Partnership in The Gospel - August 30, 2026
Todd D. Still, PhD
Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean
Holder of the William M. Hinson Chair of Christian Scriptures, George W. Truett Theological Seminary
Partnership in The Gospel
Philippians 1:3-6
Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean
Holder of the William M. Hinson Chair of Christian Scriptures, George W. Truett Theological Seminary
Partnership in The Gospel
Philippians 1:3-6
- The gospel is the tie that binds Christian fellowship, ministry partnerships, and the life of the local church together across generations
- Paul's letter to the Philippians uses the word euangelion nine times, with five occurrences in the first chapter alone, making the gospel the central thread of the entire letter
- Partnership in the gospel, as modeled by the Philippians and the Wiles' ministry, expresses itself through giving, praying, and winsome witness to a wounded world
- The progress of the gospel is not dependent upon any individual messenger; God advances his purposes even through imperfect instruments
- Paul's call to the Philippians to live as citizens of the gospel -- standing firm, striving together in one spirit -- remains a timely charge to the local church
- The power of the gospel, as described in Romans 1, is God's own power unto salvation for all who believe, grounded in the truth of Habakkuk 2:4 that the righteous live by faith
- Long, faithful pastorates are a rare and profound blessing, and the 25-year ministry of Dennis and Cindy Wiles reflects the kind of steadfast gospel partnership Paul celebrated in Philippians
- The church's labor in the Lord is never in vain, and the work accomplished in a faithful ministry echoes into eternity
