Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Yesterday we began looking at Paul's greeting and opening prayer and praise for the believers at Philippi. We ended with verse 6, which expresses his confidence that God will complete the work He began (through Paul's ministry) there. We find immediately here that Paul had a great affection for and positive attitude toward this body of believers. Not only had he been there to teach, worship, and fellowship with them - they had demonstrated care and concern for him when they found out he was in prison, sending support and representatives to visit him. He wants to visit them as he did other congregations he had established, but obviously with a deeper affection than others. As great as this church seemed to be, he still kept praying for more - for more wisdom, love, and spiritual fruit. We get no hint that there is something terribly wrong, but that there are places they need to be stronger in love, discernment, and holiness. It is clear that Paul desires nothing but the best for this church and her members.
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