Philippians 1
Living Philippians 1: Partners, Perseverance, and a Life Worthy of the Gospel
As we sat with Philippians 1 this week, we found ourselves deeply encouraged and challenged. Paul’s words in this chapter are rich with partnership, perseverance, and purpose. He’s writing from prison, and yet his heart is full of gratitude, joy, and clarity about what matters most: the advancement of the gospel.
We want to walk through some of the moments that stood out to us and how we’re seeing them play out in our lives and our community. Maybe they'll encourage you too.
We Can’t Do This Alone: Gospel Partnership
Verse 5 struck us right away: “because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Paul doesn't do ministry alone—he never did. Over and over again, in his letters, he names names. He acknowledges people who labored alongside him, supported him, traveled with him, suffered with him.
We feel that deeply. Ministry, family, leadership—whatever God’s called us to—it’s not a solo project. It’s a team effort. We started reflecting on our own partners in the gospel, people who are walking with us, carrying the weight, and sharing in the mission:
Erasmo, on fire for the Lord, showing up faithfully and witnessing to coworkers even when it’s hard.
Doug and Christie Palmer, who served at Trunk or Treat dressed like Mary and Joseph—joyfully, authentically connecting with people and inviting them into deeper community.
Nyajaha, who not only leads worship but is learning to “see the court,” noticing people, welcoming them, and creating space for others to grow.
This is what gospel partnership looks like—each of us bringing our gifts, our stories, and our presence. It reminds us: the church is big, the mission is wide, and we need each other.
God Finishes What He Starts
Right after celebrating that partnership, Paul says this in 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 hit home. It’s easy to start strong and then falter—whether in faith, ministry, or even just in the daily grind of life. But Paul’s confidence isn’t in us—it’s in God’s ability to finish what He starts.
We were reminded of the long arc of Scripture—people like Abraham, Moses, and the prophets who walked faithfully but didn’t get to see the full picture of God’s promises in their lifetime. Still, they trusted. Still, they obeyed.
This verse gives us hope on days when things don’t make sense, when progress feels slow, when fruit is hard to see. God is still at work. He’s the Author and the Finisher.
Prayers That Move Heaven
Another powerful section came in verses 9–11, where Paul prays:
“that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight… that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness.”
We were challenged to raise the bar in our own prayer lives. So often, we fall into repetitive, surface-level prayers—especially in busy seasons. But Paul’s prayer is bold, kingdom-focused, and full of faith.
What if we started praying these kinds of prayers over our friends, our church, our families?
“God, let Jose’s love abound more and more.”
“Give Sarah discernment and depth of insight.”
“Fill Mark with the fruit of righteousness that only comes through Jesus.”
Let’s not underestimate the power of praying Scripture over people’s lives. These are the kinds of prayers that form hearts and shape communities.
Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel
Toward the end of the chapter, Paul writes this: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v. 27).
That phrase—conduct yourselves—carries the idea of citizenship. Paul is reminding us that we’re citizens of heaven first. Our lives—how we speak, how we respond to conflict, how we post online, how we treat our families—should reflect that identity.
It’s a sobering and beautiful call. We thought of a story where a pastor and his wife, during a simple dinner prayer, modeled repentance so honestly that it deeply impacted their guest—a woman who had previously been hurt by the church. It wasn’t a sermon that moved her; it was witnessing someone live the gospel in humility and truth.
That’s what we want. Whether seen or unseen, in big ways or quiet moments, we want to live lives that point to Jesus.
What If This Hardship Is for the Gospel?
Finally, Paul’s mindset about suffering challenged us deeply. From prison, he writes in verse 12 that “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” And later in verse 20, he says he hopes Christ will be exalted whether by life or by death.
That kind of perspective doesn’t come naturally. But it’s the kind of reframing we all need.
What if the conflict in your home is an opportunity to show forgiveness?
What if that hard coworker is a doorway for grace?
What if that family gathering becomes a moment for gospel light?
Paul’s challenge is clear: whether in chains or in freedom, in hardship or ease—what matters is that Christ is preached and made known.
So what about us?
Let’s ask ourselves:
Who are we partnering with in the gospel?
Are we trusting God to finish the good work He’s started in us?
Are our prayers kingdom-sized and Spirit-led?
Is our life reflecting the citizenship of heaven?
Are we willing to see our struggles as potential ground for gospel growth?
We’re in this together. And we’re confident that He who began this good work in all of us—will see it through. Let’s keep going.
