9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Theme: The What and the Whys of Your Prayers for Each Other
I. The “What” (or, the Petition)
For abounding, discerning Love – v. 9
II. The “Whys” (or, the Purposes)
To gain ability to choose what is best in life – v. 1:10a
To grow in genuine blamelessness before the Lord – v. 1:10b
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Theme: Four Principles of mature Christian fellowship in which all Christians should strive to grow together
Mature Christian fellowship is grounded in prayer to God for each other – vv. 3-4, 9-11
Mature Christian fellowship is blessed by partnering in gospel ministry together – vv. 5, 7
Mature Christian fellowship is helped by trusting God’s perfecting work in each other – v. 6
Mature Christian fellowship is marked by profound affection for each other – vv. 7, 8
1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Things Paul is Thankful for in this church
Why Paul Wrote the Letter
To report his circumstances
To express his appreciation for their gift
To encourage them in their partnership in the Gospel
To warn them about false teachers
Christian joy through having a Christ centered, Gospel focused mind
All believers are saints
Therefore we should act like saints
The establishment of the church at Philippi during Paul’s second missionary journey
The response of Lydia – Acts 16:13-15
The attack by Satan – Acts 16:16-21
The salvation of the Philippian jailer – Acts 16:22-24
Paul’s greeting to the Philippians – Philippians 1:2
I. Be Thankful for the Ministry of Church Leadership(vv.12-13)
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.
II. Be Thankful for the Ministry of Church Members(vv.13c-18)
13[c] Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.
