Philippians 4:21-22

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I always enjoy reading through the letter to the Philippians. There are so many great insights and memorable passages noted here that are so usable! I want to remind you of a keeper from each chapter in this letter before we leave this study.

CHAPTER 1--1:21-For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. CHAPTER 2--2:5-Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, CHAPTER 3--3:10-that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; CHAPTER 4--4:6-7-Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. These key passages sum up this letter nicely.

The closing words of the letter to the Philippians demonstrate that characteristic warmth of the early church of Jesus. Check out these last two verses: 21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

5 observations: 1. The fellowship of Jesus consists of saints. The believer doesn't have to perform a miracle in his or her ministry, but each believer IS a miracle, therefore each believer is called a saint in the Bible. Saint means holy one or a person who is set apart unto God for a special mission.

2. The fellowship of Jesus is a family of brothers and sisters who are continually learning how to get along and to love one another.

3. The fellowship of Jesus must be reciprocal. Note that Paul says to greet all the saints there in Philippi and also sends greetings from the saints in Rome who are with him.

4. The fellowship of Jesus is a collection of many different people from all kinds of backgrounds. Note that there were believers who were part of the royal family of Caesar, sending their greetings to the Philippian fellowship.

5. The fellowship of Jesus runs on the grace of the Lord. The Lord has extended His grace-unmerited favor-toward us and we learn to share this grace with others in our family.

Every time I read how the fellowship of Jesus held on to their connection with one another in the first century throughout the world, it seems that the fellowship of Jesus today is too fragmented and disconnected. So, what are we to do about it? I think you start right where you are. Keep connected with other believers in your community, your corporate environment and everywhere you travel around the world. You will find that these connections become a mutual blessing to all who participate. Work on your connections with other Jesus people.

I heard a great visual for believers to keep in mind. When a waitress in the South was asked, "What is a grit?", she said, "There's no such thing as a grit, because grits always come together!"