The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 1 October 2026 – Expressing Gratitude In Gospel Partnership
Click HERE to Read Previous MESSAGES
TOPIC – Expressing Gratitude In Gospel Partnership
READ: Philippians 1:1-11 (KJV)
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
THE MESSAGE:
Today, we joyfully express heartfelt gratitude as Nigeria celebrates her 66th independence anniversary, honouring our nation’s freedom, resilience, and remarkable journey. Paul’s letter to the Philippians (1:1-11) begins with a warm greeting, showcasing his deep appreciation for the church. He sets the tone for the epistle, emphasising gratitude, grace, and gospel partnership. Paul expresses heartfelt gratitude to God for the Philippians (vv. 3-4), thanking Him for their partnership in the gospel.
This shared faith and ministry bring Paul joy, so he demonstrated genuine appreciation for their fellowship. He highlighted their role in spreading the gospel (vv. 5-7), emphasising shared responsibility and God’s initiating grace. This partnership empowers believers to advance the gospel.
Paul’s affection and longing for the Philippians (vv. 8-9), reflect his deep investment in their spiritual well-being. He yearns for them with Christ’s compassion, demonstrating pastoral concern. His prayer (vv. 9-11) seeks spiritual growth, love, knowledge, and discernment. Paul desired their love to overflow, enabling them to discern what is excellent and live blameless lives until Christ’s return. Philippians 1:1-11 beautifully illustrates Paul’s heartfelt relationship with the Philippians. This passage encourages believers to value gratitude, grace, and gospel partnership, striving for spiritual growth and discernment.
PRAYER: Dear Father, may my heart be filled with joy, gratitude, and a deeper commitment to advancing the gospel in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
