Introduction

In Philippians 1:1–11, Paul’s opening to the Philippian church reveals his deep affection, prayers, and confidence in God’s work among them. His emphasis on unity, partnership in the gospel, and abounding love invites believers to reflect on their faith journey and relationships within the body of Christ.

Key Points

• Main Point: God calls us to be united in love, grow in faith, and partner in spreading the gospel, confident in His ongoing work in our lives.
• Purpose: Remember that our lives reflect Christ’s transforming work and glorify God as we love and serve Him and others.

Philippians 1:1–2

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul uses “saints” to describe all Christians—those made right with God through faith in Jesus, despite struggles like division or unbelief. This title emphasizes that their standing with God depends entirely on Christ’s finished work, not their actions. As saints, believers are forgiven, called by grace, and invited to rejoice daily in what God has already accomplished for them.

Philippians 1:3–4

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy…

Paul opens his letter by joyfully thanking God for the Philippians and praying for them, demonstrating genuine care and remembrance. This highlights the importance of thanking God for others and praying for them with joy, whether as leaders or fellow believers.

Philippians 1:5

…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Paul saw the Philippians not as mere members of a religious group but as active partners in spreading the gospel, even amidst opposition. This spurs us to faithfully engage with our local church, partnering in the mission of spreading the good news under the guidance of its leaders. Together, we fulfill the Great Commission in unity and purpose.

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.

Paul assures the Philippians that the God who saved them by grace through faith will continue His transformative work, making them more like Christ until it is completed when Jesus returns. Believers can have confidence that God, who began this good work, will faithfully see it through to completion.

Philippians 1:7

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Paul deeply values the Philippians as co-participants of God’s grace during his trials. Similarly, as members of a local church, we share in this grace by engaging with sermons and actively supporting and encouraging our leaders in their ministry.

Philippians 1:8–9a

For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more…

Paul deeply loved the Philippians and prayed that their love would grow abundantly—toward God, toward him, and most tangibly, toward one another—creating a continuous flow of God’s love among His people. We too can pray for this, asking to yearn for one another with Christ-like affection and for our love to abound more and more.

Philippians 1:9–10

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…

Paul prays that the Philippians’ love grows abundantly, shaped by the purity and excellence of Christ, so it remains selfless and blameless, especially when Jesus returns. Similarly, the Lord desires to purify our love from selfish intentions, enabling us to love like Jesus and stand blameless on the day of His return.

Philippians 1:10b–11

…and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Being made right with God through faith in Jesus produces a love that increasingly reflects the purity of God’s love. This right believing leads to right living, bringing glory and praise to God. The fruit of our lives reveals how firmly our focus is on Jesus and His finished work, reminding us that God has cleansed us from our past sins.

Conclusion

Philippians 1:1–11 encourages believers to grow in love, unity, and partnership in the gospel, trusting God’s ongoing work in their lives. Through joyful prayer, selfless love, and righteous living, we glorify God and prepare for the day of Christ.

Summary

• Saints are redeemed by grace through faith, not by their deeds (1:1–2).
• Spiritual leaders like Paul model joyful prayers and gratitude for others (1:3–4).
• Gospel partnership involves active participation in spreading God’s Word (1:5).
• God will complete His transforming work in us at Jesus’ return (1:6).
• Believers are co-partakers in grace, supporting and encouraging one another (1:7).
• Love must abound with Christ-like selflessness, purity, and discernment (1:8–10).
• Right living reflects our belief in Christ and glorifies God (1:10b–11).