Nov 14-15, 2020
From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Simon LeeDear brothers and sisters in RCAC,

Alex Trebek, host of ‘Jeopardy!,’ since 1984, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2020 from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by friends and family. He was 80 years old. Some of you may know that the Canadian-born host revealed publicly he was suffering from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer on March 6, 2019. This is what he said, “Now, just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” he said. “Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working.  And with the love and support of my family and friends and with the help of your prayers, also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.”

These were not actually his final words, but certainly can be regarded as the beginning of his final words to millions of his fans. As one, who since the mid-70 have followed his career off and on till now with fascination, beginning with Reach For the Top, his departure signals for me the end of a generation of enduring promoters of wholesome, entertaining and educational TV, at least for my generation.

At least two things strike me, first, that there are so many people who are suffering from pancreatic cancer, and two, how he vowed to fight on, “with the love and support of my family and friends and with the help of your (the fans’) prayers.”  The fact that so many are battling this disease of course reminds me that I have recently lost two very good friends and colleagues, one who was a friend and missionary from Calgary, and another who was my classmate at Regent and a fellow worker in theological education.  Also the other fact is that like Alex, they left fighting, with the staunch support and prayers of their family and friends around them.  May we remember to support those who are right now also fighting the same or other terminal illnesses.

For Paul, his frequent use of “finally” carries with them always a sense of finality and grave importance, even though they may not be the ultimate “final” words. But the theme is the same as it is always in his heart. Paul says, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord.”(3:1) From the letter to the Philippians, we know that Paul was in prison in Rome and was aware that he could depart any time from this world. Yet in such a critical time, Paul was always joyful, and kept urging the Christians in Philippi to “rejoice,” and he repeated that about 11 times in this letter! In fact, he stated that the one thing that could make his joy incomplete would be if the Christians were not united in Christ. (2:1, 2) He then used Christ’s humble servanthood as our model par excellence – “(Christ) though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant.” (2:6) There is joy in serving Jesus with humility like Him and be in unity with one another.

Paul then seems to have departed from the theme of joy to urge the Christians to “work out” (live out, katergauzesthe) your own salvation with fear and trembling.  Surely he is not preaching “salvation by work”!  Paul however is quick to clarify and point out “for it is God who works (bringing forth, energon) in you, both to will and to work (effort, energein) his good pleasure. It is God who brings about both our intention and ability to do that which pleases Him. When they do that and shine, then Paul says he can then say he has not run in vain, and he can rejoice with them again and again (2:16-18). This is also my prayer.

When Paul urged the Christians in Philippi to “rejoice,” his heart was actually heavy with burden, for he knew the Philippians were troubled by heretics (Judaizers) that taught they had to follow certain formalities and ways of doing things  (following strictly the Old Testament laws such as circumcision) in order to be saved. Also, as we have seen earlier, there were also people who served with impure motives, not out of love but out of selfish ambitions, seeking to bring pain and not joy. Paul explains in unmistakable terms that the antidote for him to such conflicts was his total dedication to live and serve “because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ my Lord,” so he can count all other things as “rubbish.” Apart from knowing Christ, Paul also talks about “knowing the power of his resurrection” which gives him not only a sense of purpose, but also the source of strength to stay joyful in adversities.

Now eight months since we officially are in the pandemic, we are seeing in BC another surge in the number of positive cases of people getting the Coronavirus, numbering around 600 every day. These are hard times for a lot of businesses and people who have lost their jobs, and also for people who are further shut-in because of the lockdown and restrictions in social gatherings. I know it has been hard for all who are in RCAC. But can we find joy in our Christian community because we follow the model of Christ as lived out by Paul, in loving and serving one another in unity.  May Paul’s “final words” remind all of us to “Rejoice in the Lord.”

