I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Today I focus on Philippians 1:1-11 where Paul shares his gratitude for the church in Philippi and he describes how they remain in his prayers. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God designed the local church and knit its members together for a purpose, it is a blessing to its members, and we should be thankful as Paul is (v3) for the local churches where we have built relationships and experienced blessings because of these relationships as they have provided (out of love) support, encouragement, sharpening, etc. God is at work in all believers (v6) and this work (sanctification) will continue until glorification when we are called Home to Heaven and will meet Jesus face to face. Vv9-11 describes how Christ and the Holy Spirit fills us, renews us, and we bear fruit for His glory.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The relationship we have with other believers is a stronger bond than we have even with family members as we all share rebirth through our Heavenly Father and this is the most important relationship in all our lives. Through this common bond, believers share (v7) grace, sufferings, and "defense and confirmation of the gospel." The implication here is that we proclaim the gospel that we are defending and confirming. Paul prays (v9) that the church in Philippi grows in its love both of Christ and of others - the latter of which is an overflow of love of God. As we grow the prayer is not just of love but as we know God more, He will renew our minds and give us greater alignment and discernment of His will for our lives (vv9-11) - see also Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that God is at work in your heart and life and progressively making you more like Him until you meet Him face to face when He brings You home. Follow the example of Paul and express gratitude for the local church, and pray, support, and encourage one another. Know God, be renewed, and bear fruit for His glory.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for the local church and how You made divine appointments with my brothers and sisters in Christ to support, encourage, pray for, etc. one another - what a blessing! Thank You Jesus! Thank You also for my salvation and for the mercies and blessings You pour out for me every day. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
