Philippians 1:3-11
Summary for Phil 1:3-11: 1:3-11 a Following his usual practice, Paul thanks God for the recipients and prays for them.Summary for Phil 1:4-6: 1:4-6 b Paul’s joy derived from how the Philippians had joined him as partners in spreading the Good News and from his confidence that God would continue his good work in them.
1:5 c Their partnership included financial support (see 4:10-20 d).
1:6 e God, who began the good work within you: God takes the initiative to work his salvation in people (see Rom 9:16 f; Eph 1:3-8 g, 11 h; 2:4-10 i), so he can be trusted to continue his work of changing people into the likeness of his Son (see Rom 8:29 j; Eph 4:13 k, 15 l).
1:7 m You share with me the special favor of God: Perhaps their lives were blessed because of Paul’s suffering and witness; perhaps they had suffered together with him (see 1:29 n).
Summary for Phil 1:9-10: 1:9-10 o Love is a fruit of Christ’s Spirit within believers (Rom 5:5 p; Gal 5:22 q).
• growing in knowledge and understanding: In this way, believers can understand what really matters (see Rom 12:2 r) and live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return (cp. 1 Thes 3:12-13 s; 5:23 t).
1:11 u Righteous character cannot be produced by human effort; it comes only through the Spirit of Christ working in people’s hearts.
• Glory and praise to God is the ultimate purpose for which God’s people live (see Eph 1:6 v, 12 w, 14 x).
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