Transformed by Koinonia  — Readers’ Choice

Scripture Focus: Philippians 1.4-6
4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Originally published on July 13, 2023, based on readings from Philippians 1.

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
Gloria, Texas — I work with missionaries who serve all over the world and this makes me think of their work, their fellowship with other believers (even if far from them), and their connection to the Lord that gives them strength to keep serving…they are working to see more people transformed by koinonia.

Reflection: Transformed by Koinonia  — Readers’ Choice
By John Tillman

The word Paul uses to describe the partnership that he feels with the Philippian church is koinonia. Like many Greek words, it has multiple shades of meaning. The word in English primarily refers to the “fellowship” of the church as a community. This meaning is not incorrect, but another interpretation is of being a business partner or having a “share” or investment together in a business. 

Paul knows what it is to have partners in business, having supported himself at times through the skilled trade of tentmaking which he had in common with Priscilla and Aquila. However, the business to which Paul is referring, that we all have a share in, is the gospel.

The business of the gospel is the “putting right” of everything in the cosmos. And the means by which we do so is by “fellowship” or “partnership” with Christ Jesus, whose work continues until “the day of Christ Jesus.” There is no koinonia with Christ without change.

In this phrase, Paul is redefining the ancient Jewish concept of the “Day of the Lord.” This is the “last day” to which Martha refers when discussing her brother Lazarus’s future resurrection and is sometimes called the “eighth day” to symbolize that God is both ending and renewing creation.

This is a day when all will be put right. The day of Lord will be a day of leveling. It will mean tearing down those who have built themselves up and lifting up those who have been crushed.  Earth will be transformed into another place—a place in keeping with all that God desires for us, but we are too foolish to ask for or seek.

Christ’s correction of the cosmos is not limited to all that is without us but includes all that is within us. It is not just Earth that will be transformed but Earthlings. We, each of us, have an inner cosmos that must succumb to a “Day of the Lord” transformation. Within us are exalted idols and habits that must be torn down. Within us are fruits of the spirit that we have trampled under selfish feet.

As we submit to him, Jesus will, with axe and fire, tear down in us what must burn, and with tender nourishing care will tend and cultivate the fruit that he always designed to grow in us. Christ is our partner and our koinonia with him means every trial, suffering, isolation, loss, and sadness, shall work together for our betterment, strengthening, and righteousness.


Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life… — Psalm 27.5


– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
1 Samuel 1 (Listen 4:13)
Hebrews 12 (Listen 4:36)

This Weekend’s Readings
1 Samuel 2 (Listen 6:09)Hebrews 13 (Listen 3:31)
1 Samuel 3 (Listen 3:03), 2 Timothy 1 (Listen 2:37)

Read more about A Rebellion of Repentance
The repentance John describes is a rebellion more radical than violent insurrection.

Read The Bible With Us
You can join our Bible reading plan at any time and reflect on the whole Bible with us at a sustainable, two-year pace.

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Born to Serve

Scripture Focus: Philippians 2.5-8
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

Reflection: Born to Serve
By Jon Polk

In what is traditionally known as the “Christ Hymn” in Philippians 2, Paul describes who Christ is, and by extension, who God is, and furthermore by example, who we should be.

Who is Christ? Christ was in his very nature God. He was God himself, even though he was uniquely human, too. 

However, Christ didn’t behave the way people expected gods to behave. In the first century, they were more familiar with the volatile, angry gods of the Greek pantheon, who used power to advance themselves or to subdue others. 

Gods didn’t live their lives in humility. Gods didn’t come among their people as servants. And gods especially didn’t sacrifice their lives for the sake of their subjects. 

Paul writes that Christ took the very nature of a servant. He uses the Greek word doulos, which is more properly translated “slave.” A slave existed in servitude to others without advantages, rights or privileges.

Christ became nothing. He emptied himself by pouring out his grace to others. He humbled himself by entering into relationship with lowly humans. He obeyed death, freely giving his life.

Who is God? God’s strength is not in his ability to manipulate or subdue his subjects, but in his willingness to take on the form of his subjects. Not only does God condescend to human form, he chose not to come as a ruler or king but a servant.

Jürgen Moltmann writes in The Crucified God, “God is not greater than he is in this humiliation. God is not more glorious than he is in this self-surrender. God is not more powerful than he is in this helplessness. God is not more divine than he is in this humanity.”

