Paul’s Greeting and Prayer Philippians 1:1-11 2 Paul’s Greeting and Prayer Philippians 1:1-11

GREETING Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: - Philippians 1:1

Paul Apostle (messenger) – Acts 9:1-19 Timothy Evangelist (Proclaimer / Preacher) – I Timothy 4:14

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:2

Grace Code for all God has done to save us Peace Code for blessings of salvation

Grace and Peace Father Jesus }-{

PRAYER 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. - Philippians 1:3-5

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6

That God will bring them to full Christian maturity ready for the coming of Christ.

7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:7-8

Paul’s Feelings Towards the Philippians He has them in his heart

Paul’s Feelings Towards the Philippians He has them in his heart They are his partners

Paul’s Feelings Towards the Philippians He has them in his heart They are his partners They share rewards

Paul’s Feelings Towards the Philippians He has them in his heart They are his partners They share rewards God knows how he misses them

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; - Philippians 1:9-10

having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. - Philippians 1:11

That their love grow according to knowledge Paul’s Prayer That their love grow according to knowledge

Love grows as our knowledge increases.

Agape (love) Combines: Knowledge

Agape (love) Combines: Knowledge Wisdom and Understanding

Agape (love) Combines: Knowledge Wisdom and Understanding Faith and Hope

This love prepares one for judgment Paul’s Prayer That their love grow according to knowledge This love prepares one for judgment

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:35

Love honors God Paul’s Prayer That their love grow according to knowledge This love prepares one for judgment Love honors God

Fruit of Righteousness I Cor. 13:4-7 Gal. 5:22

Summary Give thanks Christ will finish maturing them He misses them He encourages them to grow in love

LESSON Our maturity in Christ is measured by our love

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. - I Timothy 1:5

Cultivating AGAPE love produces spiritual fruit which honors God and assures us of salvation.