1. LOVING THE PEOPLE OF THE FELLOWSHIP (Philippians 1:1-11)

Paul's letter to the Philippians is probably the most beautiful of his letters. In it we have Paul's secrets of a happy fellowship.

1.1. FOUNDING OF THE FELLOWSHIP

By seeing how the Philippians began we will recognise the way God begins a happy fellowship today. That the Philippian church was a happy church is obvious from the dominant note of joy in this letter. "Joy" even though written from prison.

Acts 16:13 "And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither."

Remember that true prayer begins with God.

Romans 8:26,27 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. "

Acts 16:6,7 "Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not."

Acts 16:9 "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us."

All because a few women were praying.

Acts 16:10 "And after he had seen the vision, immediately ..."

It was the object of their visit to Philippi. "To preach the gospel" (Acts 16:10 KJV). So making known "the way of salvation." (Acts 16:17 ).

	Lydia (Acts 16:14).
	Demon-possessed girl (Acts 16:18 ).
	Jailor (Acts 16:34).

Acts 16:22-24 "And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks."

Paul clearly believed that God had a way of making the happenings in his life advance the gospel.

Philippians 1:12 "But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;"

1.2. FASHIONING OF THE FELLOWSHIP (Philippians 1:1)

Philippians 1:1,2 "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul and his helpers gave as their credentials "bondservants" i.e. bondslaves (Philippians 1:1 ). They were their Lord's property, and at His absolute disposal. It is through such submissive and yielded servants that God fashioned the fellowship. This bondservice was symbolised by Paul's literal chains.

Philippians 1:7 "Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace."

Philippians 1:13,14 "So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear."

My "chains are in Christ" (Philippians 1:13 NKJV), not Caesar. Such a bondservant would only fashion the fellowship in strict accord with the Lord's Word and will. The fellowship was made up of "saints in Christ Jesus", and geographically at Philippi. "Saints" i.e. "set apart" - enjoying the blessing of "grace" and "peace" (Philippians 1:2 KJV). The joint source of which are the "Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ." A forceful testimony to the equality in the Godhead and the deity of Christ. The fellowship was led by preaching elders (bishops), and served by ministering deacons. Paul's ministry produced order and gifted ministry in the fellowship.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. In your opinion has prayer been devalued in this highly programmed age? (Acts 16:13; Romans 8:26-27 ).

2. Do you think the Pauline party was surprised to discover that the man in the vision was really a woman praying? (Acts 16:9,13 ).

3. What kind of preaching would you expect to be the means of winning souls? (Acts 16:10 ).

4. Why do you think the Lord needs bondservants to shape a local fellowship of His people? (Philippians 1:1-2 ).

5. As a prisoner of Rome why did Paul speak of his "chains" being "in Christ"? (Philippians 1:13 ).