Partners in the Gospel

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.  Philippians 1:4-6

From Guest Blogger Colin Proft:

The Joy of Partnership. The word “partnership” comes from the Greek word, koinonia. It is an intimate fellowship. It is the bond of a family. Our relationship with other Christians is not a business partnership or social club. To the contrary, we are to be completely united as one body under Jesus Christ, the Head of His Church.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul made it clear: “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:2-3).

Notice two things that lead to experiencing the full riches of understanding. We are to be encouraged in heart and united in love. The body of Christ is one body but made up of many parts. We do not function properly when we refuse to work in harmony. Paul is simply praying the same thing that Jesus prayed for just hours before his trial and crucifixion: “That they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity” (John 17:22-23).

Carried to Completion. We are sojourners and strangers on the earth; we are looking for a better country — a heavenly country. The world is not our home. Heaven is our home. As we journey through this life, we will experience all sorts of difficulties, setbacks and struggles. Sometimes this life can feel like a battleground. There will be blood, sweat and tears. We will experience brokenness, pain and loss.

Matt Redman, a worship leader and song writer based out of the UK, penned the following:

Scars and struggles on the way, but with joy our hearts can say,

yes our hearts can say: Never once did we ever walk alone.

Never once did You leave us on our own. You are faithful. God, You are faithful.

Matt Redman singing "Never Once"


Prayer: God, You have called me by name and promised to bring me safely home. Help me live in the security of Your promise that You will never leave me. Amen.


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