'Phil 1:1-11

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Phil 1:1-26 PAUL’S EXPERIENCES DURING IMPRISONMENT

A prayer for the Philippians (Phil 1:1-11)

In greeting the church, Paul mentions in particular the church leaders, as these had probably been responsible for arranging the collection of gifts sent to him (Phil 1:1-2).

He is thankful not only for the present gift, but for the many gifts they have sent him, from his first visit to their city to his current imprisonment. Through their prayers and gifts they have been true partners with him in spreading the gospel (Phil 1:3-5).

Paul prays that the work of God in their lives will continue to grow and develop till it reaches perfection in the day when they stand before Christ. Paul’s feelings of joy towards them are but a reflection of Christ’s feelings (Phil 1:6-8).

As they learn more of God and his ways, they will learn how to act towards one another with genuine love. They will also learn how to act in choosing what is spiritually helpful and rejecting what is not. Their lives will be filled with truly good qualities and will be pleasing to God (Phil 1:9-11).