison. We don't know exactly where he was imprisoned at that time. Imprisonment was an all too common occurrence in Paul's life. As a result, he was not always able to work and earn his living. He wrote to the church in part to thank them for a financial gift they had sent him. This was not the first time Paul received financial assistance. This was also the only church who had entered into a financially supporting role in Paul's ministry.
He had a purpose, a mission, a calling to fulfill, and this chur ...
Series: Discipleship
Christopher B. Harbin
Philippians 1:3-11; 4:14-20
Fellowship is a word we often don't really know what to do with. We talk about fellowship. We gather in sacred spaces we call fellowship halls. We have meals in those same halls and call them fellowship meals. We know from church growth studies that those gatherings are very important to the growth of a church. We understand that we need to foster events that build community. When we look at what the Bible tells us about fellowship, however, our halls, meals, spaces, and gatherings, however, suddenly look very inadequate.
Perhaps here in Philippians is one of those texts that give us the most well-rounded grasp on what fellowship truly should mean. As important as meals, companionship, and getting to know one another are, fellowship seems to indicate something much deeper when we begin looking at what Paul writes to this dear church in Philippi.
The fellowship of the Philippian church was a fellowship borne out of partnership. Instead of gathering for food, playing games, socializing, or holding talent shows, they were focused on participating with Paul in his ministry and the promotion of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was this partnership, accepting that they were on a joint venture to fulfill the mission of God that gave them their sense of togetherness, purpose, and sharing in fellowship.
Paul writes the letter to the Philippian church from prison. We don't know exactly where he was imprisoned at that time. Imprisonment was an all too common occurrence in Paul's life. As a result, he was not always able to work and earn his living. He wrote to the church in part to thank them for a financial gift they had sent him. This was not the first time Paul received financial assistance. This was also the only church who had entered into a financially supporting role in Paul's ministry.
He had a purpose, a mission, a calling to fulfill, and this chur ...
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