When the apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi, probably from Rome C.A.D. 62, he encouraged the Philippians to live as citizens of a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve God and one another. Jesus is the supreme example of this way of life.
Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus try to be good examples as well. As Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, he had several purposes in mind: (1) to tell them that Epaphroditus had recovered from a serious illness; (2) to encourage them in their faith; (3) to assure them that he was still in good spirits; and (4) to thank them for their continued support.

Sermon Notes
PAUL’S THANKFULNESS AND JOY FOR THESE BROTHERS AND SISTERS (v.3-8)
- Thankful for their____________ faithful ____________(fellowship) in the Gospel. (v.5)
- Thankful that God is continuing His work _____________ (us). (v.6)
- Thankful they (we) are partakers of the _____________ of God as Paul.
(v.7)
- Thankful they have ____________for Paul in his imprisonment. (v.7)
- Thankful they have continued in their _____________and_____________ of the gospel.
(v.7)
- Paul loves them and longs for them with the __________ __ _____ ______.” (v.8)
PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THEM (v.9-11)
- That their _________may ___________more and more. (v.9)
- That their love may abound WITH ____________. (v.9)
- That their love may abound WITH _____________. (v.9)
SO THAT...... Love with all knowledge and insight leads to a particular way of living.

- You may approve what is________________. (v.10)
- You may be ___________and ____________for the day of Christ. (v.10)
- You may be filled with the _____ __ ____________that comes through Jesus Christ. (v.11)
GALATIANS 5:22-24
- All of this for what purpose? “To the __________and__________ of
God.” (v.11) MATTHEW 5:13-16
* This is the work God ______in you. This is the work God is _________in you.
* This is the work God ______ ______________ in you!