Your Servant in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Simon Lee

Nov 14-15, 2020
李耀全牧師

親愛的列宣弟兄姐姊妹：

自1984年起一直主持“ Jeopardy！” 電視遊戲比賽節目的亞歷克斯•特雷貝克（Alex Trebek）在2020年11月8日在家人朋友的陪同下因胰腺癌離世，享年80歲。你們中間可能有些人知道這位加拿大出生的主持人在2019年3月6日曾公開透露自己患有第四期胰臟癌。他說：「現在，像在美國每年的50,000人一樣，本週我被診斷出患有第四期胰臟癌。一般情況下，這類形的病情預期並不樂觀，但我預備去與癌搏鬥，和將繼續努力工作。並且，在我家人和朋友的愛與支持下以及您們的祈禱幫助下，我計劃要擊敗這種疾病的低存活率統計數據。」

實際上這些並不是他最後的話，但可以肯定地將其視為對數以萬計粉絲的最後的話之開始。從70年代中至今，由《 Reach For the Top》遊戲開始，我就一直帶著好奇的心跟追隨著他的節目之發展，故此他的離開對我來說標誌著一代富娛樂和教育性電視節目的代言人之謝幕。

至少有兩件事令我感慨，首先，有那麼多患胰臟癌的病人，其二，他誓言要與癌搏鬥，即透過「我家人和朋友的愛與支持下以及您們（粉絲）的禱告的幫助下。」。許多人都正在與這種疾病搏鬥令我想起，我最近失去了兩位摯友和同事，一位是在卡加里的朋友和宣教士，另一位是我在維真學院的同學和神學教育的同工。另外一個事實是，像亞歷克斯和其他人，他們與疾病搏鬥，最終在家人和朋友的支持和禱告下離開。讓我們記念及支持現正與同樣疾病或其他絕症搏鬥的人。

對保羅而言，他經常使用「最後」一詞而總是帶有一種終結和嚴厲的意義，即使可能不是終結的「最後」一詞。但其主題始終與他內心深處相同。保羅說：「最後，我的弟兄們，你們要靠著主喜樂。」（腓3:1），我們知道保羅當時是在羅馬的監獄中，他知道自己可能會隨時離開這個世界。然而，在這樣的關鍵時刻，保羅總是充滿喜樂，並一直敦促腓立比教會的信徒要「喜樂」，他在這一封信中重複了大約11次！他曾說過，有一件事可能會使他的喜樂不完全，就是如果信徒他們在主內不合一。（腓2:1,2）然後，他以基督謙卑的奴僕的形象作為我們學習的典範–「（基督）他本來有神的形象，卻不堅持自己與神平等的地位，反而倒空自己，取了奴僕的形象，成為人的樣式。」（腓2:6, 7）。學傚耶穌一樣謙卑地服侍及彼此合一，這是喜樂。

保羅然後好像由喜樂的主題轉移敦促基督徒要恐懼戰兢地「作成」（做成[活出]，workout, katergauzesthe）自己的救恩。相信他肯定不是在說「靠行為得救」吧！故此保羅馬上澄清並指出：「神為了成全（成就，work, energein）自己的美意，在你們裡面使你們可以立志和行事（運行，work, energon）。」是上帝賦予我們志向及能力作討神喜悅的事。當他們這樣做並在這世代發光時，保羅說他可以說他沒有空跑也沒有徒勞，並且可以與他們一同喜樂。（2:16-18）。這也正是我的祈禱。

當保羅敦促腓立比教會的信徒要「喜樂」時，他內心實在是背負著沉重的負擔，因為他知道腓立比教會受到異端的困擾（猶太教徒），因猶太教徒教導他們必須嚴謹(按他們的見解)遵循某些規範和做事方式（如守舊約律法行割禮）才能得救。再者，正如我們之前所看到的，有些人的事奉動機不正，不是出於愛，乃是出於自私的野心，試圖帶來痛苦而不是喜樂。保羅清清楚楚地解釋說，對他而言，他克服這些張力乃靠全心全意服事主和為主而活，「因為我以認識我主基督耶穌為至寶」，因此他把萬事都拋棄了，看作「廢物」。除了認識基督，保羅還談論「認識祂復活的大能」，這不僅給了他目標，還給了他在逆境中常存喜樂的力量之來源。

