Sermon 051296

Phi. 1:9-11                                Praying for Other Saints -II                                             5/12/96

ABCC

I.   Introduction                                                                                                                     #520

     A. Memory must be engaged in prayer - v. 3

     B. We should pray for other saints with an attitude of thankfulness & joy - v. 3-4

     C. We should consistently pray for saints’ participation in the gospel - v. 4-5

·        “koinonia” - = sacrificial sharing of yourself & possessions (2Co. 8:3-5)

Cheerful & abundant giving is one evidence of grace operating in a believer (2Co. 9:7)

II.  Prayer for the Abundance of Love in the Saints - v. 9

     A. Love for Christ & each other must increase & abound (1Th. 3:12)

     The Christian should never be shallow or lacking in love; never self-contented & always

     aware of indebtedness to Christ (Mt. 22:37-39; Rom 13:8; 2Th 1:3;)

     B. Love must be based on real knowledge

·        epignosis = precise & correct knowledge from experience or relationship

·        Christian love must be based on spiritual knowledge (the truth; sound doctrine)

·        Love without knowledge is strictly emotional; unstable; unreliable; inconsistent

·        Knowledge without love is unprofitable (1Co. 13:2; 8:1)

Þ     As knowledge of God & His will increases, love will also increase (Col. 1:9)

Praying for Other Saints, pg. 2

     C. Love must be based on discernment

·        Knowing how to use knowledge (the truth)

·        Love without discernment is extremely dangerous (Eph. 4:14)

·        Christian love does not embrace everything or every one (Mt. 15:14; 2Ti. 3:5;

        1Jn. 4:1; reprove, rebuke, make appeals, be silent, speak graciously, etc. -

         we must discern when these actions are to be taken!

·        Christian love must discern the most effective use of time (Eph. 5:15-16;

        Lk. 10:41-42)

III. The Result of Increasing Love with Knowledge & Discernment in Saints - v. 10-11

     A. Ability to determine what is essential & superior throughout life (v. 10; Rom. 2:18)

     B. Filled with the fruit of righteousness until the end (v. 11)

·        Produced thru Christ & by the Holy Sp. (Gal. 5:22-23; Jn. 15:5)=attitude & actions

·        All for the GLORY OF GOD!

We must pray for the continuation of the work that Christ has begun in every believer!  Are you praying this way for the Christians that you know; though they may be weak & immature, yet you can see grace at work in them?