To Share

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction" Philippians 4:10-14 NASB

One more thought in this passage. It echo's Philippians 3:10, "...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;...." These folk, by sending Paul help , are sharing in his affliction. This is another step in "co-participation" or "fellowship" or co-laborer."


In this letter, Paul gives us three ways to share in life together.  The first is simply by being a part of one another's heart. (1:7) He considered these people co-labors in grace in all he did in the name of Jesus. This is a great "leveler" among us. When we understand this, then we no longer have a tendency to elevate those whose obligations in the Kingdom include being in front of people or having authority in the Kingdom. We begin to recognize that all who pray, all who financially support and all who encourage are included in the same reward system for the work accomplished in and by the Spirit.


Second we begin to see that when we help (by giving) a minister then we are sharing in whatever suffering they are enduring. This goes far beyond a mutual support system. It becomes a part of the fiber of our being in such a way as to actually count the suffering as our own as we pray and encourage the one enduring the pain.


Third when we participate with another by bringing them help then we once again enter with them in the pressure or trouble when it comes against them. Paul saw all three of these elements in his life as shared - never just his.


The Greek word to describe this type of participation is called "koinonia." It means participation, sharing, co-laboring, etc.... It has the meaning of co-investing and mutual participation. It is what spiritually is mirrored in communion, in worship and in corporate belonging. I think this is reaching far beyond most of our comfort levels. This is the understanding that stems from the word "covenant" when it is rightly understood.