Connected to the Body of Christ

Philippians 1:1–2 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:3–11 “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 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. 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. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

10 years have passed since Paul’s first encounter with Philippi during his second missionary journey. 800 miles and prison walls currently separate them but yet they are as connected at this point as they ever were.

1. Thankfulness begins with Thinking

were your ears burning

Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,”

2. Joyful prayer is as a result of:

a. Partnership in the gospel

Philippians 1:5–6 “because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 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.”

b. Personal relationships

Philippians 1:7 “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.”

c. Partakers in Grace

Phil 1:7b

3. Affection is strengthened in a mutual connection to Christ.

Philippians 1:8 “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

a. Abounding Love

Phil 1:9a

b. Knowledge and Discernment

Phil 1:9b-10

c. Fruit of Righteousness

Phil 1:11