Meditation

Hi there,

Yesterday I mentioned that Paul wrote this letter from a place of great difficulty in his own life. In verse 7, he mentions that he has sometimes been “in chains,” and in fact that’s exactly where he is now.

He’s writing this letter from Rome, under house arrest. He was literally chained to a guard (they took shifts with him) for about two years, unable to leave his dwelling but still allowed to have visitors and write letters.

But he’s not concerned about himself in this passage. His attention is focused outward, to those receiving this letter. Note his heartfelt prayer! Yesterday we learned why Paul was praying with joy for those in Philippi who were partners with him in the gospel (back in verse 5), and today he has another prayer for them in verses 9 through 11.

This prayer today is a lesson in how you can pray for other believers. Paul builds step upon step of how a believer’s faith and love should grow (in knowledge and depth), and why (to be discerning, pure, and blameless), and to what result (filled with righteousness through Christ), and to what purpose (to the glory and praise of God).

Even after just two days in Philippians, you can probably see already why we’re taking it slowly! Paul has a lot to say, and even though this letter is short, it’s packed with depth and meaning. One of the greatest advantages of copying Scripture is that you are reading and reflecting only as fast as your hand can write.

Today’s text is Philippians 1:7-11

Yesterday’s passage is in grey for context and catch-up if needed.

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Encouragement

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17​
​

Rebekah

God's word in your hand

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