Mount Isa Baptist Church

Hitched to the gospel

Memory is an amazing thing. It allows you to recall events that occurred moments or even years ago. In this passage, Paul is dealing with the issue of memories. As he writes his epistle to the Philippians, Paul's memories of them rise to the surface. He gives voice to some things he remembers about these people.

The first reason that Paul can give thanks for is because of their past partnership.

Look at vs.3- vs.4: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy.” Why does he say this? Because in verse 5 we read “because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” This smile that is broadening across Paul’s face as he remembers those days got even broader when he remembered their partnership in the gospel. These people haven't just confessed faith in Christ; they hitched themselves to the gospel. Then and there from the first day. These Christians in Philippi were in their spiritual nappies, but they were immediately useful to the Lord. And we can all respond in the same way.

The second reason that he can give thanks is because of their present partnership in the Gospel.

These Philippian believers weren't one season wonders. They started by hitching themselves to the gospel, and they remained hitched to the gospel. There was a special bond of love between Paul and the Philippian Christians. They were dear to Paul's heart. They share a love that is not found in the world. They share a Christ-like, spiritual love that transcends all things. That is the kind of love that should mark the people of God. The world does not possess the same kind of love that believers possess. For the people of God, love is about what we share in Christ Jesus. Love is about Him and what He has done in our lives!

Look at what they had done for him:

They had prayed for him -1:19. They had sent Epaphroditus to minister to Paul in prison - 2:25-30. They had given sacrificially to support Paul's ministry - 4:10, 14. This was something other churches had not done, 4:15. Paul remembered all these things, and he was grateful. That same level of gratitude should fill the hearts of all of God's people! The church needs everyone doing what they have been saved and called to do. The church needs you! It's easy to be negative. I think we fail to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect church and that there is no such thing as a perfect Christian. It is so easy to focus in on what others say and do. It is so easy to see the negatives, but it is so hard to see the positives. Did you know that true love always sees the best in others?1 Cor. 13:5, 7, 8. When I love you like I should, I will not zero in on your negatives. If I really love you like I should, I will pray for you when I see something I don't like, but I won't criticize you. I won't talk about you. I won't put you down or look down on you. When I love you like I should, I will be able to look past the negatives in your life to see the positives. What do you see when you look at your church family? Don't misunderstand the point here, love never turns a blind eye to sin! Jesus dealt with sin in the lives of believers and unbelievers and called it what it was. The sad truth is many wrong relationships flourish in our churches today. There are people who will not forgive others for their past words and deeds. There are always little groups that gather to grumble and find fault with what the church is doing. As a result of our lack of genuine love and forgiveness, souls are not saved, and real revival never comes. We need to learn to love properly! I would just mention that Paul does something here that is much needed in our churches today. He takes the time to say “Thank you” to those people who had been a blessing to him. I find that we are not too good at doing that! We need to express our love, our thanks, and our appreciation

to those who have been a blessing to us. Say “Thank you. You have been a blessing to me.".