Farewell Message

I never really understood the depth of these verses (Phil. 1:3-11) until I had received my first pastorate and had to leave my home church. When I was saying goodbye to the church family, the ones who had cared for me for the past years I had been there, these verses came alive and I could see what Paul was talking about with the expectation that he may not return to see them but with the hope that he would return.

I want you to think what you would say to a local group of believers if it was your last message and the thoughts are crossing your mind that you might never see them again.

Context: Paul is in a Roman Prison apparently very near the emperor since the Pratorian Guard is present. Possibly he is even in the emperor's personal residence since Paul is able to share the gospel with members of Cesar's household.

1:3-5- Paul is grateful for the way the Philippians served him in ministry (4:10-18).  They cared for him while no one else would.  He prays for them constantly.

What we see is a gratefulness from Paul, because their giving to him. So what I would like you to see something here.

Why does Paul thank God for what the Philippians gave him?  Simply, everything we do is inter-related to what God is doing.  So Paul thanks God for every blessing that we have been given, even by others.

    1. 1. God useshumaninstruments to fulfillhis work.

Paul is praising God when he prays for the Philippian church.  God used the church to care for Paul, even while he was facing hardships all for the sake of the Gospel.

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[These are notes made for future use.  I will continue to add to the notes so they may be incomplete. Feel free to comment, or disagree.  I would love to read how the Spirit leads you though these verses.]

Created 9 months ago