The Philippians were very special to the apostle Paul. They caused him to proceed to the throne of God with joyful thanks in his heart for them. Do church leaders give such thanks for us? Let’s notice what caused Paul to be so thankful for the Philippians and learn from them.
Read verses 3-5.
Paul’s Thankfulness for the Past
When Paul reflected upon his relationship to the Philippians in the past, even from the first day, it caused him to give continual thanks for them (see Acts 16 and the conversion of Lydia and her household).
Though they enjoyed “house fellowship” from the beginning (see Acts 16:15), it is important to understand what exactly Paul was thankful for. The truth is that Paul spent very little time with the Philippians because of his arrest and subsequent departure from Philippi (see Acts 16:19, 40).
Fellowship is primarily a spiritual relationship. It is based on the relationship we have with one another because of having a relationship with the Lord first (see 1 Jn. 1:3). The ESV uses the word “partnership” in verse 5. They are partners in the work of Christ! They are coworkers together with God (1 Cor. 3:9).
The Philippians are participants in the work in Philippi and the work that Paul does away from Philippi (see 4:15). Paul is joyfully thankful!
Read with me verses 6-8.
Paul’s Confidence in the Present
Notice here how Paul proceeds to the present. He says in verse 6: “And I am sure…” Well, what was the present confidence that Paul had? His confidence was that the Lord would finish in them the work that he had begun! While Paul had been vital to the work at Philippi, the work really belonged to the Lord. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
The completion of this work would occur “at the day of Jesus Christ” (v. 6). This is the ultimate scope of the teaching of the Gospel… to change that day, the day the Lord returns in the air (see 1 Thes. 5:17; Acts 1:11). It is on this day that Paul says, “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power” (1 Cor. 15:24).
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Read verses 9-11.
Paul’s Prayer for the Future
Paul was thankful for the past; he was confident in the present; and he was prayerful that the Philippians would grow in their love in the future. They were not deficient in this area, but yet few things would be as important regarding the day of the Lord as their growth in love.
Look carefully at what John says in 1 John 4:17-18: “By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” Paul’s prayer for them is to abound more and more in love. Why? Because this love will triumph over judgment!
It is important to see how Paul qualifies this love. Accompanied with this love is “knowledge” and “all discernment” (v. 9). This love Paul speaks of is rather different from what most think of regarding love. This is a love that is guided by spiritual knowledge and spiritual discernment. This is a love that is guided and governed by God’s Word and God’s wisdom. It is a love based on spiritual realities and even eternality! He wasn’t suggesting they should just follow their hearts, but follow His heart!
In order for the Philippians to answer this prayer of Paul, they will need to grow in their knowledge of God’s will and then properly exercise that knowledge, seeking to do all from the motive of this holy love (see 1 Cor. 16:14).
CONCLUSION
How can you participate in Gospel efforts in such a way that church leaders would give thanks for you?
Can church leaders think confidently about God finishing the work He began in you? Will you answer their prayer to abound still more and more in love?
Daren Schroeder
