“And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement
The yoke of oneness in Jesus
also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Philippians 4:3
Yokefellow is one who is yoked together with another through the bond of relationship, labor, study, business, office, or marriage. It is to be a colleague, partner or comrade with another.
In Philippians 4:3, Paul intreated his true comrades in Christ to help the women who labored with him in the gospel. What does it mean to intreat? The Greek word erōtaō used means to request, question, beg, beseech or to ask. Therefore, we know that Paul was emploring them to take by the hand, hold of, or seize the matter concerning these women. The word syllambanō for help is not a light or careless word; rather it embodies strong connotations. It conveys the meaning of laying hold of someone as if a prisoner. To take upon one’s self a particular duty, to take possession of it as if it belonged to you yet without violence.
Paul desired his yokefellows to take responsibility for this group of women as he did for only the true offspring of God would receive the request without rejecting it. A true yokefellow is one who is unbiased, submitted completely to God, and responds to the requests of the true without rejecting it.
Does this mean that we should take up every request made of us? No! We are to exercise spiritual wisdom. We are to examine the matter, ask God for direction, and if God is in it so should we. Paul’s request was not to advance or elevate himself to a lofty position it was to help co-laborers in Christ Jesus it was a fulfillment of the second command of Christ.
“And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 13:31
If we desire to be true yokefellows in Christ Jesus, we should be willing to help or fellow brethren when the need arises! Our motive should be to fulfill the command of Christ and not how others will view us nor for self-benefit. We are all joined to Christ Jesus therefore, we are learning how to be obedient, how to work, serve, and exist as true children of God.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:29-30
Food for thought
- Are you truly yoked to Christ?
- Are there other things or people that you are joined to in a bond of marriage (relationship) that you should not be?
- Are you a true yokefellow of the Lord Jesus?
- When there is a need to you see how it can benefit you before you help?
- How do you usually respond to the intreaties of God?
Prayer
Father we are fastened to you and to one another through the bond of Jesus. In the past, we have not consistently reflected the bond of love, support, and help of true children of God. Lord help us that in this new season that we will improve doing better. For to be good is to do better than we did before. Give us new hearts, desires, responses, even new ears so that we can hear by the spirit of God. Cause us to be Simeon’s that when we hear through the spirit we will respond by the spirit, in the name of Jesus, amen.
Going beyond
Are there situations from your past where you rejected the call of God to act on the behalf of another? If so, take time to lift it up before the Lord covering it under the blood of Jesus. As the Lord to show up in the person’s situation, even right now. Seek him for a new opportunity so that you can be fashioned in his likeness. When we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive. If you are prompted to go to the person and confess to them, ask God to strengthen and fortify you. But do it in obedience to him.
Lesson 2 Phroneō: Mind with Understanding
Lesson 3 Oneness in Heart and Mind
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