Praying with Joy: Philippians 1:3-5
“3) I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4) always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5) in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3-5
We now have a small glimpse of Paul’s prayer life. He and Silas had suffered much in Philippi for the sake of the gospel. (Acts 16:16-30) Yet at midnight in the middle of their ordeal they sang hymns of praise to God. This resulted in an earthquake and a spiritual awakening.
Though it was now nearly ten years later, Paul was still filled with joy as he prayed for them. The main reason he gave was that they actively participated in the spread of the gospel.
This can be understood in two ways. First, they financially supported Paul in his mission work of carrying out the gospel to others. (See Philippians 4:10-20) God wants His people to step up and support those on the front lines of spreading the gospel. The church at Philippi was mission minded.
Second, they themselves were sharing the gospel within their own city and sphere of influence. The church at Philippi was fruitful in the cause of the gospel locally. They were impacting their city with the gospel.
These two components are primary indicators of a healthy church and dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ. God wants every believer to be active on these two levels. (See John 15:1-16). This is not an “either-or” scenario. This is a “both-and” calling.
Two things happen in the lives of believers and churches who participate actively on these two levels with the spread of the gospel. They are filled with joy and they witness God’s miraculous power at work. (Acts 1:8)
If you want to “experience God”, you must live a Great Commission lifestyle. That means both doing and giving. Step up and make participating in the spread of the gospel one of your highest priorities and passions.
When you do this, buckle your seat belt. You are about the experience the power of God at work. You will start living in stories like those recorded in the book of Acts.
But be warned, your little theology boxes where you have intellectually stuffed God will be shattered in the process. Why? God always confirms His words with signs that follow. (See Mark 16:20 and Hebrews 2:4)
God is passionate about the spread of the gospel. (John 3:16-17) If you want to connect with His heart, start telling people about His Son! If you want to start living in the power of the Holy Spirit, tap into His promise. (Acts 1:4-8)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“3) I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4) always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5) in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3-5
We now have a small glimpse of Paul’s prayer life. He and Silas had suffered much in Philippi for the sake of the gospel. (Acts 16:16-30) Yet at midnight in the middle of their ordeal they sang hymns of praise to God. This resulted in an earthquake and a spiritual awakening.
Though it was now nearly ten years later, Paul was still filled with joy as he prayed for them. The main reason he gave was that they actively participated in the spread of the gospel.
This can be understood in two ways. First, they financially supported Paul in his mission work of carrying out the gospel to others. (See Philippians 4:10-20) God wants His people to step up and support those on the front lines of spreading the gospel. The church at Philippi was mission minded.
Second, they themselves were sharing the gospel within their own city and sphere of influence. The church at Philippi was fruitful in the cause of the gospel locally. They were impacting their city with the gospel.
These two components are primary indicators of a healthy church and dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ. God wants every believer to be active on these two levels. (See John 15:1-16). This is not an “either-or” scenario. This is a “both-and” calling.
Two things happen in the lives of believers and churches who participate actively on these two levels with the spread of the gospel. They are filled with joy and they witness God’s miraculous power at work. (Acts 1:8)
If you want to “experience God”, you must live a Great Commission lifestyle. That means both doing and giving. Step up and make participating in the spread of the gospel one of your highest priorities and passions.
When you do this, buckle your seat belt. You are about the experience the power of God at work. You will start living in stories like those recorded in the book of Acts.
But be warned, your little theology boxes where you have intellectually stuffed God will be shattered in the process. Why? God always confirms His words with signs that follow. (See Mark 16:20 and Hebrews 2:4)
God is passionate about the spread of the gospel. (John 3:16-17) If you want to connect with His heart, start telling people about His Son! If you want to start living in the power of the Holy Spirit, tap into His promise. (Acts 1:4-8)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
