Why I Am Thankful to be Your Pastor!
Philippians 1:3-11
3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
Ministry today is not what it once was…
But Ministry is a CALLING, not a Career!
1. Ministry is a Partnership
“…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:5 (CSB)
- Koinonia – fellowship, sharing, partnership, co-participants (v. 7).
11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 equipping the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, Eph. 4:11-12 (CSBBible)
2. We are Partners in the Gospel
“…because of your partnership in the gospel…” v. 5
- The gospel brought Paul & the Philippians together & kept them together!
14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment & dare even more to speak the word fearlessly…18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, & in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” Phil 1:14, 18 (CSB)
3. We are Partners in Grace
“…I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace…” v. 7
- In tough times, v. 7
- In preaching v. 12-18
- In standing ,v 27-28
- In suffering, v. 29
4. We are Partners in Growing…
9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior & may be pure & blameless in the day of Christ, Phil 1:9-10 (CSB)
12 Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear & trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. Phil. 2:12-13 (CSB)
5. Partners in Generosity…
- Prayers, 1:3,19
- Caring, 2:19-24 (Paul /Timothy)
- Giving, 2:25-30; 4:15, 16-18