Partners in the Gospel: Philippians 1:3–11

Dancing in the Light Series

By Greg Russell

What does it actually look like to find joy in the Lord? We’ll take a look at Philippians 1:3–11 to find the answer. I’ve titled this blog “Partners in the Gospel,” and I have to admit—it feels very personal to me in this season.

The Art of Friendship (Verses 3–5)

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Paul’s language here is deeply affectionate. He isn’t just writing a formal document; this is a letter of friendship. In Paul’s day, friendship was a big deal. It was based on “reciprocity”—the idea of I do for you, and you do for me. But Paul takes it further. He uses the word Koinonia, which we translate as “partnership” or “fellowship.” It’s not just “hanging out.” It’s a shared purpose. Think of the Fellowship of the Ring—different beings participating together for a cause. That cause is the Gospel, and it’s the glue that holds us together at Renovate Church.

Confidence in the “Work” (Verse 6)

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

This verse is the anchor for when life feels like “limbo.” Many of us are in a season like that now. Whether we’re navigating the uncertainty of our church building or major life shifts like retirement and kids moving away, we can be unsettled. But like Paul, we don’t have to think about our own desires or expectations; we can focus on the Gospel. I’m confident that God will finish what He started in us, among us, and through us.

The Affection of Christ (Verses 7–8)

“It is right for me to feel this way about all of you since I have you in my heart… God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

I relate to this so deeply. I am no Paul, and thankfully I’m not in chains, but this describes how I feel about our growing church family. We have a history. We’ve seen literal miracles together over the last ten years since we planted Renovate. Whether you’ve been here since we met in houses or you’re just getting started, we share in God’s grace together.

The Prayer for Alignment (Verses 9–11)

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless…”

This is my specific prayer for everyone i do life with; I don’t want your “triangle” to fall apart.

The Top: Jesus and His message. He is the one holding it all together.
Line A: My personal relationship with Jesus (the “Up”).
Line B: My partnership with you.
Line C: Your personal relationship with Jesus.

It’s hard for me when I see people struggling in their faith or not experiencing the fullness of what God has for them. I want us to be a community that doesn’t just “stagnantly receive” the Word but grows in an “ever-increasing measure.”

You’ve also heard me use the word alignment. While the word “alignment” isn’t in your concordance, the concept is right here in verse 11: The fruit of righteousness.

Righteousness means being as we ought to be before God—aligned with His will. When we are aligned, we experience the Kingdom: Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Keeping the Triangle Strong

We were made for connection. Without it, our souls erode. We become bitter, inward, and intolerant. This is why we make GRUNCH (Groups + Lunch) a priority. We don’t aim for wide; we aim for deep.

Let’s keep our partnership in the Gospel strong. Let’s stay soft toward the Spirit and continue to grow in the knowledge and depth of insight so we can discern what is best.

God’s got us.