自從我們正式進入大流行到現在已經八個月了，看到卑斯省感染冠狀病毒的確診病例激增，每天大約有600宗。 對於許多商業和失去工作的人，及由於限聚令和社交聚會的限制而進一步陷入困境的人們來說，這都是非常艱難的時期。對於列宣家我們的所有人來說，這都非常的時期。但是，若因為我們學俲保羅活出基督的樣式，彼此相愛和服事，我們就能在基督徒的群體裡找到喜樂。願保羅的「最後的話」提醒我們所有人要「靠主喜樂」。

主僕

李耀全牧師

Oct 31 – Nov 01, 2020
From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Simon LeeDear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

There is very little reason to be happy in this period of pandemic. In BC every day we are told that more than two hundred people are tested positive for COVID-19, much worse that the first three months of the pandemic when things seemed to be very much more under control. Everyone is hoping that the pandemic will be over soon so that all of us can live happily. But we will have to wait patiently.

I wonder what would make you happy in life. For me, having a good meal with family and friends, playing different sports, doing things I like and travelling all would make me happy. But if I ask, what would make you or me joyful? Perhaps your first question would be what’s the difference? Well, happiness is based on something that “happens” that brings delight and pleasure, but joy is something that, even though one may or may not feel “happy,” is something that is meaningful and satisfying or rewarding. Yes, joy is more than happiness. If so, what makes me joyful would be spending quality time with my family of 16, and ultimately my joy would be intimately tied to fulfilling the meaning and goals of my life, which is to serve God and make Christ known. What about you?

In 2002, psychologist Dr. Martin Seligman wrote in his book Authentic Happiness that true happiness is derived from three major sets of experiences in life: the pleasant life (happy life), the engaged life (immersed in things you enjoy) and the meaningful life (purposeful and rewarding life). Since that book, scholars have added a fourth set, the balanced life. I echo and have taught all these understandings in positive psychology. But to go further, I would add, like Rick Warren, what makes a person truly happy and joyful, is the “Purpose Driven Life” (2002, 2012), as seen in the “Purpose Driven Church.” (1995)

As we are delving into the book of Philippians, we are learning more how Paul finds joy in his life. It is illustrated in the partnership in the gospel (1:5) he has with the Christians in Philippi.  The joy he had transcends 1. His physical predicament (being in prison), 2. His psychological pressure (dealing with church conflicts) and 3. His spiritual dilemma (choosing between life and death).  He saw that there was more good than bad from his imprisonment as a result of his service for Christ. This could be seen in terms of opportunity to witness to the guards, and also in terms of the strengthening of the faith of the Christians in Philippi. He could look beyond the ugly politics of the church as long as the gospel of Christ was being preached. He thanked the Church for praying for his “deliverance” (from prison) but was torn choosing between life and death (1:23), as he said, “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.” (1:21) What is the secret of Paul’s steadfast joy and superb spirituality? I wish I could be more like him.

Here it is instructive to note and realize that the word in v. 19 for “deliverance” (Gk. soteria) is interesting because it could mean “deliverance” (as in, release from prison) or as in v. 28 means “salvation” (as opposed to destruction of their opponents). By using the same word first in a temporal sense and then in an eternal sense, perhaps Paul was teaching that God is ultimately in control in all circumstances as well as issues of life and death. Therefore he was at peace, whatever the outcome of his imprisonment.

It is natural for all of us when we pray that we pray for what is most important and immediate to us, as for example in praying for our dear ones who are sick that he or she be healed by God. But whether God in his sovereignty “answers” our prayer and “deliver” us, we all who are in Christ are ultimately “saved” to be with Him forever. This is demonstrated admirably by my dear colleague and friend, Rev. Matthew Wong, seven months ago before going into his surgery. He declared that whatever happens, may God be glorified. Let us continue to pray for him that God will answer his prayer and God’s perfect will be done.

