A Fellowship of Servants - Philippians 1:1-11

How often do we struggle and have difficulty focusing outside our little bubble called ‘self’? 

We are a fellowship together in Christ, and we are servants of the Almighty God. But what is our fellowship founded on? Is it smiling at one another and saying ‘hi’ on Sunday mornings, or is our fellowship deeply rooted in abounding and fervent love toward one another? Our love toward others is not by our own doing, but it is through the submission of our hearts to Christ and allowing His love to pour through us toward others. 

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Philippians 1:1-11
¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶ And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸ For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

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Paul is imprisoned at the time of this letter. However, he still opens this epistle by stating that he is still a ‘servant’ of Christ Jesus. Paul demonstrates his servanthood despite currently going through strenuous and tenuous times. 

Paul is more concerned about his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. And Paul prays with JOY for the Philippian church because they have continued their partnership in the gospel. He expresses his joy in the work that they are doing, continuing their faith in Jesus Christ. This was the first church established in Europe by Paul. If you started a church years ago, wouldn’t you be filled with joy knowing it is flourishing and continuing to function on the principles of Jesus Christ? 

How often are we praying in joy for others around us, knowing that they, too, are working together in Christ as partners for furthering the Kingdom of God? This church continued as one mind in Christ, as a fellowship. Are we sharing with each other in true fellowship? 

Christ desires for us to share true and meaningful fellowship with each other. It is here that our brothers and sisters in Christ may come alongside and help us in troubled times. However, true fellowship is the shared mind in Christ. Despite being miles apart and under house arrest, Paul expressed joy in his fellowship with the Philippians. Our spiritual fellowship brings us together in Christ. We should be encouraged that we are not alone and are all members of the same body. We are all important to God, and we all have a purpose. Paul exemplifies continued servanthood despite trials and tribulations, thinking and praying for others first. He continues to pray that they may have abounding love and love that is discerning. 

Despite the difficult times you are going through, I pray that you will remember Paul’s example. Take joy in the fellowship that you have with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to be in prayer and pray for those around you. Find encouragement in the joy that only Christ can provide. Allow Christ to pour out His unending love through you toward others. It is through love that we have fellowship with one another.