Philippians Devotional 1

Philippians 1
Verses 3-11:

This section's main focus is fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. As Christ followers, we should yearn to fellowship with one another just as Paul did. "For God is my witness, how I yearn for you with all the affection of Christ Jesus." (v.8) So how do we get to that point where we yearn desperately for our fellow believers? Paul gives us a clear answer in verses 3 and 4. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy." Prayer strengthens bonds.

Think of it this way, if you found that one person you absolutely can't stand, and you commit to wholeheartedly pray for them, you would find it impossible to continue despising them. Now, if that is true for people we can't stand, imagine how much enabling power we have access to if we were to pray for those we love?

It is important for us to understand that we have a "partnership in the gospel..." (v.5) Every believer, young or old, is charged with the same mission objective.

Do you remember what it is?

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Talk about a mission! If that's our calling as believers, how can we possibly even think of accomplishing that without fellowship? We can't fathom the completion of our objective without pledging our support - and more importantly - our prayers! The benefit of our partnership is that when all are taking it seriously, we are guarded by the prayers of others, and encouraged by our fellowship with them!

So what can we do to achieve fellowship and a yearning for our partners in Christ?

-We can lift each other up in prayer at all times.
-We can also be encouraged by the fact that we do not labor alone!

I encourage you, as your sister and partner in Christ to begin praying today for your friends and loved ones in the Faith. Encourage them to do so as well. We can't be an awesome Christ-following team if we never congregate together and pray for one another!