Phil 1:1-30
Our attention shall now turn to the examples to follow in the first chapter of the book of Philippians. Examples shall be based on correct, positive and presentable Attitudes; practical Actions that we can see; pirit-led decisions or resolves and good and Godly Counsels.
- Praying for the Church (Saints) vs 4
Paul prayed always for the Church in Philippi. This is worthy of emulation. To consistently pray for a group of people, a person or an issue is something that can be challenging for many a Saint. But Paul prayed for the church consistently. The content of his prayer is also shared with us from verse 9-11.
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.
Why do we need to pray for others? Jesus did. He prayed for his disciples and particularly for Simeon. Was it necessary to pray? He wouldn’t if it was not. It seems God has ordained prayer as our portion in His partnership with us in the running of human affairs. While we may not determine the outcome, yet God wants us to pray. We cannot leave things to just run their course without using the instrumentality, if possible, to alter or shape how the outcome will be.
2. Partnership for Gospel advance vs 5
The church in Philippi began to partner with Paul’s mission team from the moment they believed. It is a beautiful thing to see the church and mission partnering together to advance the gospel. Those at home should adequately support those who are going. There are two ways we see this partnership according to this letter: i. Partnership through prayer. Paul prayed for the church vs 4 and the church prayed for Paul vs 19. ii. Also, the church supported Paul financially 4:16 while Paul encouraged them though his writings. It was a mutually beneficial partnership- not a sympathy donation to a suffering missionary.
3. Preach Christ correctly vs 15
What is the reward for preaching Christ out of envy and jealousy? What will you benefit from witnessing Christ from selfish-ambition? Whereas, Paul showed us that the gospel will still be advanced whichever way we try to preach Christ, yet it is wise to not preach out of hate or from a wrong motive. The example of those who preached out of goodwill and love should be followed. Let the love of Christ be the constraining force that moves you to preach or live for Christ. This ultimately will be rewarded. It cannot fail. All other reasons will fail and burn before the fire of judgment but a work done in love will shine brighter before the throne of grace.