An Attitude of Gratitude

Introduction

Today we come back to our study of the book of Acts. We have been looking at how and where it intersects with the Epistles (or letters) of Paul.

There is very little argument against the book of Philippians being written by the apostle Paul, along with Timothy who ministered with Paul at least part of the time he was imprisoned in Rome.

The letter was written to the saints (believes) in Philippi, along with the overseers (sometimes called bishops) and the deacons.

Paul was writing to thank them for their financial gift, but also took the opportunity to address some problems that he had been told about.

I’ve got to be honest with you, Philippians is one of my favorite Pauline Epistles. So let’s begin. If you have your Bible turn with me to Philippians chapter 1.

Let’s dig into this

Philippians 1:1-

Philippians 1:1–8 NIV84

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. 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, 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. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Paul’s Thankfulness

Paul writes that every time he thought of the church at Philippi he gave thanks to God. Paul prayed with great joy.

Notice the reason for Paul’s joy. His joy came because of their partnership in sharing the gospel. From the first time the Philippians heard the gospel, until the day Paul wrote his letter, they had never stopped sharing the gospel along with Paul!

Paul’s Confidence

Paul is confident of one thing. He is confident that God, who began the work in the Philippians He would carry it on to completion—God will keep them serving and going until the day of Christ Jesus.

We can be confident that God will do this in us! God will keep us serving Him until the day we see Him face-to-face.

Paul’s Defense

When we come to verse 7, Paul says it is “right” for him to feel the way he says he feels in verses 3-6.

It is right for several reasons.

First, it is right because Paul has them in his heart. They are an extension of his ministry!

Secondly, it doesn’t matter whether Paul was in chains (prison) or out and about defending and confirming the Gospel—All of them shared in God’s grace with Paul.

Finally, Paul says that he longs to interact and be with them, because he loves them with the love of Christ Jesus.

Paul’s Prayer

Love may abound

We need to stop right there. Love—this is the Greek word “agapē” which you know is an unconditional love—but a love for whom?

Paul is praying that their love may abound more and more, but its a love for others.

In America, love seems to be more about self-love than about sacrificial love. But God says that love is always to be focused on others!

Knowledge

Paul wants our love to abound more and more in knowledge—knowing facts. This applies spiritually. The more spiritual facts that we know the more like Christ we become.

But it also applies to all relationships. The more facts I know about the people around me, the deeper my love should grow.

Depth of Insight

Paul also wants our love to abound more in depth of insight—we might call it “wisdom”—depth of insight is knowing how to to use the facts.

Again there is a spiritual component. The more I develop spiritual wisdom the more I will become like Jesus.

So it is with my love for those around me. My love will grow as I learn more and more facts about them. And the more facts that I learn and then when I learn how to use those facts to effectively express love to those around me my love is abounding.

Discern what is best

My love will abound more and more as I learn more facts (knowledge) and I get depth of insight (wisdom). All of this happens so that we gain discernment. We will be able to discern what is best!

Now stop there for a minute. If there is a “best,” what does that imply? I believe it implies if there is a best, then there’s a good, better, and best.

I believe this also implies that often there is less of a battle between right and wrong, and more of a battle between good and best.

Be pure and blameless

Paul desires that in Christ we remain pure and blameless throughout our lives. The Greek word used here for “blameless” is only used here and in , where Paul argues that the believe must be careful not to cause a brother to stumble.

Filled with the fruit of righteousness

Reaching out and letting our love abound by learning facts, and applying those facts to show love to those around us allows us to exercise God’s discernment so we can discern what is best, which keeps us making good choices so we remain pure and blameless.

All of this leads us to the point where the fruit of righteous living before Jesus is evident to those around us!

This is how we should live! In these first few verses Paul uses three different thoughts to demonstrate Christian Fellowship:

(1) I have you in my mind ()

(2) I have you in my heart ()

(3) I have you in my prayers ()

This morning, I want to ask you three questions:

First, who do have in your mind? Who is it that you think about all the time?

Secondly, who do you have in your heart? Who is it that hold near and dear to your heart?

And finally, who do you have in your prayers?

Paul held the people of Philippi in his mind, heart, and prayers. Who do you hold in your mind, heart, and prayers.