Paul’s Intercessory Prayer - 1
TEXT
: Phil. 1:3-11INTRODUCTION
: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 ).