Like everything else Paul touches, his “thank-you card” to the Philippians is saturated with Gospel. He looks beyond their gift to what it says about his unique partnership with this very special church.

The Greek word for “partner” is rooted in the word “koinonia”, which characterises the deep spiritual bond that can only exist in the Church Jesus builds. Thus Paul describes his relationship with the Philippian Church as a partnership in affliction, a partnership in the Gospel, and a partnership in giving and receiving.

A partnership in affliction (Philippians 4:14). The Philippians partner with Paul in his poverty and pain. They too are economically deprived because of persecution (Philippians 1:29-30, 2:17). But they keep on giving in spite of their own need (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

So it’s not the ang pao but their spiritual progress that makes Paul exceedingly glad (Philippians 4:10). What makes you glad?

A partnership in the Gospel (Philippians 4:15a). Paul’s relationship with this church goes back to the beginning of the gospel in Philippi. From then until now, they have continued to support him.

It’s not the money, but their mutual commitment to Christ and the Gospel that knits their hearts together.

Paul doesn’t have a “social life” outside the Gospel. This and every relationship of his is defined and determined by the Gospel: “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

A partnership in giving and receiving (Philippians 4:15b). Paul uses commercial terms to express kingdom values that are totally opposed to the transactional and utilitarian designs of the marketplace.

Few things sour relationships faster than the love of money, the root of all evil. But when money comes into play between Paul and the Philippians, there are no expectations. Only gratitude.

No grabbing, hoarding, or scratching each other’s itch. Only generous giving and grateful receiving for the sake of the Gospel.

Thus Paul looks beyond their gift to its deep spiritual meanings: Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the interest that accrues to your account (Philippians 4:17).

The “interest that accrues” is two-fold. First and foremost, sincere giving conforms our character to the image of God, the Supreme Giver.

And secondly, giving deposits treasure into our heavenly account, where neither moth nor rust consume and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20).

Pray Now

1 The Church Jesus builds is a koinonia partnership in the Gospel.

The pandemic has taken a toll on the quality of our koinonia. It’s convenient to “do church from home” in pyjamas. It’s easy to scan a QR code and make a transaction. But biblical koinonia fellowship goes deeper than that.

Biblical koinonia fellowship requires physical proximity and presence (Peter Marty). The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).

Examine yourself. Are you a living stone in the house of God? Or a rolling stone in cyberspace?

Pray for a return to pre-Covid levels of onsite church participation and partnership in the Gospel, both in quality and quantity.

A deepening of koinonia in all areas of church life. A renewed commitment to assembling together (Hebrews 10:25). A conscientious participation in the disciplines of praying together, worshipping together, giving together, hearing the Word together, and responding together in person – in body, soul, and spirit. And all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:25).

2 The Church Jesus builds is a koinonia partnership in giving and receiving. Pray that we will be so strong, so satisfied, and so secure in our relationship with Christ and with one another that none of us will use inflation as an excuse to scale back on our giving.

Instead, in true koinonia spirit, we will selflessly and sacrificially give all we can for the sake of the Gospel at home and abroad. We will put the interests of others above our own (Philippians 2:4). We will seize every opportunity to do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

Ask big: Our giving to exceed pre-pandemic levels!

3 The Church Jesus builds is a koinonia partnership in affliction. In market-savvy Singapore, we don’t hesitate to partner with the rich and powerful. But who wants to partner with the afflicted and economically-deprived? For example, the elderly poor, the homeless.

Do we even distance ourselves from friends and family when they fall on hard times? Are we sensitive to the financial needs of our pastors and church workers? Have we ever bothered to inquire?

And beyond Singapore, do we think about our missionaries? The persecuted church? Refugees and migrants? Victims of plague and famine, conflict and war? Are such people out of sight and out of mind?

Self-examine. In identification repentance, ask God to forgive us. Intercede for the different categories of people in affliction.

Do something. Motivate and mobilise partners for the sake of the Gospel. Ask God for strategic success. Expect outcomes that will put the Singapore Church in the news for all the right reasons and glorify Christ everywhere: There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold (Acts 4:34).

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