Paul then urges the Christians to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel” (1:27). Here “conduct yourselves” means literally “live your life as citizens” (Gk. potiteusthe) and here Paul has in mind specifically “citizens of heaven” (3:20).  So just as they in Philippi as Roman citizens should live in manner worthy of that, in the same way, as citizens of heaven they and we too should live according to the ways befitting our citizenship in heaven. In other words, as Christians we should live life consistent to the fact we are saved by grace as a result of the salvation accomplished for us by the death and resurrection of Christ. We are all “gospel-bearers” (bearer of good news) and we should be worthy of that honour!

Therefore Paul urged the Christians to live in unity. If they do so, Paul tells the Christians that would “complete my joy.” (2:2) Paul’s ultimate joy was to be found in seeing the Christians in the Church united and serving the Lord with joy. He had urged them to be “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel.” (1:27)  The need for unity weighed heavily on the mind of Paul (2:1-4). Why did he keep talking about things like how some were “motivated by selfish ambition or vanity,” and how they “should be concerned not only about your own interest…” (2: 3, 4)?  Maybe his appeal to Euodia and Syntyche “to agree in the Lord,” and to urge the Christians to accept them because they also laboured side by side (struggled together) in the gospel ministry, along with others, would shed some light on Paul’s concerns. (4:2-3) For whatever reason that there was tension in the Church, Paul wanted to see them work side by side, shoulder to shoulder. This need to ensure unity in the Church at RCAC is precisely why I personally have learned to let go and learn to echo Paul’s words: “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” (1:18). That is why Paul asked the Christians in Philippi to emulate Christ in his humility: “You should have the same attitude (mind) toward one another that Christ Jesus had.” (2:5, NET)  Christ’s example of humility par excellence is found in the hymnic and poetic passage in 2:6-11.

Many of us know the hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” and the lyric is as follows:

Blest be the tie that binds,
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne,
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.

This hymn was written by Rev. John Fawcett in 1782. He was a pastor at a small and rather poor church in Wainsgate, England and had served faithfully there for many years. To make a long story short, he and his wife had an opportunity to go to pastor a much bigger church in the city where he could serve more people and better provide for the needs of his family. As they were prepared to leave the folks at the Church, the whole Church came out to send them off with teary eyes. The Fawcetts decided to stay when they saw that. This hymn was inspired and written after that. This hymn has inspired me to be faithful to God’s calling. May RCAC also model after Christ.

This prayer of Paul is also my prayer for RCAC:

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose.” (2:1-2) Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Simon Lee

Oct 31 – Nov 01, 2020
李耀全牧師

列宣家親愛的弟兄姊妹：

在這疫情大流行之際，實在難以找到值得令人快樂的理由。我們在卑詩省，每天得悉有超過200人被檢測出COVID-19呈陽性，數目竟然會比疫情大流行的首三個月還大得多，相對當時的情況似乎更能受到控制。所有人在心底裡也希望疫情可盡快結束，以讓我們都能安心地生活，但是我們仍不得不耐心地等待。

想請問有什麼能令您開心地生活？於我而言，與家人和朋友共進晚餐，參加不同的運動，做自己喜歡的事或出外旅行都會令我感到開心。但若我再問，什麼能讓您或我感到喜樂？也許您首先會問，兩者有何區別？好吧，讓我們來分析一下。快樂是基於某種“情節/情況”所引起的開心和愉悅，而喜樂卻是帶著意義的，不論它可能使人感到“快樂” 與否，但卻是有意義的，使人滿足或使人獲益的。是的，喜樂不僅僅是快樂。若是這樣，令我喜樂的是能與16名家庭成員在一起共享天倫之樂，我的喜樂最終能與實現我生命的意義和目標密切相關。我的喜樂就是事奉神並讓基督的名被傳開。那你又如何呢？

