The Fellowship in the Gospel.
"........from the
first day until now;" Philippians 1:5.
Luke
[ 2013 ]
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Paul after his usual salutation (v2) conveys saints at Philippi, his giving
thanks to God in every remembrance of them (v3), and expressing joy in every
prayer of his (v4) before the throne of grace, on account of their good and
healthy spiritual state which he finds them walking in, particularly taking
notice of their continual and steadfast fellowship in the gospel (v5)
concerning which, he says, “from the first day until now” thus intimating that
this fellowship was not made by these saints at the time of their own
convenience, or under some suitable conditions, but beloved friends, let us
observe: their fellowship in the gospel was one of habitual and continual
nature.
Wherefore, Christian assemblies in every place ought to take this as their
pattern and standard to jealously partake in the work and support of the
gospel. No amount of excuses can be
justified. Old and young, eminent or
least, all are to partake in the great commission of the gospel, which our
blessed Lord has given to His servants, in the proclamation of it (Mark 16:15,
John 15:27), and in our life and manners becoming it, expressing grace of
liberality and love for one another in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and by
having one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel of Christ
(v27). This is not only a high privilege
but an obligation and duty of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
But, we must note that the principle motive here ought to be love as in
everything else, that is, our utmost love and supreme devotion towards the Lord
Jesus and His interests below, and thus therefore, this love for Christ could
be largely expressed in the saints by their obedience in the work of the
gospel, as they are drawn to it, in partaking of its fellowship, and to preach
to the dying world the glorious glad tidings of the free grace of God.
In verse 7, the apostle testifies of their mutual love and fellowship, which
was greatly expressed “in the defence and confirmation of the gospel.” Thus, we see in it, Assembly’s love for
Christ, expressed by its saints through their common and heavenly fellowship in
the gospel. Therefore, in consideration
of the above, we must note that it is a solemn duty and high privilege of all
Christ's witnesses to partake in the fellowship of the gospel, to exalt high
the Name of Jesus before the world, and with all boldness sound forth the glorious
gospel under the mighty banner of the cross, apprehending its invincible power
and wisdom above the glory of the fallen world, and thus be as shining lights
--"in the midst of the crooked and perverse nation" (Phil 2:15).
Thessalonians were a great example of this grace, concerning whom, the same
apostle, in a lofty manner, testified, “So that ye were ensamples to all that
believe in
Brethren! let us, then, examine our present condition and work in the light of
these Scriptures; and let us inquire humbly, if our fellowship in the gospel of
Christ is steadfast, and if our life is conformed to it, and, are we with one
mind striving together for the faith of it (1:27)? And, moreover, to remind ourselves according
to the example of Thessalonians: Are we sounding forth the gospel in the areas
that we live in and around us, and if God wills it, even to spread abroad the
distant lands? And also, for that
matter, is it being constantly preached today in our own meeting places? The apostle declares, “For the preaching of the cross is
to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of
God.” I Cor. 1:18.
The faithful preaching of
the gospel brings conflict and opposition.
But the Lord Jesus gives us great consolation: "Peace I leave with
you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let
it be afraid." John 14:27; "And I will pray the Father, and He shall
give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;" John
14:16; ".....even the Spirit of
truth, Which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me; And ye also shall bear witness, because ye
have been with Me from the beginning."
John 15:26b,27.
Therefore, the apostle though suffering, and in bonds for Christ, could express
confidence of the work of grace in the believers (v6) “Being confident of this very
thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the
day of Jesus Christ:” And, meanwhile,
the suffering saints, who are facing the same conflict, at home or elsewhere,
they can also rejoice in the assurance of their final victory: "And in
nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of
perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of
Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake;" Phil. 1:28,29.
Grace be with all them that
love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, Amen. (Eph. 6:24).
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