CBOQ Sunday reminds us that the Good News has always moved forward through shared faith and shared mission. From the first day until now, God has been at work through a people joined together—one gospel, many partners—carrying his grace into the world.
We celebrate the joy of belonging to something bigger than ourselves: a church family, part of a greater family of CBOQ churches, transformed by Christ and called to reveal God’s kingdom together, trusting that the work He has begun, He will faithfully bring to completion.
sermon: One Gospel, Many Partners: A Family on Mission (Philippians 1:3-6) with Rev. Alvin Lau
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:
- According to Philippians 1:3–6, what does Paul say about the partnership of the believers and God’s work in them?
- Where do you see God currently working around you that’s beyond what you can do yourself?
- What is one practical way you can partner with others this week to share God’s love—through your actions or support?
You’re Not Doing This Alone (And That’s Really Good News)
Scripture: Philippians 1:3–6; Acts 16
Imagine you’re working on a huge group project. It’s so big you could never finish it by yourself, no matter how hard you try. Now imagine you discover you’re not alone. You have teammates. Helpers. People cheering you on. That’s the kind of message we find in Philippians 1:3–6.
A Thank-You Note Full of Joy
In these verses, Paul says:
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God… because of your partnership in the gospel… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” (Philippians 1:3–6)
Paul is basically saying, “I’m so thankful for you; we’re in this together.”
Even though he’s the one traveling and telling people about Jesus, he knows he’s not doing it by himself.
A Team Made of All Kinds of People
The church in Philippi had a spectrum of personalities and backgrounds. In Acts 16, we meet:
- Lydia — a successful businesswoman (she sold expensive purple cloth)
- A jailer — someone with a very ordinary job
- Others — people from all kinds of backgrounds
Different lives. Different stories. Same mission. That’s important: God’s family isn’t just for one type of person. Everyone has a part to play.
What Does “Partnership” Mean?
Paul uses a word κοινωνία (koinonia) that means deep sharing, fellowship—like being teammates who actually help each other, not just watch from the sidelines.
So partnership isn’t:
- Just cheering from afar
- Just agreeing with the mission
It is:
- Supporting each other
- Giving what you can
- Playing your part, wherever you are
Even when the Philippians didn’t have a lot, they still gave and helped. They believed the mission mattered.
God Started It—and He’ll Finish It
Here’s the best part:
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)
That means:
- God started something good in you
- God is still working in you
- God won’t quit halfway
Think of it like building something amazing—God doesn’t stop mid-project. He finishes what He starts.
You Have a Role (Right Where You Are)
You don’t have to go everywhere to make a difference.
- What you can do in your neighbourhood matters
- What someone else does in another place matters too
- Together, it becomes something bigger than any one person
This is how God’s mission spreads, not by one person doing everything, but by many people doing their part. This is the Baptist distinctive of “association” i.e. we partner with others to accomplish our part in God’s mission that we could do it alone.
The Big Idea
God is building something beautiful:
- A people shaped by His love
- A community that shares His message
- A mission that keeps growing
And you’re part of it.
Simple Takeaway
You’re not alone.
God is at work in you.
And together, we get to share Jesus, his love, his justice, his mercy, with the world.
That’s the kind of project worth being part of.