Philippians 1:3-8

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Paul Gives Thanks for the Philippian Believers

What does Paul thank the Lord for concerning the Philippian believers?
What was the problem in the church at Philippi?
What is “the day of Jesus Christ”? When will it come?
Salvation and sanctification are guarantees for every Christian. What does this mean?
Defense and confirmation are privileges of every Christian. What does this mean?

For their faith and their help in spreading the gospel
A minor rift was beginning to take place, causing disunity. We are not told what it was.
It refers to the coming of Christ for His church, and the events associated with it. This is called the Rapture. The Rapture can occur at any time. Perhaps today!
See Philippians 1:6. The “good work” is the believer’s salvation and sanctification. When we become Christians, we are saints by position (salvation). Sanctification is the process whereby we become more saintly in practice, only by God’s help.
The defense of the faith answers questions from the critics. Confirmation establishes the faith more firmly in the hearts of believers.

How can you defend the faith? How can you confirm the faith? Do you consider it a privilege to defend and confirm the faith?
How do you show impartial love to all believers? How do you fail in showing impartial love to all believers?

Pray according to the pattern of Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:3-5. Are there people in your life who give you this kind of joy? Do you give others reasons to pray for you like this?

…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:6