The Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries
Philippians 4:3 - Sunathleo
Dr. Greg Linville
July 30, 2026
Teamwork, Partner, Encouragement
Philippians 4:3
“And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.”
sunathleo: to strive together, contend side by side, or labor with
What Gospel ministry partner are you empowering?
Hello, my name is Dr. Greg Linville and today my goal is to empower you to empower others.
In the fourth chapter and third verse of the letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to challenge those who were co-laboring side by side in Gospel endeavors.
The root word for laboring side by side found in the Greek language that the New Testament was written in, was the word sunathleo’ where we get our English word athlete. So, the spiritual lesson for all of us who are sports ministers is that we are to encourage and help all who are co-laborers in Gospel outreach.
Who are you encouraging today?
