Download Lessons on Partnership from Philippians

Why Pursue Togetherness?
Lessons on Partnership from Philippians
New England District Association
2016 District Conference
Why pursue togetherness?
Luke 13:18-21
18
He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to
what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed that a
man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree,
and the birds of the air made nests in its branches."
20
And again he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?
21 It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of
flour, until it was all leavened."
Why pursue togetherness?
Why pursue togetherness?
1. Christological Identity
Deep Love born out of partnership and
Gospel identity.
Philippians 1:3-11
3
I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray
with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being
confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until
the day of Christ Jesus.
7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for
whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's
grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and
depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and
blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes
through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.
NIV
1. Christological Identity
Deep Love born out of partnership and
Gospel identity.
Philippians 1:3-5
3
I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for
all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in
the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this,
that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to
completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
(NIV)
1. Christological Identity
Deep Love born out of partnership and
Gospel identity.
identity
Philippians 1:7-11
7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my
heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all
of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of
you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in
knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is
best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the
fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and
praise of God.
(NIV)
1. Christological Identity
Deep Love born out of partnership and
Gospel identity.
2. Missiological Opportunity
Interdependence is a primary
apologetic for the gospel.
Philippians 2:12-18
12
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my
presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your
salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and
to act according to his good purpose.
14
Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become
blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved
generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold outc the
word of life — in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run
or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering
on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with
all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
2. Missiological Opportunity
Interdependence is a primary
apologetic for the gospel.
3. Ecclesiological Activity
Belonging stimulates collaboration for
gospel mission
Philippians 1:27-30
27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the
gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear
about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit,
contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being
frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to
them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and
that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not
only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are
going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I
still have.
(NIV)
3. Ecclesiological Activity
Belonging stimulates collaboration for
gospel mission
Philippians 1:27
27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of
the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only
hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in
one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.
(NIV)
Philippians 1:18b-19
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your
prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has
happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.d
(NIV)
Philippians 4:10-16
10
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for
me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show
it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I
know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in
any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty
or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you
Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel,
when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the
matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in
Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.
3. Ecclesiological Activity
Belonging stimulates collaboration for
gospel mission
Why pursue togetherness?
Christological Identity
Missiological Opportunity
Ecclesiological Activity