Gratitude and Community: Fueling Our Faith Together

Today, we gathered in a spirit of gratitude, reflecting on the many ways God has blessed us individually and as a community. The act of giving thanks is not just a polite gesture—it is fuel for our faith, reminding us of God’s unchanging character and His ongoing work in our lives. As we considered Paul’s words to the Philippians, we saw how his heart overflowed with joy and gratitude for the people God had placed in his life, for their partnership in the gospel, and for the shared journey of faith they were on together.

We are reminded that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. God, who exists in perfect community as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has created us in His image to thrive in relationship and fellowship. Our unity is not based on shared interests or backgrounds, but on our common bond in Christ. This partnership—koinonia—is both a gift and a calling. It is about sharing in the work of the gospel, supporting one another, and extending the love and message of Jesus to those around us.

Through stories of students and graduates from Vanguard College, we see the diverse ways God calls and uses His people: from small towns in Alberta to the West Bank, from university campuses to shopping malls, and even in places where the gospel cannot be openly preached. Each story is a testament to the power of partnership in the gospel and the unique role each of us plays in God’s mission.

Paul’s assurance to the Philippians is also God’s promise to us: He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. Our journey is marked by God’s faithfulness, and we are invited to trust Him to finish what He has started in our lives. As we move forward, may our love continue to grow in knowledge and discernment, so that we may live lives that are pure, fruitful, and bring glory to God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Thanksgiving is not just a response to blessings, but a spiritual discipline that strengthens our faith. When we intentionally remember and thank God for who He is and what He has done, our trust in Him deepens, and we become more aware of His ongoing work in our lives. Gratitude is the lens through which we see God’s faithfulness, even in challenging seasons. [63:44]
• 2. True Christian community is rooted in our shared identity in Christ, not in our preferences or personalities. God has designed us for relationship, reflecting His own triune nature, and calls us into a fellowship that transcends differences. This unity is both a comfort and a challenge, inviting us to invest in one another’s lives and to pursue authentic partnership in the gospel. [70:22]
• 3. Partnership in the gospel is not reserved for pastors or missionaries; it is the calling of every believer. Each of us has a unique sphere of influence—neighbors, coworkers, friends—where we are invited to share the love and message of Jesus. Our stories, prayers, and acts of service are all part of God’s mission, and no contribution is insignificant in His kingdom. [80:49]
• 4. God’s work in us is ongoing and guaranteed. We may feel unfinished or inadequate, but God promises to complete what He has started in our lives. This assurance frees us from striving and anxiety, allowing us to rest in His faithfulness and to persevere with hope, knowing that our transformation is His work from beginning to end. [83:37]
• 5. Spiritual growth is marked by increasing love, knowledge, and discernment. As we open ourselves to God’s work, He shapes us to recognize what is truly valuable, to live with integrity, and to bear fruit that honors Him. Our prayer should be for a love that matures, enabling us to navigate life’s complexities with wisdom and to reflect Christ more fully to the world. [86:37]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [59:48] - Baptisms and Community Stories
• [60:46] - Introduction to Vanguard College
• [61:44] - God’s Faithfulness at Vanguard
• [62:05] - Practicing Thanksgiving
• [63:44] - Thanksgiving as Fuel for Faith
• [64:26] - Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
• [65:36] - The Power of Remembrance and Prayer
• [67:41] - The Gift of People in Our Lives
• [69:32] - Partnership in the Gospel (Koinonia)
• [70:22] - Created for Community
• [71:58] - Invitation to Receive the Gospel
• [72:58] - Stories of Gospel Partnership
• [78:24] - Global Impact of Gospel Partnership
• [80:29] - The Calling of Every Believer
• [83:37] - God Will Complete His Work
• [85:06] - A Prayer of Blessing and Growth
• [86:37] - Closing Blessing and Benediction

Bible Reading

Philippians 1:3-11 (ESV) — 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Observation Questions

1. According to Paul in Philippians 1:3-5, what is the reason for his gratitude and joy when he remembers the Philippians?
2. In the sermon, what are some specific examples given of people living out “partnership in the gospel” in different places and ways? [01:12:58]
3. What does Paul pray for the Philippians in verses 9-11, and how does he hope their love will grow?
4. The sermon mentions that God’s work in us is ongoing and guaranteed. Where do we see this promise in the passage? [01:23:37]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul connect thanksgiving with faith, and how might gratitude actually strengthen a believer’s trust in God? [01:03:44]
2. The sermon describes “koinonia” as more than just friendship—it’s a partnership in the gospel. What does this kind of partnership look like in a church community? [01:09:32]
3. Paul assures the Philippians that God will finish the good work He started in them. How might this assurance affect the way believers view their own spiritual growth and struggles? [01:23:37]
4. The prayer in verses 9-11 asks for love to grow in knowledge and discernment. Why is it important for love to be connected to knowledge and discernment, not just feelings? [01:26:37]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Thanksgiving is fuel for faith.” What is one specific thing you can thank God for this week, even if your circumstances are difficult? How might this act of gratitude change your perspective? [01:03:44]
2. Think about your own “partnership in the gospel.” Who are the people God has placed in your life to encourage, support, or serve alongside? How can you intentionally invest in those relationships this month? [01:09:32]
3. The stories shared in the sermon showed people serving God in all kinds of places—from small towns to shopping malls to restricted countries. What is your unique sphere of influence, and how can you share the love and message of Jesus there? [01:20:49]
4. Paul’s confidence that God will finish His work in us is meant to free us from anxiety and striving. Is there an area of your life where you feel “unfinished” or inadequate? How can you trust God’s faithfulness in that area this week? [01:23:37]
5. The sermon challenged us to see Christian community as rooted in Christ, not just shared interests. Are there people in your church or small group who are different from you? What is one step you can take to build unity and authentic fellowship with them? [01:10:22]
6. Paul prays for love that grows in knowledge and discernment. Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you need more wisdom or discernment? What would it look like to pray for and pursue that this week? [01:26:37]
7. The sermon mentioned that every believer is called to gospel partnership, not just pastors or missionaries. What is one practical way you can participate in God’s mission this week—through prayer, service, conversation, or another action? [01:20:49]