Untitled Sermon

Introduction (Phil 1:1-3)

Paul is writing from prison. Yet this letter is full of joy and love. How? Well, he tells us in 4:11 that he has learned to be content no matter what is going on around him. How does a person learn that? How can he be at peace when his life is falling apart? The secret is not a new technique or a mantra. Those may have a place but for Paul his focus was on one thing - or better one person - Jesus. Jesus is his contentment. So, as long as he had Jesus he had all he needed to be content.

[Transition]

Do your prayers include gospel-saturated thankfulness? ()

Philippians 1:4–8 ESV

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.

Notice what Paul says in verse 3- I thank my God in all remebereance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy… Paul’s joy in prayer is a expression of his gospel-saturated thankfulness of three different but interconnected aspects of his relationship with the church Philippi, which we will look at it turn.

Are you thankful for our partnership in the gospel?

Philippians 4 ESV

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philippians 1:4 ESV

always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,

Philippians 4 ESV

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Explanation: (v. 5) Paul sates: “…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” First, we may ask, what does Paul mean by partnership? It is possible that what Paul means is there passive participation in the gospel - or their receiving of the salvation that comes from Christ. It is also possible that what Paul means is their active participation in the gospel mission. It makes sense that both may be included in Paul’s thinking here. A second question, what does Paul mean by the gospel?

Argumentation: Paul’s joy flows from his recognition that the church at Philippi has been parternering with him in the gospel from the beginning (4:15).

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Application

Be thankful for God’s promise that He will complete the good work. (Phil 1:6)

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Be thankful for the care that the FOF offers to one another. (Phil 1:7-8)

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[Transition]

Do your prayers include praying for our love to mature? (Phil 1:9-11)

So that we will all see the world through Jesus’ eyes. (Phil 1:9)

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So that our decisions will reflect Jesus. (Phil 1:10)

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So that we all may be pure and blameless when Jesus returns. (Phil 1:10-11)

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Applicatio

One Small Step: Choose one (either thanksgiving or love).  Take the time and pray to God either thanking him for one aspect that we just mentioned or pray that our love for one another would increase and mature.