“Paul had an amazingly selfless attitude. He knew that some were preaching to build their own reputations, taking advantage of Paul’s imprisonment to try to make a name for themselves. Regardless of the motives of these preachers, Paul rejoiced that the gospel was being preached. I was curious: Where did Paul write the letter to the Philippians? Paul sent the other three Prison Epistles, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, by the hand of Tychicus, as their destinations were near one another. However, the letter to the Philippians was to be delivered by Epaphroditus, who had come to Paul in Rome with financial help from the church at Philippi ( Philippians 2:25; 4:18 ). Tychicus was one of the many evangelists (Ephesians 4:11) in Paul’s missionary network, along with Timothy and Titus. These men were church planters, and also apostolic delegates with the authority to lead churches and appoint elders in already established churches. Chapter 1 of Philippians felt a very deep interest for the apostle. The scope of the communications is to confirm them in the faith, to encourage them to walk by faith, as they declare the gospel of Christ, to caution them against false teachers teaching anything other than Jesus Christ, and to express gratitude for their Christian bounty. As a Christian teacher, your mission as a teacher needs to go beyond just teaching academics. You need to know God has called you to the classroom, and you should also be looking for Him to change lives, regardless of where you teach. Christian teachers, we want to do more than just inspire our students to love academics. We also want to make a real and lasting impact in their hearts and lives. We strive to help them grow in character and wisdom and experience the greatest joy when we see Christ work directly in their hearts. I believe Paul felt this way. In Philippians 1:1–2 introduces this letter from Timothy and Paul. The message is meant for the Christians in the city of Philippi, including both the leaders and the laymen. This church had made significant contributions to Paul’s ministry, as will be mentioned early in the letter. Today we are going to study how Paul prays and what Paul prays for in Philippians 1:3-11. Now Paul doesn’t say, “You need to pray like me” but I think he gives four ways disciples, followers of Jesus, should pray, and four things they can pray for. In his letter he gives us a pattern we can follow. Philippians 3:1–11 warns Christians about the influence of false teachers, particularly those who add legalism on top of the gospel. Paul describes his impressive credentials, showing that he has the right to consider himself ”justified” according to the traditional Jewish view.de significant contributions to Paul’s ministry, as will be mentioned early in the letter. I am reading part of Philippians Chapter 1 this week. Maybe you can read your bible and journal if you’d like.
Lets read:
Philippians Chapter 1:1-11
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, we live in a world where the truth of the gospel is despised by the large amount of unbelievers and the grace of God has been rejected in this Governments and society, help us, as like Paul, to keep our brothers and sisters in remembrance, and to lift them up in prayer and thanksgiving, knowing that we are all one in Christ, and partakers of the glorious gospel of grace Let hearts of forgiveness, grace and compassion rise up in Jesus Precious Name. I thank You and praise You for the lovely example of Paul and Timothy, who were bond-servants of Jesus Christ and who used the gifts and grace with which they were equipped, to further the good news of the gospel of grace for the benefit of the whole Church. Develop in me the heart of a servant that is ready and willing to think of the other person before myself. Use whatever talents, treasures and graces that I have, to forward the gospel in my little corner of the world. I believe in my dying to self and live for Jesus Christ for Your honor and glory! I thank You and praise You that Your plans are best for my life In Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
“Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.”
Philippians 1:7
"Only Life Changes" 