心理學家沙力文(Martin Seligman)博士於2002年出版的《真實的快樂》一書中寫道，真正的快樂來自生活的三種主要經歷：愉悅的生活（快樂的生活），投入的生活（沉浸/致力於您喜歡的事物中）和有意義的生活（有目標和有意義的生活）。自本書出版後，學者們再提出第四方面 — 平衡生活。我贊同這看法，亦曾於正向心理學課堂中教授了以上的理解。但是，我想更進一步，連同華里克(Rick Warren)於(2002, 2012) 出版的“標竿人生”一書所說的，指出真正使人快樂和喜樂的，是“有目標導向的人生”，如“標竿教會”一書中所見。(1995)

我們在研讀腓立比書時，領會到更多有關保羅如何在他的生活中能夠喜樂，是因著他與腓立比信徒的福音伙伴關係，在腓1:5中說明了這一點。他所擁有的喜樂超越了：1. 他肉身/現況的困境（入獄）；2. 他心理的壓力（處理教會的衝突）以及3. 他的靈性兩難局面（在生與死之間作取捨）。他看到的是，他因事奉基督而被囚所帶來的是利多於弊 –這 從讓他可以有機會向衛兵作見證的角度可看見，也從可以加強腓立比信徒的信心方面可見。只要能讓基督的福音被傳開，他就可以從超越角度去看教會的醜陋問題。他感謝教會為他的得“拯救”（從監獄中獲釋）而祈禱，但在處於生與死作選擇的兩難之間（1:23），就如他說的那樣：“因為我活著就是基督，我死了就有益處。” （1:21）保羅那堅定不移的喜樂和他那高超而有深度的靈性的秘訣是什麼？我希望自己能更像他。

我特別意識到，並要在此指出第19節中的“拯救” 一詞（希臘文soteria）很有趣，因為此詞的含意可指現時的“拯救”（即在監獄中獲得釋放），此字又或是指用於第28節中的含意，即將來的“救贖” ”（在永恆裡終必得著救贖）。相同的一詞有兩方面的含意：在時間意義上，可指現況，也可用於在永恆意義上。相信保羅是在講論–無論是生或死，在任何情況之中，最終也處於神的掌握控制之中。因此，無論監禁的結果如何，他都能處之泰然，心靈平安。

對我們而言，當我們為著彼此所重視和與我們直接有關的事情祈禱時，例如在我們為所親愛的患病肢體祈禱時，我們都是很自然的祈求他們能得著神的醫治。但是，無論神在他的主權中“應允”我們的禱告並於即時施行 “拯救”與否，我們所有在基督裡的人至終都會在永恆方面被“拯救”，與祂永遠在一起。七個多月前，我所親愛的同工及好友王允志牧師對此展現了令人欽佩的見證。在他接受手術前，他宣告，無論什麼事情發生或後果如何，都要榮耀神。讓我們繼續為他祈禱，神會應允他的禱告，神完美的旨意必然會成就。

保羅其後敦促信徒“行事為人應當和基督的福音相配”（1:27）。這裡“操守自己以能相配”的意思是“符合公民身份的生活”（希臘文potiteusthe），在這裡保羅特別意指“天上的公民”的身份（3:20）。因此，正如他們在腓立比地方作為羅馬公民一樣，應該以符合當地公民身份的方式生活，而同樣，身為天上的公民，也應該按照符合我們這天上公民身份的方式生活。換而言之，作為基督徒，我們應當過著與因著基督為我們受死與復活救贖我們，這蒙恩得拯救的天國公民身份一致的方式生活。我們都是“福音的持有人/傳福音的人” （好消息的傳承者），我們的生活應與這榮譽相符！

