Philippines 1:4-11 - Prayers and the ministry

Immediately following his introduction and salutation, Paul gave thanks and prayed for the Philippians. He wanted them to know about what God had done in their lives and what He would continue to do for them. Verse 6 made it explicitly clear that God would continue to work in their lives. He said, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” God’s goal was and still is, to help believers come to be fully conformed to Christ. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we know that God through His Spirit has began His work in our lives, to make us more and more complete in our Lord.

This church in Philippi was Paul’s committed partner in the propagation of the Gospel right from her inception. So as he considered the support and commitment of the Philippians, Paul was moved to thank God and offer prayers for them. He saw the responses and support of the Philippians toward him as an act of divine initiative. He was confident that God, Who had initiated the work in their lives, would also sustain them. He was sure that God would complete His work in them. It was out of this conviction that those thanksgiving and supplication flowed.

Verse 7 showed the reason why Paul was convinced that God was working in the lives of the Philippians. It was the way they stood unwaveringly by him in his imprisonment and supporting his defense and confirmation of the Gospel. In so doing, the Philippians had become partakers of the grace of God with him.

He also elaborated on what he began in verse 4 about prayer, by sharing the content of his prayer. Paul was deeply motivated by his love for them to pray for them. And this love he demonstrated toward them was with all the affection of Christ Jesus.

Firstly, he prayed for them to have an overflowing love toward other believers. He prayed that they would not just love in a sentimental sense but in ways inspired by their knowledge of God and deep spiritual insight and perception. Verse 10 tells us of Paul’s two desires for them. His desire was that they would know what is excellent and best for them. And that they would also be able to live blameless and sincere lives till Christ returns.

Secondly, he prayed for them to be filled with the fruit of righteousness. This righteousness, Paul said, “… comes through Jesus Christ.” This is the kind of life which a believer obediently co-operate with Christ and demonstrate His likeness. When such a life is clearly demonstrated, God would be praised and glorified.

Let’s stay confident in Christ for He who has begun a work in our life will help us to attain the goal and reach our completeness in Him. He has sent His Holy Spirit into our lives and He wants us to work in tandem with Him. The Spirit will lead us but we on our part must respond in obedience to Him. As we do so God will give us the growth and make us more and more conform to Christ.