Philippians 1:3-11

Introduction Options:

Prayer

Philippians 1:3–11 ESV

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.

Main Point: Today, we will be looking at 3 thanksgivings from Paul so that you might grow in your love towards others and God.

Why is Paul thankful?

Partnership in the Gospel (vs. 5)

Friendship arises out of mere Companionship when two or more of the companions discover that they have in common some insight or interest or even taste which the others do not share and which, till that moment, each believed to be his own unique treasure (or burden). - C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume κοινός

Human Life. Sharing occurs in many fields, e.g., enterprises, legal relations, and marriage. Friendship is for the Greeks a supreme expression of fellowship. Citizenship is also important, since the preservation of society, and indeed of the cosmos, depends on political or cosmopolitan sharing.

Good work that will be completed (vs. 6)

The MacArthur Study Bible Chapter 1

When God begins a work of salvation in a person, He finishes and perfects that work. Thus the verb “will complete” points to the eternal security of the Christian

Partakers of Grace (vs. 7)

Similar word to partakers (v.5)

Grace: Free gift, unmerited favor

What does Paul pray for?

Love abounding with discernment (vs.9-11)

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth Love > The Fruit of the Spirit

Love can be defined broadly as the conscious, sacrificial, and volitional commitment to the welfare of another person

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 7. Love

God’s love means that God eternally gives of himself to others.

Philippians Intercession (1:9–11)

Here the obj. of the love is unspecified. The obj. can rightly be read as broad, general, or inclusive, including love for God, for each other, for other believers, and for the lost. However, while the general language suggests a broad range, in light of the concern of the letter for unity expressed especially in 2:1–4 (cf. 2:14–15; 4:2–3), the primary issue in mind is renewed love for one another.

Conclusion

Are you amazed and thankful for being a partner in the Gospel?

Let’s pray that our love will abound more and more in knowledge.