Philippians 1:18b-21: Paul has confidence in the power of prayer, the power in every believer and not in himself but confidence in God to deliver him. He is confident in the promises of Christ and his desire to stand for faith in the face of all trials.

Today’s passage, Philippians 1:12-18, Paul begins to give an account to the church of his current situation and his outlook on it. Paul has had some crazy things happen to him during his service to the Lord and now he is confined on house arrest in Rome. Yet, his heart is full as he bears witness to the advancement of the gospel throughout the imperial guard, to the other people that have come to him or heard of him, for the brothers and sisters, fellow believers, who proclaim the gospel with strengthened courage and boldness and even for those who preach Christ with a covert motive; to refute his position as an apostle and increase theirs.

Philippians 1:9-11, Paul prays for the church at Philippi to have the attributes necessary to Do the work of sanctification, in order that they may Be ready for Christ and Become fruitful while on earth, Giving all glory and praise to God.

Phil 1:7-8 From Paul's heart flows thoughts, emotions and prayers for the Philippians because they are partakers of grace in fellowship of the gospel, grace in imprisonment for the gospel and grace in defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Today we arrive at Philippians 1:6, where Paul connects his heartfelt gratitude with an encouraging statement of assurance.

Philippians 1:3-5: In these few verses, Paul’s memory bank account is opened to us, and we are handed a balance inquiry to see what He thanks God for, when he begins to think.

Philippians 1:1-2. The first two verses of this letter give us insight into the author, audience and greeting. Let's take a look. 

Paul, the author of this book, writing from prison, testifies to the joy in Christ. His letter encourages the church to rejoice in all circumstances. He also thanks them for their generosity, concern and is encouraging the Philippians to continue their allegiance to Jesus and the gospel truth as life’s purpose, life’s process, its reward and the source of life’s strength. 

We can graduate on earth from mind to heart, dark to light, old life to new life, common to holy, sand and salt and finally from earth to glory. 

God's gospel gears us to turn away from sin and toward him, spread the gospel we believe and live the gospel we share.