TEXT:  Phil. 1:3-11

INTRODUCTION:

A.      PAUL TELLS OF HIS INTERCESSORY PRAYER FOR THE PHILIPPIANS.

          1.       Many of our prayers are on others behalf( James 5:16;  Acts 8:24 ).

          2.       Paul had asked for the prayers of his supporters( Eph. 6:17-20 ).

B.      OFFERED AT EVERY REMEMBRANCE OF THEM( vs. 3 ).

          1.       Offered especially for them( vs. 4 ).

          2.       It was made with joy.

I.      CONTENT OF PRAYER:  THANKS FOR FELLOWSHIP( vs. 5 ).

A.      HOW DID THEY FELLOWSHIP PAUL?( 4:14-16 ).

B.      GOD WILL PERFECT THEIR WORK( vs. 6;  4:19;  2 Cor. 9:6-11 ).

C.      LOVE PROMPTS THIS THANKS GIVEN TO GOD( vs. 7 ).

          1.       The love mentioned here is for them.

          2.       But thanks are to God( vs. 3;  2 Cor. 9:12-15 ).

D.      THEIR FELLOWSHIP PROMPTED THIS LOVE( vs. 7b ).

          1.       Fellowship in bonds – That in Paul’s time of need( 2 Cor. 11:24-28 ).

          2.       Fellowship in defense ( 1:16;  Acts 20:29-30;  2 Tim. 4:3-4 ).

                   - and confirmation of the gospel( see  vs. 5 ).

          3.       Fellowship in grace( Phil. 4:17;  2 Cor. 8:1;  9:8 ).

E.      THE GREAT LONGING OF PAUL( vs. 8 ).

II.     INTERCESSORY SUPPLICATION:  CONCERNING THEIR LOVE.

          (Not for him, but for God, which was manifest by their fellowship with him.)

        IT IS TO ABOUND:

A.      IN KNOWLEDGE – OF GOD’S WILL( 2 Pet. 3:18 ).

          1.       That we may teach others( 2 Tim. 2:2 ).

          2.       That we may give answer( 1 Pet. 3:15 ).

          3.       That we may be fully equipped unto every good work( 2 Tim. 3:16-17 ).

          4.       That we may save our souls( James 1:21 ).

B.      AND ALL DISCERNMENT – OR JUDGMENT.

          Aisthesis – insight, experience, feeling, perception(A&G).

          Understanding – ability to perceive.

          WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF DISCERNMENT?

          1.       Ye may approve the things that are excellent( 4:8;  Rom. 12:9;  Heb. 5:14 ).

          2.       Ye may be sincere and void of offence.

                   a.       “Sincere” – eilikrines, unalloyed, pure, …moral and ethical purity( Vine ).

                   b.       “Void of offense” – carries with it 2 ideas:

                              i.       The Christian ceases sin( Rom. 6:17-18 ).

                             ii.       He has forgiveness when he fails( 1 John 2:1-2 ).

          3.       Ye may be filled with the fruits of righteousness.

                   a.       Where love abounds, knowledge;  where knowledge abounds, work does.

                             ( Eph. 2:10;  1 Cor. 15:58 ).

                   b.       Fruits of righteousness are only effective through Jesus

                             ( John 15:5;  Phil. 4:13 ).

                   c.       Herein is the Father glorified( vs. 11;  John 15:18;  1 Pet. 2:9;  Matt. 5:16 ).

CONCLUSION:  WHAT WOULD PAUL PRAY FOR US?

A.      A PRAYER OF THANKS LIKE THIS ONE?

B.      OR LIKE THIS ONE?( Rom. 10:1 ).