Fellowship in the Gospel, Part 2 (Philippians 1:3-8) - 12/1/19

Download the Sermon Notes for December 1, 2019.

I. FELLOWSHIP IS INTERCESSION - Prayer for Fellow Believers (vv. 3-4)

The reasons for Paul's joy in praying for his fellow believers:

1. Their Common Salvation

2. Their Care for his State

3. Their Commission to Share the Word

II. FELLOWSHIP IS INVOLVEMENT - Participation in the Church (v. 5)

Paul's admonition to participate in the fellowship included:

1. Caring for others (vv. 3-4)

2. Giving to the work of the fellowship & to meet the needs of the poor

3. Prayer for others (v. 4)

4. Sharing Christ with others (v. 5)

5. Teaching others, or learning with others (v. 6)

6. Using your spiritual gift

III. FELLOWSHIP IS INSTRUCTION - Progression in Spiritual Maturity (v. 6)

Regarding salvation:

1. God Commenced it...he who has begun

2. God Continues it...will complete it

3. God Consummates it...until the day of Jesus Christ

IV. FELLOWSHIP IS INSPIRATION - Partnership of Affection (vv. 7-8)

What does it mean to have others in your heart?

• Jeremiah 17:9-10

• Proverbs 4:23; 3:5-6

• 2 Corinthians 7:1-4

• Romans 5:5

Ten things that rob us of joy & diminish affection toward other believers (John MacArthur):

1. False salvation

2. Influence of Satan & demons (1 Pet. 5:8)

3. Inadequate understanding of God's sovereignty (Rom. 8:28)

4. Prayerlessness (James 5:14-16; Phil. 4:6)

5. Emotional lows following spiritual highs (1 Kings 18, 19)

6. Horizontal rather than vertical focus (Phil. 4:11-13); could also be lack of faith

7. Ingratitude (Phil. 4:6-7; Rom. 1:18-21)

8. Forgetfulness, or leaving your first love (Ps. 103:2; Rev. 2:4-5)

9. Uncontrolled feelings, living in the flesh & not the Spirit; we might say "unconfessed sin." (2 Cor. 7:1, 9-11; Eph. 5:1-21)

10. Unwillingness to receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9)