Week 7 | Day 1
A WORTHY PRAYER
Philippians 1:1-11
Paul opens Philippians with deep gratitude and heartfelt prayer for the believers in Philippi. His tone is filled with joy because of their partnership in the gospel from the very beginning and for the confidence he has that the God who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ’s return. Paul acknowledges that their faith, generosity, and perseverance were evidence that God Himself was at work in their lives.
Paul’s prayer then moves beyond gratitude into spiritual formation. It’s a prayer we should continue to offer today for one another as we ask that the love would abound more and more in experiential knowledge and clear discernment so we might see, sense and approve what is excellent in Christ and that we would live pure and blameless lives because true Christian love isn’t merely emotional affection but a growing understanding shaped by truth. Additionally, we should intercede for each other that our lives would be filled with the fruit of righteousness through Jesus Christ, bringing glory and praise to God.
Paul’s prayer then moves beyond gratitude into spiritual formation. It’s a prayer we should continue to offer today for one another as we ask that the love would abound more and more in experiential knowledge and clear discernment so we might see, sense and approve what is excellent in Christ and that we would live pure and blameless lives because true Christian love isn’t merely emotional affection but a growing understanding shaped by truth. Additionally, we should intercede for each other that our lives would be filled with the fruit of righteousness through Jesus Christ, bringing glory and praise to God.
Application
Thank God for the What He is Doing in Others
Paul regularly expressed gratitude for fellow believers and we should do the same. A thankful heart strengthens our faith community and helps us to avoid transactional engagement.
Trust God to finish What He Begins
Spiritual growth is a process guided by God’s faithful hand as we are all in process to become more and more like Jesus every day. Our confidence in this work of the Holy Spirit encourages perseverance.
Let Love Grow in Wisdom
Biblical love is informed by truth. As we seek to mature in our faith, our maturing love will seek what is best and honoring to God and others, not merely what feels right.
Pursue Purity and Integrity
Paul prayed that believers would live blameless, holy lives that will faithfully reflects the love and certainty of Jesus to the world around us. Our greatest witness is Jesus in us loving through us.
Aim for God’s Glory in Your Growth
Our spiritual priority and pursuit should focus on one thing only—becoming more like Jesus each and every day. Thus, if our lives are a testimony of His grace, then the spiritual fruit in our lives should ultimately point back to Jesus and His love for all of humanity
Paul regularly expressed gratitude for fellow believers and we should do the same. A thankful heart strengthens our faith community and helps us to avoid transactional engagement.
Trust God to finish What He Begins
Spiritual growth is a process guided by God’s faithful hand as we are all in process to become more and more like Jesus every day. Our confidence in this work of the Holy Spirit encourages perseverance.
Let Love Grow in Wisdom
Biblical love is informed by truth. As we seek to mature in our faith, our maturing love will seek what is best and honoring to God and others, not merely what feels right.
Pursue Purity and Integrity
Paul prayed that believers would live blameless, holy lives that will faithfully reflects the love and certainty of Jesus to the world around us. Our greatest witness is Jesus in us loving through us.
Aim for God’s Glory in Your Growth
Our spiritual priority and pursuit should focus on one thing only—becoming more like Jesus each and every day. Thus, if our lives are a testimony of His grace, then the spiritual fruit in our lives should ultimately point back to Jesus and His love for all of humanity
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the work You are doing in the lives of Your people. Help my love grow in knowledge and discernment so that I pursue what is excellent and pleasing to You. Continue the good work You have begun in me until the day of Christ. May my life be filled with the fruit of righteousness that brings glory and praise to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.