What does "partakers of grace" mean in Philippians 1:7? Philippians 1:7 – The Core Text “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” (Philippians 1:7) Defining “Partakers of Grace” • “Share in God’s grace” (sugkoinonos charitos) literally means “joint partners of grace.” • Paul sees every believer at Philippi standing on the same ground of divine favor he enjoys—no hierarchy, no second-class citizens. • Grace here is more than initial salvation; it is the ongoing, empowering presence of God that unites Paul and the Philippians in mission and endurance. Three Dimensions of Grace in Philippians 1:7 1. Saving Grace – Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” – Acts 15:11: “We believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved.” 2. Serving Grace – Ephesians 3:7: Paul became a minister “by the gift of God’s grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10: believers use gifts “as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 3. Sustaining Grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you.” – Hebrews 4:16: we “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” How the Philippians Shared in Each Dimension • Saving—They embraced the gospel Paul preached (Acts 16:13-34). • Serving—They financially supported Paul’s missionary work (Philippians 4:15-18). • Sustaining—They stood firm while Paul suffered imprisonment (Philippians 1:29-30). Shared Grace in Action • Partnership: Grace produced koinonia—practical, sacrificial fellowship (Philippians 1:5). • Perseverance: Grace enabled endurance “whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel.” • Progress: Grace kept the gospel advancing; God’s favor on Paul flowed through the Philippians to new regions (Philippians 1:12; 4:22). Other Verses Highlighting Joint Participation in Grace • 2 Timothy 1:8-9—“Share with me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.” • Colossians 1:6—The gospel is “bearing fruit and growing... since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.” • 2 Peter 3:18—“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Living Out Our Shared Grace Today • Recognize grace as our common standing: no believer stands outside God’s favor. • Extend grace through support: time, resources, encouragement for gospel workers. • Depend on grace in hardship: the same sustaining power that upheld Paul upholds us. To be “partakers of grace” is to live in the unearned favor of God, link arms with fellow believers in gospel service, and draw daily strength from the Lord’s inexhaustible supply. |
    |