(REFLECTIONS ON Philippians 1:1-11)

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes that every prayer for the church is a prayer with joy. What was the source of this joy? What led Paul to always offer prayer with joy even while in prison while writing to the church in Philippi?

It was because the Lord was working in the church leading not only to faithful worship, but also faithful growth. Paul’s prayer with joy was because the church were partakers of grace with him, both in imprisonment, defense and confirmation of the gospel.

The Philippians walked in the way of faith as Paul had taught them, defending the gospel, confirming the gospel, and sacrificing for the gospel. The Lord was working deep within the church in Philippi and that led Paul to continue to pray with such joy and thanksgiving in his heart for them.

Paul’s joy was not only because of what the church in Philippi had done or become, but also because of the beautiful image of growth and maturity that would continue in them until the day of Christ Jesus.

6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Paul was confident in the Lord, that He who began a good work in the church in Philippi would perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. This speaks to the ongoing journey of faith that would lead to growth and maturity for the church moving forward.

Brothers and sisters, may our prayers for one another, SLPC, the EM, and the global church be a prayer of joy because despite the brokenness and decay of the world, we can still see God working and perfecting the work that He began until the day of Christ Jesus.

Yes, let us have joy, not because our life or the country we live in is perfect, but because He who began a good work in His church will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Let us then continue to defend and confirm the gospel even in the midst of suffering and may we also always offer prayer with joy in every prayer that we pray.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Philippians 1