Who is the author of our perseverance? Who is the agent of our fidelity? Who is the effective source of our sanctification? Who ensures our glorification? Well, it is not us. We don’t reach the finish line by our efforts; we don’t muscle our way to glory. It is not our behaviors that make us grow in sanctification; rather, this too is all of grace.

We have a host of different relationships from family to church, from classmates to coworkers, but not all of these relationships bring us joy.

Sure, some folk we don’t care for, and they don’t like us. Other relationships aren’t that close. But there is the person that makes you groan a little bit inside. You see their name calling on your phone and you sigh, “Ugh.” You care for them and you can’t cut them out of your life, but the relationship is trying, difficult, and laborious. Paul had this relationship with other churches.

In his letter to the Galatians Paul lamented that he had to give birth to the saints all over again in the gospel. He and the Corinthians were consistently in tension. They would get into trouble, Paul would fix it, and then they would bad-mouth Paul in favor of a more eloquent preacher. The memories Paul shared with other congregations stirred up tears and frustration.

But not so with the Philippians; their shared history was permeated with gratitude and joy. And what is the effect of sharing his joy? When someone tells you, “I am so thankful for you; you are such a delight,” what does this do? It cranks up the comfort; it nourishes the love. Paul’s joyful gratitude strengthens and adorns the peace between them.

Paul and the Philippians were partners in the gospel.

And when a relationship is founded in a secure peace, perfumed with a thankful joy, then it is ripe for fruitfulness; it is ready to do good things together. Hence, one of the prime reasons Paul is so joyful for the Philippians is that they are partners in the gospel—from day one of their relationship, those ten years ago, to the present.

The Philippians partnered with Paul in his gospel ministry, but what does this exactly mean? We all know that Paul was a tentmaker; he supported himself as a traveling missionary. Yet, this was not his exclusive practice, for at times he would receive support from others. He was careful about from whom he accepted support, for giving can create undesirable entanglements.

Paul refused support from the Corinthians because it would be harmful to their relationship. This, however, was not the case with the Philippians as they were more spiritually mature and healthy. The Philippians supported Paul at the start, and they kept sharing their support over the years.

And the occasion for this letter is that the Philippian saints sent Epaphroditus to Paul to fellowship and bring him another gift. By prayer, encouragements, and monies, the Philippians partnered with Paul in his gospel ministry. Because they gave of themselves, Paul was more free and able to herald the good news of Christ.

And this dynamic sheds light on the church’s ministry, on the relationship between the minister and the saints. At times, the ministry can seem to be limited only to those who preach and teach. Those who sit in the pews can feel unessential, as if they aren’t important. Yet, this is not the case for the church’s ministry is comprised of two essential elements: the senders and the sent.

Between the minster and the saints rests mutual dependence.

There is no sending out preachers without a body to send them. The gospel herald cannot survive without the prayers, fellowship, and support of the saints. Indeed, ministers will come and go, but the church body remains. The church is the saints, not just the officers. Between the minister and the saints rests mutual dependence.

Fellow edification flows back and forth. And when this relationship is on key, it is a beautiful bond of gratitude, joy, and love. The minister knows he cannot survive without the saints; and the saints rejoice that the minister serves them the living Word of Christ. Each one prays for the other. Each remembers the other, and there is great joy.

And this vital bond blooms and perfumes between the Philippians and Paul.

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