Philippians 1:5 (AMPC), “[I thank my God] for your fellowship (your sympathetic cooperation and contributions and partnership) in advancing the good news (the Gospel) from the first day [you heard it] until now.”

When we read Paul’s letters to the church, it’s not difficult to notice his fondness towards the church in Philippi.  He wrote of how their partnership to his ministry was a tremendous blessing to him, especially when his preaching and teaching extended beyond the borders of Macedonia.  For a time, they were the only church supporting him.  Paul was so impressed by their constant care, prayers, and contributions, even when he was not with them in person.  What thrilled him was knowing they would benefit greatly because of their heart attitude and actions in their partnership with the ministry.  Paul knew the principles of God’s kingdom never fail, and their partnership with the work of His kingdom activated a principle of blessing that would benefit them greatly!  In Philippians 4:17, Paul told the Philippians that his excitement wasn’t so much in their contribution towards him, as it was to see the result of their partnership commitment.  He called it, “…the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account].”.  Faithful, purposeful partnership with God’s kingdom interest always results in tremendous blessing!  Paul made mention of one of these awesome benefits in Philippians 1:6: “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”.  The reason Paul was confident that God Himself would develop and bring to completion His perfect will in their lives was because of their purposeful partnership to God’s kingdom interests! Wow know this because in the verse that immediately follows, he attributed his confidence in this happening for them because of their heartfelt, faithful and deliberate partnership with him - even when he was not with them in person.  It’s true that God’s plan is to see all of His children walk in His very best for their lives - however, it doesn’t happen automatically! When we choose to intentionally partner with God’s kingdom work, we can expect the benefit of Him causing His work in and through our lives to never dwindle or lose significance, but instead to be developed and brought to completion!