Paul’s Intercessory Prayer - 1

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 ).