ON TEAM
Opening Prayer
Spend some time thanking God for those who are “on team” with you: family, work colleagues, church friends.
Read Philippians 1:1–6
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Who is your favorite sports team? Why do you like them?Being part of a great team is one of the best experiences of life. Steve Jobs, founder and CEO of Apple, said, “Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful, that’s what matters to me.”
Paul’s team is extensive. First, there’s Timothy (1), Paul’s mentee and key worker with the Philippian church (2:19–24). Then there is the church at Philippi. Paul has always seen his relationship with the church as a partnership (5). Paul may be the apostle but he is on the team with them. Indeed, it is not absolutely clear whether verse 4 refers to his remembrance of them or their help for him.
But what makes this team so outstanding is that they are working with the Holy Spirit, and it is he who ensures that the work will be completed and the goal reached. It’s a little like a local soccer team having Cristiano Ronaldo on their side: it’s great to be involved, but everyone knows who the key player is! Even more remarkable is the fact that the Holy Spirit’s focus is not on an external goal, but on completing his “good work in you” (6).
Apply
Do you think of your life as a lonely struggle or joyful team participation? Could you encourage someone who is a partner with you? How can you play your part better?
Closing prayer
Heavenly Father, show me my role and tasks in Your team.
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