Fellowship in the Gospel
Table of Contents
Fellowship in the Gospel: Part 2
Part 2
“It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35.
Such, then, is the exhortation and teaching of Scripture upon our subject, and such the example of the Philippians.
And now as to ourselves, are we obedient to the Word in this, and are we giving glory to God? How is it among us, brethren? Have we not to confess much failure? Taking the evidence that comes in one way and another, there is positive need of definite and special confession and humiliation. There is too little giving by assemblies, and brethren going forth bearing precious seed are hindered in the work, at times, and no doubt filled with sorrow, whatever be the supporting grace of God to help in time of need. No doubt at such times He comes specially near, and gives rich experience of His love, and the living character of His Word to be forever trusted. But our failure remains,-it is well-known and commented on, and painfully humiliating.
“May we be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves." James 1:22.
There is also a lack of care bestowed, and a lack of interest shown in assemblies in the gathering and use of money. The gathering generally, as a rule, knows little or nothing of what is done with money gathered, at least at the time, and little or no pains is taken to stir up one another, and acquaint the brethren generally with the object of a particular collection, in a way that would draw out all hearts, and make it a true service to the Lord, and a manifestation of fellowship in the gospel, and of love to the Lord's servant,-a love so deeply cheering to the servant's heart amid the trials of the way,-a service too, tending so to unite the hearts of those who join to render it.
Because our giving is not to be by law or of necessity, we have been a good deal ensnared into a sense of lack of obligation, but brethren, we know the obligation is surely upon us, only the cheerful response is called for,
“Not grudgingly or of necessity, for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:7.
Let the obligation be considered, and let us pray that a better state may prevail among us than has hitherto, and we shall have the Lord's blessing.
It would be error surely, if individual giving, especially by any leader or leaders in a gathering, were to hinder the promoting of assembly giving or render any one indifferent about it.
Giving both by individuals and assemblies, simply to assist a brother when he is laboring among us, and not at other times, is a danger to be guarded against, and tends to the narrowness of paying for service to us, rather than fellowship with a servant of the Lord in his service to the whole Church and to the world, in whatever field he may be at work, though we may never have seen his face.
Let us beware in the matter of giving, or in any other way of unwittingly but selfishly seeking to draw aside the Lord's servant into a line of work that interests us, but may not be a field to which the Lord would send him.
“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that built it." Psa. 127:1.
Let us study to be quiet, and to go on in patience, and in the joy of the Lord, not in haste for anything, surely, lest we have to be held in with bit and bridle, for we have no wisdom of our own; but on the other hand, not in slackness of spirit or coldness towards the gospel, or towards those who preach the gospel.
May that love be found in us all, that abounds in knowledge and discernment (Phil. 1:9). And let us remember that each one has an account to give of his stewardship at the Lord's return. Who knows how soon may end this time of our responsibility and opportunity? Therefore let us make haste to set our house in order as to all things.
May we be ready for every good work.
One more word as to method, or rather as to pains-taking. We take pains in worldly matters, why not in the things of God? Is it not offering the lame and the blind to lack diligence of spirit in what we do in these things? May nothing indeed be done by mere human system, however efficient in collecting money, but may we have diligence and wisdom as individuals and as assemblies, both in laying by in store, and in collecting what we have to offer.
May not a week pass without exercise and prayer as to this, and God will bless us, and we shall glorify Him.
Fellowship in the Gospel: Part 1
(Part 1)
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you... for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Phil. 1:3, 5.
Paul's letter to the Philippians is in response to the help they had sent him. His opening utterance after the salutation and benediction, is thanksgiving to God for this fruit of the Spirit. This of itself marks the importance of the subject. This precious Epistle of Christian experience is a song of praise and thanksgiving drawn out by the Philippian's gift. His heart was full, for there was fruit that would abound to their account:
“I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable well pleasing to God... Now unto God and our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." Chapter 4:18, 20.
They had communicated with him in the beginning, when (alas!) no other church had, but now also their care of him was revived; they had lacked opportunity, but "where there's a will there's a way," and God opens the way to the willing heart. Epaphroditus had risked his life to convey the gift, according to the word, "we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren," and God had shown mercy to him, and so increased the blessing, in drawing out their hearts to one another with new thanksgivings. Thus does our God multiply the seed sown, and cause thanksgivings to abound. The love of God was at work.
Fellowship with the gospel is a high and holy thing. It is fellowship with Him who died for sinners, but not too high for us. It becomes us and belongs to us,
“Freely ye have received freely give." Matt. 10:8.
This whole Epistle and its circumstances, is the Spirit's testimony that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. He delights in the fruitfulness of love-of faith that has works, and that works by love.
“For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessings from God." Heb. 6:7. And so in Malachi He challenges them to offer tithes, that He might bless them:
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Mal. 3:10.
And in Paul's forewell words, we may call them, to the saints, we find this simple and impressive exhortation:
“I have showed you all things how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus (may His words abide in us), how He said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive.' And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all, and they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more, and they accompanied him unto the ship." Acts 20:35-38.
This affecting farewell gives a character of special importance to the final exhortation that it might, as it were, ring in our ears and in our hearts,-the affectionate forewell appeal of an under shepherd and an apostle,-our servant for Jesus' sake: calling attention to the words of Him who died for us, who could command, but who also exhorts, and incites, and encourages our hearts by the word,
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
(To Be Continued)