In Paul's letter to the Philippians in 1:12-18 he gives them a testimony of what the Lord has and is doing in his life. It’s interesting that when we read about the life of Paul as it is revealed through Scripture we see that Pauls life was a life that was marked with hardships, difficulties, let downs, depression, being abased, threatenings, danger, and discouragement. To say that Paul’s life was easy would be an understatement. Yet Pauls life was filled with joy even in the midst of his most unpleasant circumstances.

Unfortunately there are many who believe that a life without difficulty or disappointment is the mark of a Christian life that is blessed by God or that if they have difficulties or disappointments in their life then God’s love must not be towards them.

As we have been looking at this letter to the Philippian church Paul has just expressed his joy and his love for all the believers at this church in Philippi. On the heels of his greetings, we find his prayer for this church 1:9-11. The prayer only covers three verses but yet it is a tremendous and spirit filled prayer for this church. I believe that the words Paul prays for this church comes from an intense desire for them to grow in their love and fellowship towards each other. What’s awesome though is this prayer is not just for this church at Philippi, this prayer is Holy Spirit inspired Scripture and therefore it is for every church and every believer.

In this second part Paul tells us that we are to be abounding in love with discernment.

As we have been looking at this letter to the Philippian church Paul has just expressed his joy and his love for all the believers at this church in Philippi. On the heels of his greetings, we find his prayer for this church 1:9-11. The prayer only covers three verses but yet it is a tremendous and spirit filled prayer for this church. I believe that the words Paul prays for this church comes from an intense desire for them to grow in their love and fellowship towards each other. What’s awesome though is this prayer is not just for this church at Philippi, this prayer is Holy Spirit inspired Scripture and therefore it is for every church and every believer.

Philippians 1:6 "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

The letter that Paul wrote to the church at Philippi just overflows with joy. Even when Paul penned these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he is convinced and sure of the completion of the salvation process that will take place at the day of Christ. Remember where Paul was. He was in a prison. He had seen what God had done in the believers lives at Philippi and he himself with assurance knows that the work that God began in their life would also be the same God who would bring it to completion it on the day of Christ.

Today we begin journeying our way through another book of God’s Word. In light of the most recent events that have erupted in our country I think it’s a good reminder to bring our focus back to the Word of God and renew our mind with the truths of Scripture. If we’re not careful we can be sucked dry by feeding on all the things that are going on and forget to renew our inner man.

The book of Philippians speaks to our life and reminds us of joy, unity and fulfillment that we can find in Jesus Christ.