Partnering with Christ Sampl

Who are you?

In biblical times, a person’s name was meant to describe that individual’s family, personality, or purpose. Their name was related to their position in life and the kind of relationship they had. Similarly, we can learn who we are in Christ through the letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi.

Who did Paul say we are?

Paul gives thanks to God for the fellowship with the Philippians, a fellowship that soon became a partnership important to Paul. It developed through being together, establishing the church, sharing experiences, and ministering together. All of this generated a deep affection between them. We can experience this with other believers. We are partners.

The Philippians were not only partners of Paul in the gospel, but also partakers of the grace of God. We, too, are partakers of God’s grace. We have the same mind and purpose, and we work and serve in God’s kingdom connecting with others. We share trials and difficult moments, just as we share victories; they all bond us together. We are partakers.

Paul prayed that the Philippians, through sacrificial love, the knowledge of God, and the discernment that comes from the Holy Spirit, would understand what gives glory to God. Love, knowledge, and discernment give us a realistic view of the world around us which allows us to see God’s work in everything and to approve daily what is important – the work of God in our lives. We are approvers.

He who started His good work in us will continue until it is finished. We are partners, partakers, and approvers. We are proof that God’s work is in progress, both as a church and as believers.

Lord, thank You for aiding us in our pursuit of the things that are excellent. Let us taste them by living a sincere, righteous life without offense. Unite Your church around excellence. Make us aware, daily, that together we are partners in the gospel, partakers of Your grace, and approvers of Your glory.