1. Fellowship in the Gospel … Communion with God! Philippians 1:3-6 Theme: Fellowship with others in the Gospel will facilitate a Christian’s communion with God. 17/05/09 (pm) - Series on Philippians - Sermon 5

2. … having set aside other pursuits, he cultivated and experienced the blessed communion with God of which he wrote. In this world he was a pilgrim who drew very near to grasping the full glory of heaven. Words on tombstone of John Owen (1616-1683)

3. The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian Christians. Something in their relationship facilitated his communion with God!

4. A. Partnership in the Gospel (1:5) Writer and recipients had partnership in the Gospel—1:5. 1.partnership literally means fellowship. 2.Gospel - Good News. Associated with the coming, work, message of the Lord Jesus Christ.

5. Paul saw this partnership: - as having been established when the Philippian Christians believed, cf. 1:5b. - existing in the present, cf. 1:5c. These Christians had a glorious essential unity. This is a challenge for us to have the same!

6. Q. What do we see as a major effect of Paul’s partnership in the Gospel with the Philippian Christians? A. It facilitated his communion with God.

7. B. Communion with God (1:3-4) In 1:3-4 we find Paul: thanking God as he remembers the Philippian Christians; praying to God for all the Philippian Christians; praying to God with joy for all the Philippian Christians.

8. Generally we see the imprisoned Apostle having sweet communion with his Father in Heaven. Q. Why? A. Philippians 1:5-6!

9. Many things aid the Christian’s communion with God: discipline in Bible study & prayer; meditating on the Word; not quenching/grieving the Spirit; obeying the Word of God; having Jesus manifest Himself to you, cf. Jn. 14:21.

10. In 1:3-6 we see that having fellowship in the Gospel facilitates a Christian’s communion with God!

11. Conclusion—The Chief Purpose of Man Q. What is the chief purpose for which man is made? A. The chief purpose for which man is made is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. (WCFSC, Q & A 1)

12. We will enjoy God when we commune with Him. As we truly partnership in the Gospel it will facilitate blessed communion with our God. Let us partnership in the Gospel … let us commune with God!