Everyone needs a body of believers behind them, helping them grow and live for Jesus. Those who travel to other cultures need a home church to pray and give and support them. We have been blessed to have Rockpoint Church in Doylestown (formerly Main Street Baptist Church) fill that role in our lives. Without their love, help, prayer and support we wouldn’t have been able to serve God as we have the last 38 years. I hope you have a church body that you are part of which provides for your spiritual needs as well.
Paul also needed, and had, such a home church. He started many churches and stayed in touch with them. Some did OK on their own, others seemed to be a continual source of problems for him. But one stands out because it gave back to Paul in many various ways. It was the church at Philippi.
Paul thought of them often (Philippians 1:3). He prayed regularly for them (1:4) and they prayed for him (1:19). He considered them partners in ministry (1:5-6). He did not consider himself better or more important than they were. He knew he couldn’t properly minister without their help. He needed them and they needed him – that’s the way a partnership works! We thank God for all of you who partner with us as well.
The church at Philippi provided financial support for Paul (4:1, 14-19). They sacrificially gathered and sent money to help Paul be able to continue to minister. Paul not only appreciated the finances, but even more the love and concern that prompted it. We thank God for you who help support this ministry financially, but the love and concern shown by your giving means even more to us. Philippi also provided close fellowship, encouragement and friendship for Paul (4:1). We need that as well and you provide that much more than you think – everyone of you who reads or cares or prays or gives.
God’s great promise, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (4:19), is given to them because of their sacrificial giving. They didn’t keep enough money for themselves in order to make sure Paul had what he needed. Therefore God promised them that, because they are putting Paul’s needs first, He Himself will meet their needs! We can apply this principle to whatever need we have, but it is given specifically concerning financial giving to support God’s people and work.
The church at Philippi is a great example for all of us today. I thank God for the home church He provided for us. We’ve seen many good, loving, faithful churches in India. It is great to see God’s people on the other side of the world helping and supporting each other as well. Do you have a church that supports you in prayer, teaching and whatever you need? Are you doing your part to support and help others through your church or individually? (January 28, 2019 Hyderabad, India)
1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
4:14-19 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. … I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Why not take some time today to read the book of Philippians? Think of them as Pau’s home church, who made much of his ministry possible. Think of what you can learn from them to help you make your church more like the church in Philippi. Thank God for your church and pray for it daily.
Jerry Schmoyer
Christian Training Organization