Growing In Godliness

Introduction

Paul gives his prayer report for the church at Philippi in the opening sentiments of his letter. He first reveals to them his love and appreciation for the church. He then makes supplication that they might grow in godliness. Paul is thankful for the current condition of the Philippians, but Paul is also interested in their continued growth. Christianity is about continuous conformation. Christianity is about progressive transformation. Paul intercedes on their behalf that God would help them toward spiritual maturity. The fact that Paul prayed for growth in godliness implies to us that this type of growth cannot be wrought by our own efforts. It is also a great model of intercessory prayer made on the behalf of our beloved. As he covers the people at Philippi in prayer he does not prayer for their material gain, rather he prays for their spiritual growth. This is the type of prayer that builds and bonds strong churches. The act of intercession for godly growth is an indication of Paul’s love for the people. Prayers like this prayer only radiate from our lips when we have affectionate hearts. When we have developed a sincere heart for the people the content of our prayers will mirror that of Paul’s here in his letter to the Philippians. Prayers like this prayer are a result of genuine love. But prayers like this prayer build strong churches. We should imitate Paul in prayer because supplication for growth in godliness is a result of Christian love and it results in more loving Christians.

Paul once again acknowledges the Lord’s work in bringing about good works in his people. In he is assured that their works will continue because of the work of God in them. He now shifts from his confidence in their continued growth to source of continued growth. If Paul is already sure that God will continue to work the work that he began until the day of Jesus Christ, why does he need to pray that the work continue? Because it is pleasing to God, and it is good for the church. This is the type of prayer that God hears because this prayer is aligned with his will. God hears prayers that are aligned with his will.

1 John 5:14 ESV

14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

It is not just that he hears a pleasing prayer, but that he answers prayers that are submitted according to his will.

1 John 5:15 ESV

15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

How do we know that this prayer is according to God’s will?

Let us examine the content of Paul’s supplication.