July 22 2026

Wednesday July 22

"The Church That Entered into Partnership"

Philippians 4:15

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we continue our study in Philippians chapter 4 as we look at verse 15. Paul writes: "Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only." Yesterday we saw that Paul thanked the Philippians for caring enough to share in his affliction. Today he takes us one step further and reminds them that their generosity was not something new. It had become a pattern of their lives from the very beginning of their Christian experience.

Notice Paul's words: "In the beginning of the gospel." He is referring to the days when the gospel first came to Philippi. Acts chapter 16 tells that wonderful story. Paul arrived in Philippi with Silas after receiving the Macedonian vision. There beside the river, Lydia trusted Christ. Soon afterward, the demon-possessed servant girl was delivered. Then Paul and Silas were beaten, thrown into prison, sang praises at midnight, and the jailer and his family came to know Christ. Out of those dramatic events, a church was born.

That little congregation had not been saved very long before they began thinking about someone besides themselves. Isn't that remarkable? They were not a wealthy church. In fact, Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians chapter 8 that the churches of Macedonia—including Philippi—gave out of their deep poverty. Yet their poverty did not stop their generosity because grace had changed their hearts. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, Paul wrote: “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing…”

Paul says, "No church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only." Yesterday we talked about this word, "communicate". Remember It comes from the same family of words as koinonia, meaning fellowship or partnership. Paul is not merely saying they sent him some money. He is saying they entered into a partnership with him in the work of the Gospel. They understood something many Christians never fully grasp. When we give to God's work, we become partners in that ministry. The missionary may preach the sermon. The pastor may teach the Bible. The evangelist may lead someone to Christ. But the people who pray, encourage, and give become fellow laborers in everything God accomplishes through that ministry. Years ago, someone wisely said, "Some go, some send, but all can share in the reward." That is exactly what Paul is teaching.

Notice another interesting expression: "giving and receiving." Paul borrows language from the world of business and accounting. It is as though he opens a heavenly ledger book. On one side is giving. On the other side is receiving. Most people think giving means something leaves their account. God says giving means something is being entered into another account. In just a few verses, Paul will write in verse 17: "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." Every gift given for the glory of God is an eternal investment. Heaven keeps perfect records. God never forgets even the smallest act of generosity done in His name. Jesus said in Matthew 10:42 that even a cup of cold water given in His name will not lose its reward. What an encouragement!

Sometimes people wonder whether their gift matters. "It wasn't very much." "I wish I could give more." "My offering seems so small." Friend, God is not measuring the amount nearly as much as He is measuring the heart. God sees what no one else sees. The Philippians were not a famous church. They were not a wealthy church. Yet Paul says they stood alone. "No church... but you only." What a testimony! They had become known as a church that invested in the Gospel. I wonder what our churches are known for today. Beautiful buildings? Excellent music? Wonderful programs? Or are we known as people who gladly invest our lives and our resources so others can hear about Jesus?

Every time we support missionaries... Every time we help plant a church... Every time we give so the Gospel can be preached... We are entering into fellowship in the greatest work on earth. May God help us to be like the Philippians—a church that understood the grace of giving and the joy of partnering in the Gospel. Let's ask ourselves today: Am I merely attending church? Or am I actively investing in the work of Christ? There is an eternal difference.

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the believers in Philippi. Thank You that they understood the privilege of partnering in the Gospel through their generous giving. Teach us that everything we have belongs to You. Give us hearts that are willing to invest our time, our resources, our prayers, and our lives in what will last forever. Help us to be faithful partners in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ until He comes again. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

God bless, and you have a wonderful, wonderful day.