Before breaking down this section into chunks, it is best to reread the entire chapter, so please take a moment and read Philippians 1.
Now, let's look at the different pieces of this chunk of verses.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Phil. 1:3 KJV
Recalling the history Paul shared with the church in Philippi, it is with great understanding that Paul would be thinking upon them with joy.
There is also another tidbit which one can glean, this church has remained faithful.
Time has passed, for Paul is sitting in chains in Rome and the book of Acts ends with his journey towards that city, thus one can reasonably conclude this church is still following the Lord Jesus and later Paul speaks of their sharing with him in the spread of the Gospel. (Phil. 1:5, 7)
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; Phil. 1:4-5 KJV
Paul's dedication to the Lord shows in his love for those God sent him to, for he often spoke in his letters about praying for the different people he wrote to. (Rom. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:15-16; Col. 1:3-4; 1 Thess. 1:2-3; 2 Tim. 1:3; Philemon 1:4-5)
May each one be encouraged by this example of faithful prayer and devoted care for those God has placed in one's life, especially for the body of Christ.
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: Phil. 1:6 KJV
What an uplifting acknowledgement!
Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is declaring that the good work God began in their lives will preserve until the coming of Christ Jesus.
This is a promise still applies to those who put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and eagerly await His return. ( Rom. 8:28-30; 1 Pet. 1:2-3)
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. Phil. 1:7-8 KJV
Paul's love for the church at Philippi is restated with weight, for he has not allowed his state of being imprisoned to make him self-centered, nor does he focus on his suffering, rather he is relating how much he still loves them and proclaims their being partakers of all he is doing, both in the suffering and the work of the Gospel. (Phil. 1:5, 4:14)
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 offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Phil. 1:9-11 KJV
What a comfort to hear how one is being prayed for!
"I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return." Phil. 1:9-10 NLT
Again, these words can be applied to the current follower of Christ as much as to those the letter was penned to.
It is also an inspiration for those who desire to live purely before the Lord, that each follow these things with diligence and encourage one another in these things as well.
Therefore, let us, each one, not only seek to apply these words, but follow the example of Paul's and pray these things for the followers of Jesus Christ.
"May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God." Phil. 1:11 NLT
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the encouragement and the inspiration to live unto You in all things. Lord, Paul's day was just a corrupt as the one we reside in and yet he could encourage other believers to live purely, to grow in the knowledge and understanding of You, to be overflowing in love, Your love. Lord, I humbly request that You teach me more about Your ways and Your truth every day. Thank You for giving us Your Word that we might have these things in abundance. Lord, thank You for what You have already taught me through Your Word. Please continue to grow my understanding and let my love abound. Lord, I want to be filled with the fruits of salvation. I want to live a life of righteousness. Thank You that this is a journey and the arrival will be my admittance into Heaven. Help me to be patient, waiting upon Your will, Your time, and walking in Your path. Thank You, Jesus for Your faithfulness and Your Word. I love You. Amen.
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