Paul’s Prayer For The Church in Philippi
March 15, 2019
Commentary
Paul uses three thoughts that describe true Christian Fellowship:
1. I have you in my mind (vv. 3-6). – It is remarkable that Paul is thinking of others and not of himself as he waits for his trial in Rome. His mind goes back to the believers in Philippi, and every time he thinks of them it brings him great joy. Paul is describing the process of Christian growth that began when we accepted Christ and continues until Christ returns.
2. I have you in my heart (vv. 7-8). – It is possible to have others in our minds and not really have them in our hearts. I John 3:14 says “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” As we grow in Christ’s love, our heart and mind grow together.
3. I have you in my prayers (vv. 9-11) – Paul found joy in remembering his friends before the Throne of Grace in prayer. Often the best way to influence someone is to pray for him or her.
When things are “going our way” we are usually a lot happier and much easier to live with. However very few circumstances of life are really under our control. We have no control over the weather, over the traffic on the roads we are traveling, or over the things people say and do. The person whose happiness depends on ideal circumstances is going to be miserable most of the time. Yet, here is the apostle Paul in the worst of circumstances writing a letter filled with joy!
Application
It is so easy to let the circumstances of this life control my attitude and thinking rather than keep my mind centered on the Word of God and how I can please the Lord in what I say and what I do. This week, I want my circumstances to bring me closer to the Lord and closer to my friends so I can make my life really count for Him and not just waste it in things that will make me comfortable.
Philippians 1:3– 07 (NET)
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you 5 because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners in God’s grace together with me.
Illustration: What John Wesley Wanted For His Whole Life
John Wesley once said, “I want the whole Christ for my Savior, the whole Bible for my book, the whole Church for my fellowship, and the whole world for my mission field” (Source unknown).