A. Demonstrated by His Thankfulness (Philippians 1:3) B. Demonstrated by His Prayers (Philippians 1:4) C. Demonstrated by His Confidence (Philippians 1:5-6) D. Demonstrated by His Longing for Them (Philippians 1:7-8) 1. He had them in his heart (Philippians 1:7). 2. They were partakers of his grace (Philippians 1:7). a. In his bonds b. In the defence and confirmation of the gospel c. Note: This suggests that the believers at Philippi were partners in Paul's ministry and in any fruit that came from that ministry. (1) This is the idea behind Paul's use of the word fellowship in Philippians 1:5. (2) This is the idea behind Philippians 4:17. 3. He longed for them in the bowels of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:8). II. PAUL'S PRAYER FOR THE BELIEVERS (Philippians 1:9-11) A. Paul's Prayer for the Believers: For Improved Love (Philippians 1:9)
1. Abounding love a. The expression of Paul's desire—"And this I pray" b. The reason for Paul's desire; The Lord made it clear that, in the maturation of the church, there were three majors areas of concern (1 Corinthians 13:13). (1) Faith—in Christ Jesus (2) Hope—an expectation of future events (not a wish) (3) Charity—to the saints; As such, Paul spoke of the desire for increased love. a) It was sought out (1 Thessalonians 3:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:8). b) It was praised (1 Thessalonians 1:3). c) It was lacking (1 Thessalonians 3:10-12). d) It was corrected (2 Thessalonians 1:3). c. The nature of Paul's desire—"that your love may abound yet more and more" (1) Abound—to go outside the bounds (2) More and more—ever increasing 2. Grounded love a. The twofold nature of the grounding (1) In knowledge (2) In judgment b. The misconception of love
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