Paul’s Prayer for the Church in Philippi

Philippians 1:1–11
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John Wesley once said, “I want the whole Christ for my Savior, the whole Bible for my book, the whole Church for my fellowship, and the whole world for my mission field” (Source unknown).

Circumstances

When things are “going our way” we are usually a lot happier and much easier to live with. However very few circumstances of life are really under our control. We have no control over the weather, over the traffic on the roads we are traveling, or over the things people say and do. The person whose happiness depends on ideal circumstances is going to be miserable most of the time. Yet, here is the apostle Paul in the worst of circumstances writing a letter filled with joy! In spite of His circumstances:

He is strengthened by the fellowship in the Gospel (vv. 1-11).
He is promoted by the furtherance of the Gospel (vv. 12-26).
He is guarded by the faith of the Gospel (vv. 27-30).

Paul uses three thoughts that describe true Christian Fellowship:

I have you in my mind (vv. 3-6). - It is remarkable that Paul is thinking of others and not of himself as he waits for his trial in Rome. His mind goes back to the believers in Philippi, and every time he thinks of them it brings him great joy. Paul is describing the process of Christian growth that began when we accepted Christ and continues until Christ returns.
I have you in my heart (vv. 7-8). - It is possible to have others in our minds and not really have them in our hearts. I John 3:14 says “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” As we grow in Christ’s love, our heart and mind grow together.
I have you in my prayers (vv. 9-11) - Paul found joy in remembering his friends before the Throne of Grace in prayer. Often the best way to influence someone is to pray for him or her.

Application

This week, I want my circumstances to bring me closer to the Lord and closer to my friends so I can make my life really count for Him and not just waste it in things that will make me comfortable.

Philippians 1:1-11 (English Standard Version)

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. 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.

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More Philippians commentaries

Paul’s Prayer for the Church in Philippi

Philippians 1:1–11» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Application

Philippians 1:1-11 (English Standard Version)

Philippians 1:1–11
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)