Speaker: Pastor Neil Lindwall

Additional Resources: Extra readings can be found on this page and appear indented like this.

NIV Philippians 1:1-6 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

Partnership in the Gospel.  

Partnership = 2842 koinōnía (a feminine noun) – properly, what is shared in common, as the basis of fellowship (partnership, community). 2842/koinōnia ("the sharing of something held in common") refers to the unique fellowship (community) of Christians because they are in Christ, i.e. mystically engrafted together into His very body (1 Cor 12:13). Believers are fellow-partners (sharers) in the true knowledge of God because each belongs to the Lord. Accordingly, they share unique companionship with each other – a kindred spirit (Spirit) and fellowship (koinōnia) that transcends all racial and economic barriers. 2842/koinōnia ("fellowship") results from believers sharing in the Holy Spirit. This naturally leads believers to work together in God's kingdom.– Excerpts from the HELPS Lexicon.

NIV Philippians 1:12-14 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.  

Advance the Gospel.  

Advance = prok-op-ay' 4297 prokopē (from 4253/pró, "in front" and 2875/kóptō, "cut, chop down") – properly, advance (progress) – literally, "advancement by chopping down whatever impedes progress"; furtherance. For the believer, this is going forward in sanctification, cutting through obstacles by the Lord's power.

NIV Philippians 1:27 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 the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel

Live Worthy of the Gospel

Conduct - πολιτεύομαι politeúomai; from 4177; to live as a citizen:― NASEC dictionary. 

†πολιτεύομαι politeúomai, pol-it-yoo'-om-ahee; middle voice of a derivative of G4177; to behave as a citizen (figuratively):—let conversation be, live. – Strong’s Definitions.

NIV Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 

NIV Philippians 2:1-11 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

NIV Philippians 1:27-28 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 the one Spirit, striving together as one 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.

Striving for the Faith of the Gospel.

Striving Together = συναθλέω synathléō, soon-ath-leh'-o; from G4862 and G118; to wrestle in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to seek jointly:—labour with, strive together for. – Strong’s Definitions.

NIV Philippians 2:22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

The Work of the Gospel

Cognate: 1398 douleúō (from 1401/doúlos) – properly, to serve as a slave, with all personal ownership-rights assigned to the owner; (figuratively) willingly give over the prerogative to be self-governing. See 1401 (doúlos).

Reflection: 1398/douleúō ("obligatory serving") is used of believers giving their unqualified service to the Lord and all "rights" to be self-determining. The slave's will is altogether "swallowed up in the will of another" (R. Trench).

The Christian is a willing slave of Christ, living in joyful surrender (total submission) – giving complete loyalty to their Master, Jesus Christ. – Excerpt from the HELPS Lexicon.

NIV Philippians 4:1-3 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

The Cause of the Gospel.  

LET’S BE GOSPEL OBSESSED

GOSPEL-CENTERED 

GOSPEL-SOAKED

GOSPEL-STRIVING

GOSPEL-PREACHING

GOSPEL-SENT