Phil 1:5 -Partnership

Phil. 1:5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,


Partnership: The association of two or more persons for the purpose of undertaking and prosecuting any business, particularly trade or manufactures, at their joint expense. (Noah Websters 1828 dictionary)


True partners are united in purpose to accomplish a shared goal, they are also both invested in the endeavor with intent and interest as well as time energy and effort. All of this creates a certain connection and kinship that can be rare however it is commonly found when a band of brothers find themselves on the battlefield entrenched against an advancing enemy, or you will find it in the firehouse where a group of men will rest in between the harrowing events of putting out fires and rescuing people from difficult circumstances all the while their own lives are in each others hands. This connection can also be found on the playing field in a team sport or in the group that is dispatched to a mission field together.


Paul is reveling in this unity of purpose and kinship with the Philippian believers as they have been partners with him in the endeavor to spread the gospel of Christ. What an encouragement it must have been to him to know that the furtherance of the work is continuing with power and strength even in his absence. What peace it must bring him even as he contemplates the inevitable, end of his earthly life.


APPLICATION
I need to appreciate those I am blessed to serve with as we are partners in the work of the gospel. I need to recognize them as such and to do what I can to help them accomplish their calling with joy. Today I will be open to the Holy Spirit leading me to assist any coworker in any way I can, and then to measure the fruit of such.

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