因此，保羅敦促信徒們要團結合一。因為唯有這樣，才能夠使保羅的心“充滿喜樂” (2:2)。保羅的最大喜樂就是能看到教會中的信徒彼此同心合意，以喜樂的心事奉主。他曾敦促他們要“有同一的心志，站立得穩，為了福音的信仰齊心努力” （1:27）。保羅的心對於信徒間能彼此同心合意甚有負擔 (2:1-4)。他為什麼要不斷提到日些事情關乎–“出於自私的野心或被虛榮心所驅動”，以及它們如何“不要單顧自己的事……” 的情況(2: 3, 4)？也許他在呼籲友阿嫡和循都基兩位姊妹要“在主裡同心”，並敦促教會肢體接納她們，因為她們也在福音事工上與其他人並肩勞苦，一同事奉，這令到保羅對彼此同心更為關注(4:2-3)。無論是出於什麼原因，腓立比教會中也存在著張力，保羅希望看到他們能肩並肩地同心事奉。這也是確保列宣家同心事奉的要素，這正是我本人一直學到放手並學習去回應保羅的話之因：“那有甚麼關係呢？(What then)真心也好，假意也好，無論怎麼樣，基督總被傳開了，為此我就歡喜；並且我還要歡喜。”（1:18）。這就是為什麼保羅要求腓立比的信徒要以謙卑效法基督：“你們應當像基督耶穌一樣彼此對待” (2:5, 新英文譯本) 。基督卓越的謙卑榜樣，在2:6-11中以詩歌體裁表達出謙卑的實意。

一首我們中間許多人也熟識的詩歌： <以愛相連>

福哉愛主聖徒，彼此以愛結連，
和睦相處，同心合意，在地如同在天。
在父寶座面前，同心虔誠祈禱，
同擔憂懼，同得安慰，同一盼望目標。

本詩由約翰·福塞特牧師（Rev. John Fawcett）於1782年所寫，他在英國窮鄉僻壤中的小教會忠心地事奉了多年。長話短說，他與妻子難得有機會到位於大城市的更大堂會中牧會，在那裡他可以牧養更多會眾，並更而滿足家庭的需要。當他們準備離開教堂的人們時，整個教會的會眾都含淚與他們揮別。福塞特牧師於是決定留下來。此後詩歌靈感受到啟發和寫成。這首詩歌也激勵我更忠於神的託付。願列宣家也一同效法基督。

以下保羅的祈禱，也是我對列宣家的禱告：

所以，你們在基督裡若有甚麼勸勉，有甚麼愛心的安慰，有甚麼靈裡的契通，有甚麼慈悲和憐憫，就應當有同樣的思想，同樣的愛心，要心志相同，思想一致，使我充滿喜樂。”(2:1-2) 阿們。

主僕,

李耀全牧師

Oct 17-18, 2020
From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Simon LeeDear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

It is so heartening to witness, that despite the lockdown from the pandemic, many many of our members are serving the Lord with tremendous joy and energy. Just a small example I see as I am advisor to two Cantonese Fellowships, Jacob and Elijah. It is so delightful to see the Fellowships are not discouraged by all the inconvenience of not being able to gather together, but have produced incredible programs every time they meet, using Zoom and other means. Now the Sunday noon and Mandarin services have started also to use Zoom to gather the congregations in worship and it is so encouraging to see so many people have responded by joining. To God be the glory!

Yes, it is important at this time for all of us to be joyful in our lives and our service to God. This is the reason why we have switched gear in our sermon series as we “Launch out into the Deep” and turn our attention to Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi to learn the secret of keeping joyful amidst difficulties and challenges. It is important to note that Paul mention joy and rejoicing at least 11 times throughout the letter, found throughout the four chapters. The theme of joy in the sermon series is as follows:

1. Thanksgiving with joy (1:1-11)
2. Serving with joy (1:12-30)
3. “Complete my joys… have the mind of Christ” (2:1-11)
4. 4. Joy of service in Christ (2:12-30)
5. Joy in the midst of opposition (3:1-11)
6. “My joy and crown… stand firm in the Lord” (3:12-4:1)
7. “Rejoice in the Lord always” (4:2-9)
8. Rejoice in the Lord’s provision (4:10-23)

Before we move on, let’s recap the story of the planting of the Church in Philippi, the background of the relationship with Paul (Acts 16:6-40). The Philippian Church was the first church Paul planted in Europe. It was the result of Paul answering the Macedonian Call. Paul was first prevented by the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus to go to his original destination and then directed in a vision of a man from Macedonia urging him to “come over… and help us.”(Acts 16:6-9)  The author Luke (who apparently accompanied the team) tells us: “And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately WE sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called US to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:10)  What a beautiful picture of God’s mission: clear direction and call, responding to the need for the gospel, and team spirit.