Who should we be? Paul states we should “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Not only does Christ present us with a radical picture of who God is, he presents us with a radical challenge about who we should be: humble servants giving ourselves on behalf of others.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes “The church is the church only when it exists for others… It must not underestimate the importance of human example which has its origin in the humanity of Jesus.” 

Jesus Christ is our ultimate example. For certain, none of us could ever be sinless and perfect, but that’s not the example that Paul wants us to see. Jesus is the full representation of God, but he also represents what it means to be fully human: to live life completely in service of others. 

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading
Jesus taught us, saying: “Enter by the narrow gate, since the road that leads to destruction is wide and spacious, and many take it; but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” — Matthew 7.13-14

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Joshua 20-21 (Listen 7:02)
Philippians 2 (Listen  3:45)

Today’s Readings
Joshua 22 (Listen 6:16), Philippians 3 (Listen  3:21)
Joshua 23 (Listen 2:31), Philippians 4 (Listen  3:20)

Read more about He Stoops to Raise
In every aspect of his life, and death, he intentionally moves from the highest place, to the lowest place.

Read more about Greater Footstool, Greater God, Greater Redeemer
Christ, who is higher and greater than anyone has imagined, would become less and lower than anyone would imagine, to do for us what no one could imagine.

Transformed by Koinonia

Scripture Focus: Philippians 1.4-6
4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Transformed by Koinonia
By John Tillman

The word Paul uses to describe the partnership that he feels with the Philippian church is koinonia. Like many Greek words, it has multiple shades of meaning. The word in English primarily refers to the “fellowship” of the church as a community. This meaning is not incorrect, but another interpretation is of being a business partner or having a “share” or investment together in a business. 

Paul knows what it is to have partners in business, having supported himself at times through the skilled trade of tentmaking which he had in common with Priscilla and Aquila. However, the business to which Paul is referring, that we all have a share in, is the gospel.

The business of the gospel is the “putting right” of everything in the cosmos. And the means by which we do so is by “fellowship” or “partnership” with Christ Jesus, whose work continues until “the day of Christ Jesus.” There is no koinonia with Christ without change.

In this phrase, Paul is redefining the ancient Jewish concept of the “Day of the Lord.” This is the “last day” to which Martha refers when discussing her brother Lazarus’s future resurrection and is sometimes called the “eighth day” to symbolize that God is both ending and renewing creation.

This is a day when all will be put right. The day of Lord will be a day of leveling. It will mean tearing down those who have built themselves up and lifting up those who have been crushed.  Earth will be transformed into another place—a place in keeping with all that God desires for us, but we are too foolish to ask for or seek.

Christ’s correction of the cosmos is not limited to all that is without us but includes all that is within us. It is not just Earth that will be transformed but Earthlings. We, each of us, have an inner cosmos that must succumb to a “Day of the Lord” transformation. Within us are exalted idols and habits that must be torn down. Within us are fruits of the spirit that we have trampled under selfish feet.

As we submit to him, Jesus will, with axe and fire, tear down in us what must burn, and with tender nourishing care will tend and cultivate the fruit that he always designed to grow in us. Christ is our partner and our koinonia with him means every trial, suffering, isolation, loss, and sadness, shall work together for our betterment, strengthening, and righteousness.


Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading
Jesus taught us, saying: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more. You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you.” — John 15.1-3

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Joshua 18-19 (Listen 9:59)
Philippians 1 (Listen  4:03)

Read more about Jesus with Axe and Fire
May we ask him regularly to cut down our idols. May he burn out of our souls impurity and selfish desires.

Read more about A Rebellion of Repentance
The repentance John describes is a rebellion more radical than violent insurrection.

Mysterious Plea, Mysterious Peace

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4.2-7
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Mysterious Plea, Mysterious Peace
By John Tillman

The church at Philippi was one with which Paul had a special relationship. The letter to them is joyous, intimate, and loving. At Philippi, Paul started the first church on the European continent. Lydia hosted this congregation and was its founding and leading member. The Philippian jailer and his family worshiped here. The former demon-possessed slave girl certainly would have been found there as well.

As Philippians enters its closing chapter, Paul and Timothy make a plea for unity to two feuding leaders. Who are these people, so influential that their disagreement is consequential enough, influential enough, that Paul and Timothy would call them out by name? Euodia and Syntyche—two co-workers who contended for the gospel at Paul’s side, now were contending against each other.

Many theorize about the nature of the conflict, but if Paul did not think it worth inclusion, we shouldn’t waste too much time theorizing. (Even if nerding out about those things can be entertaining…) If we trust God’s word, and we do, we trust that its omissions are not errors any more than its inclusions are.

