PHILIPPIANS 1:5

“in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” 

Any time I get asked to join something, whether a trip somewhere or a group meeting, I have to ask myself two questions. One – Does this have any eternal value? Two – Do I have time for this? Those two questions usually give me good guidance. I want to be about my Father’s business, don’t you?

Paul was appreciative of the Philippians’ “participation in the gospel.” From what Paul wrote here it seems they had been from the beginning. The Greek word translated “participation” is koinonia. This word is also translated as fellowship, communion or sharing. But one thing is clear – it is not just a casual involvement. Koinónia implies a sense of intimacy and genuine love.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 1:9, Paul uses this word again. “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” I have heard it said that true koinonia isn’t about cookies and Kool-Aid. It’s about being connected to something bigger than you. We all need koinonia, whether we want to admit it or not.

In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians we read this in chapter 13 and verse 14. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” Some versions use the word “communion” instead of “fellowship” here. Communion gives more of the intimacy in the relationship. The Holy Spirit dwells within you, if you are a believer. You can’t get much more intimate.

Finally, in 1 John 1:3, 6-7, we see John using koinonia to refer to fellowship with each other and God the Father and Jesus. “3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” So, join the family of God in sweet communion and fellowship and together we can fight this battle and walk in victory.

Lord, I desire fellowship with You and other believers.