Partnership in the gospel

Philippians 1:1-11 ESV

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Rev. Dwight Yoo

What does it take to be a genuine and helpful partners in spreading the gospel?

Shared goals

There is a fondness between the missionary and their church. It wasn't just a personality. It wasn't just their caring for his financial needs. They were genuine partners in sharing the gospel with the world. Partnership is also translated as fellowship. Fellowship is not just a bunch of Christians hanging out together. It really means a commitment to one another with financial implications. It speaks of almost a business venture. If the mission goes awry, it is felt by both partners. Not only do they share in good things but also the bad. The church sent a person to Paul while he was in prison. The physical presence meant that the church was there for them. That we shared the same heart of sharing the gospel. We share in the drive to share the gospel and putting our lives in danger and or dreams sacrificed for the mission. It is a difference in missions context, nothing else. We are not just sending checks. We are on fire for the mission of the great commission. Just as the missionaries, only we stay here and they are over there.

Sharing of gifts

Paul writes a letter to the church to help shepherd the church and teach. The church was poor and yet they sent money and they sent someone to help Paul survive prison. They invest and build each other up.

Common american missions mistakes
(How to help without hurting)

Gospel-centered view of self and others
(We are all broken sinners in need of grace. We can only share our gifts with one another.)

Awareness of cultural idolatry
(Americans are very results and time driven.)

Focused on strengthening the long termers, ideally the local church.
(Short term missions must support the long term local church. Work with the long term missionaries, rather than for the short term teams good.)

Shared power

The work of the church is not the most important. Not even the work of the long term missionaries. But mutual dependence on the power of God to complete the good work.