Last week we began looking at what it means to be God’s saints in our study of Philippians. We explored what a saint actually is (not a special religious figure, but anyone who has placed their faith in Christ and been set apart for God’s holy purposes), the cost of sainthood (the death of Jesus Christ), the hope of the saints (sharing in future inheritance), and how saints worship. Today, as we wrap up Philippians, we look at three more functions of the saints.
We Are to Fellowship
Philippians 4:21–22 gives us our launching point: “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”
Paul doesn’t just say “greet all the saints” — he says “greet every saint.” That distinction matters. Greeting every saint means showing genuine care, concern, and hospitality to each individual believer — not a generic wave as you walk by, but a personal, intentional acknowledgment of your fellow co-heir in Christ.
Paul models this himself. While imprisoned in Rome, he knew the names of people in Caesar’s household who had come to faith. These weren’t celebrities or high-profile converts — they were everyday people in the imperial government. And Paul was thrilled to pass along their greetings. That’s what saints do: we seek each other out, we spend time with each other, we encourage one another, and we are intentional about fellowship.
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
— Galatians 6:10
We Rejoice When God’s Family Grows
Verse 22 is easy to skip over, but it contains something remarkable: “especially those of Caesar’s household.” Caesar’s household would have included government workers, palace staff, and their families — ordinary Romans who came to faith through Paul’s ministry. And Paul is saying: these people want you to know they haven’t forgotten you.
The Philippians would have known some of these families. Can you imagine the joy of receiving that letter and realizing that former neighbors, coworkers, or friends in Rome had placed their faith in Christ? That is the joy of saints — rejoicing when God’s family grows.
Pastor Josh shared a personal story: after graduating high school, his friend Buzz moved to California and came to faith in Christ. The first thing Buzz did when he got back to Spokane was call Josh to share the good news. Josh said he cried — not from sadness, but from joy. A friend was going to spend eternity with him because the family of God had grown.
That joy should characterize our church. Every week, we have opportunities to see people place their faith in Christ — through Vacation Bible School, camp, Sunday services, and personal relationships. When someone trusts Jesus, we have played a role, and we get to rejoice.
We Are Prepared to Suffer
This is the point most of us would rather skip — but the Bible doesn’t let us. Saints, if you are a child of God, you need to be prepared to suffer for your faith.
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.”
— Philippians 1:29
Notice the word granted. It comes from the Greek root charis — grace. Suffering for Christ is a gift of grace. You might think, “How can suffering be a gift?” Because grace is receiving what we don’t deserve. And one day, when we stand before God, we will count it as the greatest privilege we ever had — that we were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
— Romans 8:18
Throughout church history, Christians have suffered in unimaginable ways — physically, socially, financially, and emotionally. In some countries, it’s still illegal to be a follower of Jesus today. And as Pastor Josh noted, we may be on the doorstep of increased suffering here in America as well.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”
— 1 Peter 4:12–13
Paul put it plainly: “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8). It was worth it to Paul. It will be worth it to us.
Remembering Through Communion
This passage closes with communion, and it’s no accident that Paul connects suffering and glory here. The cup we drink represents the blood of Christ — His suffering that purchased our forgiveness. And the bread represents His body, broken for us. But the order is important: suffering first, then glory. There was no other way for us to experience the glory of being God’s children unless Christ suffered first.
So as we take communion, we remember both — the suffering of Christ and the glory that is coming. And we recommit ourselves to being functioning saints: worshiping, fellowshipping, rejoicing when people come to faith, and being prepared to suffer when called upon.
Scripture References
- Philippians 4:21–23 — Closing greetings and the call to saints
- Galatians 6:10 — Doing good to the household of faith
- Philippians 1:29 — Grace to suffer for Christ
- Romans 8:17–18 — Suffering and future glory
- 1 Peter 4:12–13 — Sharing in Christ’s sufferings
- Philippians 3:8 — Counting all things as loss for Christ