1.3. FONDNESS FOR THE FELLOWSHIP (Philippians 1:2-11)

In the unveiled love of Paul for the fellowship, in Philippians 1:2-11 we have an example of the first of the shared secrets of a happy fellowship. If all in the fellowship express in the same way, this love of God for the fellowship, it is bound to be a happy one.

Philippians 1:3,4 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,"

In this happy fellowship Paul finds little for reproof - as in other letters. Every remembrance brought joyous praise. Fragrant memories resulting in easy mention in prayer.

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He Praises Their Fellowship In The Gospel

Philippians 1:5 "For your fellowship (Greek, koinonia) in the gospel from the first day until now;"

The gospel was Paul's life - he lived and died for its proclamation. He mentions the gospel six times in this chapter. John 3:16 gives us the good news in miniature. In this chapter Paul reveals that a happy gospel fellowship:

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Shares The Gospel (Philippians 1:5)

"Fellowship in the gospel." (Philippians 1:5 KJV) The Amplified New Testament brings out the Greek word 'koinonia' i.e. "fellowship" as "your sympathetic co-operation and contributions and partnership. Together advancing the gospel. A happy fellowship shares the gospel with the lost.

1 Corinthians 9:16 "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"

The whole fellowship shares "IN" the gospel together. Each is thankful for the other (Philippians 1:3 ). Each is prayerful for the other (Philippians 1:4 ). Each is loving towards the other (Philippians 1:7 ). "I have you in my heart." These are some of the precious things enjoyed "IN" the fellowship of the gospel.

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Safeguards The Gospel

The "defense" of the gospel (Philippians 1:7,17 KJV). Striving together for the faith of the gospel. Today, truths relating to the Person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ are being attacked - questioned - denied.

	His virgin birth: Matthew 1:18 "... she was found with child of the Holy Spirit."
	His virtuous life: John 8:46 "Which of you convinceth me of sin? ..."
	His vicarious death: 2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
	His victorious resurrection: Romans 1:4 "And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"
	His visible return: Revelation 1:4 "... Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; ..."

A happy fellowship obeys this exhortation:

Jude 3 "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."

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Spreads The Gospel (Philippians 1:12)

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;"

The surest way to counteract error is to spread the truth. The gospel is spread by our favourable reaction to the things which "happen" to us, especially the testing things. This is illustrated in Acts 16:22-25, beaten, imprisoned, in stocks. They praised - worshipped - sang. God could use that.

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Shows The Gospel (Philippians 1:27)

Demonstrated belief by behaviour - what is the gospel according to you? A happy fellowship is a fellowship of the gospel.

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He Praises Their Fruits Of Grace (Philippians 1:6)

Paul's confidence in this fellowship of saints is based on the evidence of grace in their lives. The "good work" begun, will continue till the day of Christ.

	COMMENCED - "from the first day" - by God, through a new birth.
	CONTINUED - the regenerated life continues to be revealed in the daily life.
	CONSUMMATED - "until the day of Jesus Christ."

God will complete what He has begun. No evidence of grace indicated no reception of grace.

Philippians 1:7 "just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, ..."

Paul had won many of them for Christ - they held an abiding place in his affections.

Philippians 1:8 "... I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ."

Amplified reads, "in the tender mercies of Jesus Christ (Himself)." There are limits to Paul's love - but he loved them in the heart of Christ - with a Calvary heart. A heart that expends its very life for the spiritual well-being of others. When the passion of Christ is seen in the fellowship, then it is a happy fellowship.

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Love Expressed In Prayer For Fellowship

Love prays for growth - it is an awful alternative to be stunted. Paul gives an example of what to pray for:-

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Growth In Love

Philippians 1:9 "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;"

Judgment (Greek 'aisthesis'), i.e perception (only here). Paul wants the fellowship to have a GROWING and KNOWING love. The fuller our perception of our Lord and His love, the greater our love. We want to pray for a deep passion for Christ, and the lost, which excludes all sham.

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Growth In Living

Philippians 1:10 "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;"

Living an approved life. All things must be looked at in the light of eternity - so as to be taken up with that which is worthy. Living an unsullied life - "sincere and without offence" i.e. without wax - or sun-judged. The original word translated "sincere" was used of a marble statue that, held to the light proved to be without faults which are covered with wax. The word also has an allusion to finishing cloth with gummy materials which hide flaws until carefully examined by looking through it in sunlight. Paul prayed that the fellowship would consist of people living lives of purity, giving no cause for stumbling.

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Growth In Fruitfulness

Spiritual love is ever practical - the life must be "filled with the fruits of righteousness" (Philippians 1:11 KJV) This is ordained.

John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, ..."

Paul prays for the best possible fruit bearing. "fruits of righteousness" The fruit of the new life in Christ. The life of uprightness before God and man. That is pleasing to God. He prays for the fertility in fruit bearing. "Being filled" He prays for what God wants - a bumper crop. He prays for the variety of fruit bearing "fruits" - the product of:- righteous thinking - dealings - believing - and its countless characteristics.

The Lord's beauty outwardly seen, personal loveliness shown, "Love, joy, peace ..." (Galatians 5:22 ). Practically manifested, actions. "Longsuffering, kindness, goodness" (Galatians 5:22 ) - powerful inward motivation. "Faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22, 23 ). This variety of fruit bearing makes a delightful and beautiful fellowship.

He prays for the vitality of fruit bearing - "by Christ Jesus" - we are to abide in Him. Apart from Him we are barren.

John 15:5 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

John 15:16 "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."

He is the strength for fruit bearing - every manifestation is to the glory and praise of our Father. Praying for the fellowship in this way will result in God answering and making our fellowship a happy and productive blessing. Are we truly loving the people of the fellowship? Then we will show our love by:

	Praise - not blame
	Passion - not sham
	Prayer - not indifference

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you find it easy to pray for those for whom you have only pleasant memories? (Philippians 1:3,4 ).

2. How would you expect people to fellowship in the gospel? (Philippians 1:5 ).

3. What kind of growth would you pray for, that your fellowship may be effective.