Young Adults' Group

Sharing Joy With Each Other

by Pastor Mark
November 29, 2018

A shared joy

The Apostle Paul had a special relationship with the brethren in the Philippian church. He dearly loved them and was very close to them. His epistle to the brethren was one of the most intimate letters that Paul had written. Through their loving relationship with each other, there came a mutual sense of joy. This special joy was something that was reflected in his writings. But what was one reason for Paul and the brethren to have this mutual sense of joy?

Reason for joy

1. Being poured out as a drink offering

“Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith,” (Phil 2:17)

Paul recognised that as he was imprisoned, the reality of death had become even more apparent. As he reflected over his remaining life, Paul spoke about being poured out as a drink offering. The Greek word “spendo” means to be poured out as a libation…a drink offering. A drink offering is poured out very quickly. It is only a short time. This reflected Paul’s short remaining life. He sought to see his remaining life as being poured out as a libation. Paul found joy in living his life in this manner.

2. Two areas of concern

The libation will be poured out on two areas of concern about the faith of the brethren. What were these two areas of concern? One area was the making of sacrifices which is a reference to the offerings given. The brethren made consistent offerings to the Lord. Another area was their service. The Greek word for service is “leitourgia”. It is a reference to service in the form of sacred worship. This was the service of the faith of the brethren. They were seeking to serve by giving sacred worship…a reflection of their faith in the Lord. Paul was dedicated to offering his remaining life in helping the faith of the brethren…concerning their sacrifices and service to the Lord. What Paul sought to do for the brethren became the reason for Paul and the brethren to have this mutual sense of joy.

The shared joy of Paul and the Philippian brethren

1. The joy in ministering

“I am glad and rejoice with you all.” (Phil 2:17)

Through giving his life to minister to the brethren, he found a special sense of joy. The word “glad” stems from “charis” which means “grace, to be glad”. Paul received grace from God to be glad. The second word for joy is “sunchairo” which is made up of two words…the Greek word “sun” which means “with” and “chairo” which means “be glad”. Together, it is to “be glad with”. Paul rejoiced with the brethren as he sought to pour out his remaining life for them. Let us find joy in giving of ourselves to minister to each other and to rejoice with each other.

2. The joy of being ministered to

“For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.” (Phil 2:18)

Paul’s reason for joy was being able to outpour his life…for the blessing of the brethren. He also encouraged the brethren to have the same reason to rejoice. They would experience the work that Paul was seeking to do…in helping them in their faith. They too could rejoice in this wonderful relationship that they had with Paul who loved and cared for them so significantly.  Let us also rejoice with those who minister to us…for the progress of our faith. Let us be challenged to share a mutual sense of joy as we minister to each other.

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