Being Thankful

Introduction

Today, we are beginning a new series. We are actually looking at one of my favorite letters of the Apostle Paul.

We are beginning the book of Philippians. So if you have your Bibles, and I hope that you do, I encourage you to turn with me to Philippians chapter 1.

Background

This letter is written by Paul, and he includes Timothy as a co-writer. That means Paul is the primary author, but the letter was written along with Timothy.

Paul wrote this letter specifically to the church at Philippi.

We know from the book of Acts, that Paul established a church in Philippi somewhere around AD 49 or 50.

We know from the letter itself that Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter. You can check 1:7, 13, 16.

Since Paul references to the palace guard in Philippians 1:13 and Caesar’s household in chapter 4 verse 22, It seems most likely that Paul wrote from Rome (cf. 1:19–24; 2:24). That would make the most likely date for writing around AD 60-62 which was the same time period that Paul wrote: Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.

So let’s take a look at our passage today. We’ll begin with verse 1.

Paul’s Greeting

Philippians 1:1 NIV

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Paul begins by describing both of them “servants” which the the Greek word “doulos.”

Doulos is used 183 times in the New Testament in 167 different verses. The NET notes catch the meaning of this verse for believers in Paul’s day:

“Undoubtedly the background for the concept of being the Lord’s slave or servant is to be found in the Old Testament scriptures.

For a Jew this concept did not connote drudgery, but honor and privilege.

It was used of national Israel at times (Isa 43:10),

But was especially associated with famous OT personalities, including such great men as Moses (Josh 14:7), David (Ps 89:3; cf. 2 Sam 7:5, 8) and Elijah (2 Kgs 10:10); all these men were “servants (or slaves) of the Lord.”

It is in this context that Paul uses this word to express the joy of serving Jesus!

Next he announces to whom he is writing.

The letter is written to God’s holy people

—They are holy because of Jesus Christ and the work that He has done in their lives.

Philippians 1:2 NIV

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, Paul gives a traditional greeting, that he often uses.

He extends grace—unmerited favor, or favor we don’t deserve.

And he extends peace—tranquility, free from worry, and free from conflict.

All of this comes from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Pray of Thanksgiving

Paul begins his letter with a prayer. His prayer is marked by three key characteristics.

Philippians 1:3 NIV

I thank my God every time I remember you.

First it was a prayer of thanks. Paul was genuinely thankful for the church at Philippi (v. 3).

Philippians 1:4–5 NIV

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,

His prayer was marked with joy.

Paul was joyful because this church partnered with him in the spread of the gospel.

Philippians 1:6 NIV

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Finally, his prayer was filled with confidence--not in them, but in Jesus Christ who was in the process of completing His work in their lives!

Our Prayers

These three key characteristics that should be a part of our prayers for people.

First we should be thankful for the people around us.

QUESTION 1—Who are you thankful for today?

Secondly, we should be filled with joy as we see God working in their lives.

QUESTION 2—Whose life do you see God working?

And finally, we should pray confidently because we know God will complete His work in our lives as well as in the lives of those around us.

QUESTION 3—Are you praying confidently, with confidence in God?

Paul Should Pray this Way

Philippians 1:7 NIV

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

Paul says he should be praying for them this way, and that he should have strong feelings for them. Because he holds them in a special place in his heart (v. 7a).

After all they were with him—behind him—when he was in chains,

And they were behind him when we was out defending (Gk. a verbal defense) and confirming (Gk. establishing firmly) the gospel (good news) (v. 7b).

Paul tells them that they all share in God’s grace with Paul (v. 7c).

Look how Paul concludes this section.

Philippians 1:8 NIV

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

On a deeply personal note, Paul longs to see and be with them.

He tells them that God can testify to how deeply he loves them with the love that comes from Jesus Christ (v. 8).

So What?

Paul loved the saints of Philippi.

They were important to him because they partnered with him in sharing the gospel!

Paul loved them because he was confident that Jesus was doing an amazing work in their lives.

I want to challenge you to take a minute and think about all the people who partnered with you in your walk with the Lord.

Who are the people who have poured into your lives—sharing in your spiritual growth?

Paul begins this letter by sharing his deep affection for his readers, those who had partnered with him in spiritual growth. This morning I want to challenge you to share with those who have poured into you and helped you with your spiritual growth.

My list of people is long: Those who helped me through my life are made up of family members.

Like my father. He influenced me in so many ways, but especially in what it means to care for people.

Then there was my father-in-law who also had a profound effect on my life, teaching me how to be generous with what God gives me.

Then there was Dr. Jim Walters, a teacher at John Brown University. He helped me learn what God’s calling on my life might be.

These are three examples of people who poured into my life, and helped me learn the direction God wanted my life to go. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to tell each of these men how much they meant to me before they passed away. Without their influence in my life, my life would not be the same.

Who in your life has influenced you in your walk with Jesus Christ?

Who has helped you grow in your love for Jesus and for people?

Have you told them? My encouragement is to take the time and let them know!