Paul’s Thankfulness Philippians 1:3-8 Studies in Philippians

Thankfulness (3-4) I thank God – a fundamental quality in the Christian’s life In everything we are to give thanks Philippians 4:6 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Colossians 3:17 1 Timothy 2:1 – all men, everywhere

Thankfulness (3-4) For every remembrance of you – precious memories Memories can be good or bad. It depends upon what and HOW we want to remember something. Our mindset Paul dwells upon the goodness of these brethren (they were not perfect and not everything that happened was good), but Paul SAW their goodness and CHOSE to remember that

Thankfulness (3-4) For every remembrance of you How do we seek to remember our brethren? Do we have “selective memory”? What are we doing to make how others remember us pleasant? NOTE: This is not saying we ignore sin or what is wrong!

Thankfulness (3-4) Always in every prayer of mine Frequently – we have much to be thankful for. Ephesians 1:16, 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 1:2 Are we counting our blessings?

Thankfulness (3-4) Making requests Thankfulness begets requests for others. Do we pray for one another? 1 Timothy 2:1 James 5:16 Ephesians 6:18 1 Samuel 12:23, Samuel kept praying for Israel

Thankfulness (3-4) For you all He was not selective about which brethren to pray for and remember. Sometimes the ones who need our prayers the most are those who trouble us With joy – this was not something Paul dreaded to do

Fellowship (5) For your Fellowship Fellowship – sharing, something in common. “Joint participation” Our fellowship is association based upon close mutual relationship – a bond is there We are a spiritual family

Fellowship (5) For your Fellowship 7 times in Philippians – Here, 1:7 – partakers 2:1, 3:10 – fellowship 4:14 & 15 – shared in distress, and giving & receiving

Fellowship (5) In the gospel That which binds us together. Christ brought us together – Ephesians 2:14-16 Galatians 3:27-28 – we are one in Christ John 17:11, 20-21 1 Corinthians 15:1 Philippians 1:27 – conduct worthy of the gospel

Fellowship (5) From the first day until now Either at their reception (with Lydia) Acts 16:15, or their continued support often from the time he left them (Philippians 4:15-16, 3:20, poss. 2 Corinthians 8:1)

Confident (6-7) Confident – persuaded, convinced. Accepted with complete trust 7 times in this letter 1:14 they have been made confident 1:25 – confident he will remain 2:24 – trust in the Lord 3:3-4 – (3x) no “confidence in the flesh”

Confident (6-7) Confidence in God – God doesn’t fail! He can preserve us and complete the good work He has begun Why confidence in God? He works Hebrews 4:12, through His word James 1:2-3, making us better 2 Corinthians 7:6, Hebrews 12:12-13, through our brethren Romans 8:1, 11-14, through His Spirit Ephesians 3:20

Confident (6-7) Confidence in his brethren – “I have you in my heart” – deep seated, not superficial Both in my chains and in the defense (1 Peter 3:15, Philippians 1:17) and confirmation of the gospel –they had proven themselves to stand with Him and with God

Confident (6-7) Partakers with me of grace Another description of that which binds us together (2 Peter 1:1) A part of this grace was that Paul experienced the proclamation of the gospel to the Gentiles – Ephesians 3:2, 8

Confident (6-7) Thus, God would complete the good works begun in them Their fellowship with him was a source of his confidence – “partakers” (vs. 7) How wonderful to have relationship that gives us confidence to stand up for them and for God

Longing with affection (8) Greatly longing for them We continue to see Paul’s love and relationship with them God is his witness

Longing with affection (8) With the affection of Jesus Affection – “bowels” (KJV) – the seat of emotions. Tender mercies He cared for them the way Jesus cares – He left heaven (Phil. 2:5-8) - He gave Himself (John 15:13) How is our affection for one another? 1 John 3:16

How thankful are we for our brethren? Studies in Philippians