Be the Church Philippians: A Study in How to Live the Way God Intended

When Paul thinks of Philippi... 1) He thinks of the fellowship. 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 2) He thinks of the good work that God has begun and is continuing to do. 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 3) He thinks about how they share in the victories and tragedies of Paul’s ministry. 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace 4) He thinks about God’s grace towards all of them as they are RESOLVED in the mission. 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Prayer for His People A.Love may abound 1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 1 Thess 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

Paul’s Prayer for His People B. The Nature of Right Love -Our views of love are messed up by the world. -The world teaches us that love is conditional

Paul’s Prayer for His People B. The Nature of Right Love -Our views of love are messed up by the world. -The world teaches us that love is conditional So what should be the true motivator for loving one another rightly?

Paul’s Prayer for His People The Love Motivator Philippians 1:9. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; -Fact: Scripture teaches us that Jesus Christ gave love unconditionally - John 13:1

Paul’s Prayer for His People The Love Motivator Philippians 1:9. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; -Fact: Scripture teaches us that Jesus Christ gave love unconditionally - John 13:1 -Fact: Scripture teaches us that Jesus Christ was hated by those he loved - Mat 27:21-23

Paul’s Prayer for His People The Love Motivator Philippians 1:9. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; -Fact: Scripture teaches us that Jesus Christ gave love unconditionally - John 13:1 -Fact: Scripture teaches us that Jesus Christ was hated by those he loved - Mat 27: Fact: Scripture teaches us that Jesus Christ is our example for how we should love. 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:11

Paul’s Prayer for His People Knowledge & Judgment are Crucial to Love 1.Knowledge - divine truth -In order to abound in love or any fruit of the Spirit we must learn to see others with divine insight 1 Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. -God desires us to become mature in your faith by seeking truth and responding with a desire to obey.

Paul’s Prayer for His People Knowledge & Judgment are Crucial to Love 2. Judgment - making good use of what you know. Good decision making -So when you know the power of love, the question becomes will you make decisions based on your knowledge? Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Paul’s Prayer for His People Why all this “Love & Knowledge & Judgment”? 1)You would begin to “approve” the things God approves of 10. That ye may approve things that are excellent; 2) You would be aware of how to treat others that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 3) You would be filled with a “fruitful lifestyle” living righteously 11. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, 4) Ultimately to the glorifying of God...unto the glory and praise of God.