On the Sabbath day, the day of worship for the Jews, Paul and the mission team sought out Lydia and the women at a place of prayer on the riverside outside the city gate. Lydia, was a “worshiper of God” (probably a devote Jew) and a seller of purple goods (expensive purple clothing fit for people in high society and the royalty, as Lydia was from Thyatira, a city of the province of Asia in the district of Lydia that was famous for its expensive dyes). (Acts 16:13-14)  After Paul had shared the gospel with Lydia, “the Lord opened her heart” and she paid attention to his words. She was baptized together with her household (which probably included the servants as well).  Then she opened her home and heartily invited Paul and the team to stay at her house, which eventually became the worship center for the Christians in the city(Acts 16:14b-15; 40). What a beautiful story of the beginning of the Church in Philippi, which explains why the Church has a special place in the heart of Paul.

Now years after (AD 62, in Rome. 1:13; 4:22), Paul writes to encourage the Christians at the Church in Philippi to remain joyful, as he remained joyful even as he was imprisoned. The church had a special place in his heart (1:7a) because he was there from the beginning (1:5) and he wanted the Christians there to be sure “that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (1: 6)  Paul reminded the Philippians that they were in “partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” with him. He said to the Christians that they were “all partakers (co-partners) with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense of the gospel.” (1:7b) Paul was thanking God for the Philippians and was praying for them with joy in his heart (1:4). He was able to do this because he had within him “the affection of Christ Jesus.”

One key theme found in these beginning verses and throughout the book of Philippians (the reason for joy) is the concept of “partnership” (Gk: koinonia) translated in different ways in different contexts:

1. “partnership in the gospel: (1:5)
2. “all partakers with me of grace…” (1:7)
3. “participation (fellowship) in the Spirit” (2:1)
4. “share his (Christ’s) sufferings…” (3:10)
5. “…entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving” (4:15)

Let us pause and summarize the partnership relationship that Paul as the pastor had with the Christians at Philippi, as revealed in the first 8 verses of this chapter:

1. Paul (together with his spiritual son, Timothy) regarded themselves as “servants of Christ Jesus.”
2. Paul recognized all the Christians in Philippi, especially the leaders (overseers and deacons).
3. Paul blessed each and every one of them, first and foremost.
4. Paul prayed for the Church regularly and was filled with joy, even though he was imprisoned.
5. Paul looked at the relationship as a long-term “partnership” (Koinonia) in the gospel.
6. Paul recognized that the ministry was the work of Christ the Savior and the Coming King.
7. Paul was joyful because he was filled with the love and affection of Christ.

What a beautiful picture we see. How I wish every church of Christ is like that.  If we apply that to our Church, these are the questions we would be asking:

1. Do our pastors humbly consider ourselves as “servants of Christ Jesus”?
2. Do we regard our Church leaders (elders and deacons/deaconesses) with the respect they deserve?
3. Do we bless and support each other (instead of looking for the faults in each other)?
4. Do we take seriously the prayer ministry of the Church and pray for each other?
5. Are we “partners in the gospel” or are we all looking at our own interest and perspective?
6. Do we regard the ministry as Christ’s ministry, and not as our own baby?
7. Are we joyful because we have “the affection of Christ” or are we critical and bitter?

As we delve into the book, my prayer is like Paul, “that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (1:9-11) Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Simon Lee,

Senior Pastor