Young People's Group

Fellowship Through Giving

by Mitchell Tan
April 11, 2019

THE PHILIPPIANS’ FELLOWSHIP WITH PAUL THROUGH THEIR SUPPORT

Paul and the Philippian Church had developed a deep sense of love for each other. From the first day to the time of writing this epistle, there was a special sense of fellowship and bond built between them. The apostle Paul gave thanks for the memory of the Philippians because of their fellowship in the gospel (Philippians 1:5). There was a close friendship between them that continued. And the Philippians sought to fellowship with Paul through their support.

1. COMMENCEMENT OF FELLOWSHIP THROUGH GIVING

“Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.”
Philippians 4:15

The word “share” is the word “sugkoinóneó”. It means “to have fellowship with”. It is to be a partaker of something special. At the beginning of Paul’s ministry in sharing the gospel to the Philippians, they had sought to minister to him. Lydia persuaded Paul and his team to stay with her at her home (Acts 16:15). The Philippian jailer after believing brought them to his home and set food before them. The church at Philippi developed along the way to become one that loved Paul very much. When he left Macedonia, which included the city of Philippi, they gave a gift to him when no one else was able to do so. They fellowshipped with him through their giving. They were able to practise this idea of giving and receiving.

2. CONTINUATION OF FELLOWSHIP THROUGH GIVING

“For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.”
Philippians 4:16

The Philippians did not just give to Paul on only one occasion. They consistently supported him in his time of need. They were concerned about his necessities. The Philippians must have heard about his situation in Thessalonica. Paul had sought to labour hard night and day so that he would not be a burden to any of the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:9). The Philippians were able to send aid towards whatever was lacking with regards to his needs. They were able to give more than once towards Paul. They were able to practise consistent giving towards him.

3. COMMENDATION OF FELLOWSHIP THROUGH GIVING

“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.”
Philippians 4:14

The Philippians’ loving gift to Paul moved him to acknowledge and to commend them. Even though he felt that he was contented even if he was in prison, he was thankful for the gift that was given to him. He commended the Philippians for fellowshipping with him through providing for him in his time of affliction. He was imprisoned and was locked in chains (Philippians 1:13). There were the enemies of Christ who tried to add affliction to his situation. The Philippians’ gift brought a great sense of joy to his heart. They were commended for their consistency in giving towards him.

PRACTISING FELLOWSHIP THROUGH GIVING

We too can practise this sense of fellowship through supporting those in need. Let’s seek to have a faith that leads to caring for people in practical ways. There are constant needs to meet in our missions work in India and Myanmar. We can learn to care for them and fellowship with them through our gifts. Let’s learn to consistently give towards them. Let’s learn to care for them by supporting them.

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