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Philippians 1:3-11
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.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: In chapter 1:3-11, we will study Paul's praises to God for the Philippians, and how he prays on their behalf. Paul's thanksgiving shows us the mutual love that is evident between the apostle and those who he ministered to. The Philippian church has stayed firm in partnership with Paul and continues to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and this causes Paul to praise God. Paul encourages them to press on in seeking to grow in love and wisdom. He encourages them that as they pursue the Lord, they can rest in the security of knowing that He will complete the good work that He started in them. As we review this passage, let us consider how we can stir up one another to this kind of affection, love, and good works. Yet may we seek to grow with the knowledge that the Lord is the one who works in us and through us.
Review & Apply
How did the Philippians partner with Paul? What are the implications for us about partnership in the gospel?
What are some words that Paul uses to describe his affections for the Philippians? Is this level of love convicting to you with regard to how you feel about the church?
What do your prayers look like? Do you have genuine times of thanksgiving or are your prayers consumed with your desires and requests only?
When we hear Paul call us to "approve what is excellent", how can we grow in this area? What are we watching, consuming, spending time on that hinders or moves us away from purity and blamelessness?
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