What do we learn from this mysterious plea for unity?

1- Those who care passionately about the gospel can still disagree.
2- Disagreements don’t mean one’s salvation is in doubt.
3- Disagreements can be healthy, as “iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27.17) We may learn better why we believe what we believe when we are challenged by differing interpretations.
4- Disagreements can become damaging internally (inside the church) and externally (in the wider world).

Wielded carelessly, iron breaks iron rather than sharpening it, and unhealthy disagreements flavor the gospel with strife rather than peace.

We certainly could use some unity in Christian circles today. Factions of evangelicalism seem constantly to be at one another’s throats rather than “greeting with a holy kiss.” (Romans 16.16) Some misuse scripture to normalize cruel words, mockery, and threats as “Jesus-like.” Our social media-driven world thrives on conflict but the gospel brings peace.

Rather than pursue conflict shaped by the world’s methods, let us keep reading Paul’s path to peace. Paul’s next words after issuing his challenge for unity are about rejoicing, gentleness, and overcoming anxiety through prayer. The result of this process will be peace, and not just between Euodia and Syntyche, but for us as well. The gospel provides mysterious peace for you and me that surpasses understanding.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. — Psalm 25.34

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Ezekiel 17 (Listen 4:26) 
Philippians 4 (Listen 3:20)

Read more about The Thriving Tree
Jesus, the king planted by God upon Zion, is the tree that will thrive, bringing all the birds to his shade.

Read more about The Step After Surrender
A life that has been poured forth to Him must find its crown, its completion, in being poured forth for man

Paul’s Example of Thankfulness

Scripture Focus: Philippians 1:3-5, 9-10
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…

From John: I am so thankful for those who assist me in this ministry. I refer not only to Jon and Erin who regularly contribute writings to lighten my load. But others of you readers who lighten our load by your financial donations, by your prayers, and by your regularly emailed encouragements. This support is deeply felt, and I thank you all. This repost from 2019 by Jon Polk says it well. I hope you will turn to those who encourage you and express your thankfulness for them. 

Reflection: Paul’s Example of Thankfulness
By Jon Polk

Who has been used by God to help you in your walk with Christ? Who has come alongside you during difficult times? Who has helped shape you into the follower of Christ that you are today?

In his letters, Paul frequently gives thanks for other Christians that have been important in his life and he has good reasons to have fond feelings for the church in Philippi.

There, Paul met Lydia and a group of “God-fearing” women praying down by a river. Lydia and her household responded immediately to the Gospel message and she invited Paul to stay in her home. The fledgling Philippian church started by meeting in her house.

There, Paul was imprisoned after incurring the wrath of a slave owner. While he was praying and singing hymns, an earthquake broke open the prison doors! Because Paul chose not to escape, the jailer and his household came to faith.

There, Paul would return to minister at least three times following his initial visit. The church in Philippi began to financially support his traveling ministry. Their support was so significant that Paul would brag about them in a letter to another church.

So it is no surprise that Paul writes about them, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” How many people in your life can you say that about, that you thank God for them every time you think of them? Not only does Paul thank God for them, he also prays for them on a regular and frequent basis.

What exactly does Paul pray for them? He prays that their love increases and grows to overflowing. He prays that as their love grows, so does their relationship with God. He prays that their actions and motives would be pure, driven by this profound love.

When you think about those who have been influential in your life, is this the way you pray for them? Do you pray that they might have so much love that they can’t expend it all? Do you pray that their relationship with God grows and deepens? Do you pray as frequently for your friends as Paul says he does for the Philippians?

Perhaps we should.

So why don’t you take a moment now to thank God for significant people in your life. But don’t stop there. Like Paul did, send them a note letting them know how much you appreciate them. Surprise someone with encouragement today. You’ll be glad you did. And so will they.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who trust in him! — Psalm 34.8

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Ezekiel 14(Listen 4:09)
Philippians 1(Listen 4:03)

This Weekend’s Readings
Ezekiel 15(Listen 1:09)Philippians 2(Listen 4:352)
Ezekiel 16(Listen 10:36)Philippians 3(Listen 3:21)

Read more about Praising Christ’s Righteousness
How pitiful a situation we would be in if our salvation relied on human institutions.

Read more about Transformed by Koinonia
Within us are exalted idols and habits that must be torn down. Within us are fruits of the spirit that we have trampled under selfish feet.