Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries
The friendship of the invisible hero. Pastor John Farley.
Friday, March 23, 2007
The first item is how important the gift of pastor-teacher is to any believer who is striving to become an invisible hero.
True love is a miracle.
PHI 1:7 “Since it is right for me to be holding this opinion in behalf of all of you, because you have a very special place in my heart [right-lobe], both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, all of you keep on being my partners in grace.”
1. The Philippians were the only church that Paul said were his partners!
2. When Paul says that they were his partners, he is referring to the fact that the Philippians shared in his sufferings as well as in his labors and they had been partakers of the same victory over undeserved suffering as he had.
PHI 2:17 I congratulate all of you on the attainment of supergrace.
3. The Philippians love and support to him in his dark moments was proof of the fact that they were partners with Paul in the joint effort of preaching the Gospel and teaching the word of God.
4. Even though Paul was separated from them and could not see how they were progressing spiritually, all through his trouble he had the assurance that they were with him and were supporting him.
In fact, prosperity makes friends but adversity tries them!
PRO 17:17 “A true friend loves at all times and as a brother is born for adversity.”
ECC 4:9-10 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
JOB 6:14 “For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend;
GAL 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the doctrine of Christ.
“A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity.”
“A faithful friend is a strong defense: And he that hath found such a one has found a treasure.”
True companionship is very profitable for one another, and that is why it is rewarded by the grace of God.
5. Notice also that Paul says that they were his partners in grace not in prison.
6. Paul was referring to the fact that they had participated with him in the defense of the gospel and all the troubles and persecutions that accompanied Paul, and therefore they would also partake of the blessings which would accompany Paul’s ministry.
1PE 5:4 “And when the Chief Shepherd [Christ] appears [rapture], you [faithful pastors] will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
7. Therefore, Paul looks at his imprisonment as a benefit from God and an honor which God bestows upon us when we suffer persecution for the sake of the truth.
MAT 5:11 “Blessed are you when {men} cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.”
8. The greatest partnership in life is that which is found in our relationship with TLJC and our cooperation with one another in the work.