1. Paul’s Thankfulness Philippians 1:3-8
Studies in Philippians

2. Thankfulness (3-4)
I thank God – a fundamental quality in the Christian’s life
In everything we are to give thanks Philippians 4:6 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Colossians 3:17 1 Timothy 2:1 – all men, everywhere

3. Thankfulness (3-4) For every remembrance of you – precious memories
Memories can be good or bad. It depends upon what and HOW we want to remember something. Our mindset
Paul dwells upon the goodness of these brethren (they were not perfect and not everything that happened was good), but Paul SAW their goodness and CHOSE to remember that

4. Thankfulness (3-4) For every remembrance of you
How do we seek to remember our brethren? Do we have “selective memory”? What are we doing to make how others remember us pleasant?
NOTE: This is not saying we ignore sin or what is wrong!

5. Thankfulness (3-4) Always in every prayer of mine
Frequently – we have much to be thankful for. Ephesians 1:16, 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 1:2
Are we counting our blessings?

6. Thankfulness (3-4) Making requests
Thankfulness begets requests for others.
Do we pray for one another?
1 Timothy 2:1 James 5:16 Ephesians 6:18 1 Samuel 12:23, Samuel kept praying for Israel

7. Thankfulness (3-4) For you all
He was not selective about which brethren to pray for and remember.
Sometimes the ones who need our prayers the most are those who trouble us
With joy – this was not something Paul dreaded to do

8. Fellowship (5) For your Fellowship
Fellowship – sharing, something in common. “Joint participation”
Our fellowship is association based upon close mutual relationship – a bond is there We are a spiritual family

9. Fellowship (5) For your Fellowship
7 times in Philippians – Here, 1:7 – partakers 2:1, 3:10 – fellowship 4:14 & 15 – shared in distress, and giving & receiving

10. Fellowship (5) In the gospel
That which binds us together. Christ brought us together – Ephesians 2:14-16 Galatians 3:27-28 – we are one in Christ John 17:11, Corinthians 15:1 Philippians 1:27 – conduct worthy of the gospel

11. Fellowship (5) From the first day until now
Either at their reception (with Lydia) Acts 16:15, or their continued support often from the time he left them (Philippians 4:15-16, 3:20, poss. 2 Corinthians 8:1)

12. Confident (6-7)
Confident – persuaded, convinced. Accepted with complete trust
7 times in this letter 1:14 they have been made confident 1:25 – confident he will remain 2:24 – trust in the Lord 3:3-4 – (3x) no “confidence in the flesh”

13. Confident (6-7) Confidence in God – God doesn’t fail!
He can preserve us and complete the good work He has begun
Why confidence in God? He works Hebrews 4:12, through His word James 1:2-3, making us better 2 Corinthians 7:6, Hebrews 12:12-13, through our brethren Romans 8:1, 11-14, through His Spirit
Ephesians 3:20

14. Confident (6-7) Confidence in his brethren –
“I have you in my heart” – deep seated, not superficial
Both in my chains and in the defense (1 Peter 3:15, Philippians 1:17) and confirmation of the gospel –they had proven themselves to stand with Him and with God

15. Confident (6-7) Partakers with me of grace
Another description of that which binds us together (2 Peter 1:1)
A part of this grace was that Paul experienced the proclamation of the gospel to the Gentiles – Ephesians 3:2, 8

16. Confident (6-7) Thus, God would complete the good works begun in them
Their fellowship with him was a source of his confidence – “partakers” (vs. 7)
How wonderful to have relationship that gives us confidence to stand up for them and for God

17. Longing with affection (8)
Greatly longing for them
We continue to see Paul’s love and relationship with them
God is his witness

18. Longing with affection (8)
With the affection of Jesus
Affection – “bowels” (KJV) – the seat of emotions. Tender mercies
He cared for them the way Jesus cares – He left heaven (Phil. 2:5-8) - He gave Himself (John 15:13) How is our affection for one another? 1 John 3:16

19. How thankful are we for our brethren?
Studies in Philippians