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One of the most significant reasons to be thankful is the joy that comes from having fellowship with others because of the gospel – and Paul says so in his letter to the Philippian church and to us, by extension. He reminds people he has not forgotten to thank God for the deep joy of fellowship he has with them because of the power of the gospel!
Several sets of keywords help us understand this emphasis in Philippians. Most apparent are words connected to joy that, with all its forms, are found over seventeen times in the letter. The other keywords are fellowship, partnership, shared, or participation, found six times. And the word gospel or good news is found a whopping nine times, with six being in chapter one!
The sum of these words in chapter one provides the simple application: the best joy we have with others will be through our fellowship with other Christians in the gospel—knowing it and making it known. (Phil. 1:4,5,7)
So let’s be thankful for the joy Christian fellowship can bring because of the gospel; find a Christian friend and have the best fellowship sharing the gospel’s good news with those who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior!
