Philippians 1:4-5: Making My Prayer With Joy

Philippians 1:4–5
[4] always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (ESV)

There are a number of occasions where the Apostle Paul writes in the New Testament about how he prays for the believers in Christ Jesus. I love that. The Apostle Paul was not so important that he did not have time to pray for the church. In fact, he knew that prayer was essential for the church's existence. In fact, there are other times where Paul himself asks for prayer.

In verses 4 and 5 of the opening chapter of Philippians Paul is talking about the prayers he prays for the Philippian believers. He makes those prayers with joy. Why is he joyful? because the Philippian believers partnered with him in the Gospel. To Paul, the greatest thing he could do was to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was so committed to this task that it would ultimately be the death of him at the hands of a Roman sword.

The Philippian believers were partners in the Gospel. How were they partners? First of all, they received the Gospel and believed it. Secondly, they were responsible for spreading that Gospel. Thirdly, they were active in supporting Paul financially and materially when he was in prison because of the Gospel.

The great Apostle Paul knew that without the support of the Church the Gospel could not effectively go forth. This partnership was critical. The Philippians recognized that the Gospel was the greatest message in the world and were committed to supporting it. Their role was not an insignificant one. Rather, their partnership allowed them to be a part of God's greatest role in saving mankind.

Are you a partner with the Gospel? Have you received the Gospel message? Are you sharing it? Are you supporting the physical and material needs of those who are proclaiming the Gospel? What a privilege you have to be a partner with the Gospel. Be involved!