Philippians 1:3-11
Introduction: Paul was a mature believer and, in these verses, we find 5 marks of his maturity that we can all see and adopt as our own, so that we can grow as a Christian. So that we can be maturing in the faith.
Paul, the mature believer:
1. Was Thankful-Vs 3 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”. All Christians should thank God for their brothers and sisters in Christ instead of being in fights and disagreements.
- We shouldn’t harbor bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, or hatred toward other Christians. If we do that, how thankful are we to God for those other Christians. Part of the reason we cannot be thankful for other Christians is because we have joyously and envy.
- It’s amazing to think that anywhere in the world that we go, we can find Christians. Like minded believers that are there in the Christian fight, just like us, carrying the gospel to others where they are. And we should thank God for that.
- Aure’s illustration.
- Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful”.
2. Was Prayerful-Vs 4 “always in every prayer of mine”. The churches were always in Paul’s mind and prayers.
- Romans 1:9 for the Roman Church
- Ephesians 1:16 for the Ephesian church
- Colossians 1:3 and 4:12 for the Colossians church
- I Thessalonians 1:2 for the Thessalonians
- Praying thought-out the day for those churches is an amazing thing.
3. Was Joyful- Vs 4 joy, an inner gladness. A cheerful and rejoicing heart.
- Joy comes from God himself- There are 104 verses in Philippians, Lord, Jesus, and Christ are used 74 times, God or father 27 times, Holy spirit 2 times, 103 times speaking somehow of God. The point, true joy only comes from God himself, we cannot have Joy outside of the Lord. Psalm 43:4 Notice he doesn’t go to get Joy, BUT God is the exceeding Joy.
- Joy does not depend on circumstances or happiness- Psalm 5:11
- Joy of future rewards makes and keep the believer faithful- Matthew 25:21, Acts 20:24
- Romans 14:17 “and joy in the Holy Ghost”
- I peter 1:8 “ye rejoice with joy unspeakable”
4. Was Loving- Vs 9-10 A growing love is needed to be sincere and pure. To be pure, uncontaminated, not polluted, untainted. Only a growing love will keep our eyes focused upon Christ and his return.
- In Knowledge– Getting to know God daily. If we do not love him, we will not look unto him. If we love him, we will keep our eyes fastened on Him, longing to see Him and be with Him.
- Only love, true love, will keep us pure waiting for His return.
- Illustration– a young lady who loves the soldier and is awaiting his return. If she truly loves him, she will keep her eyes fastened upon him and keep herself pure.
- Single minded- Matthew 19:21 keeping our eyes on Him.
- In judgment, discernment- He wanted their judgment to be based on love, not on a Pharisaical, or holier than thou, attitude.
- Not judging after the flesh- John 8:15
- But rather, righteous judgment- John 7:24
Conclusion: a mature Christian should always be thankful to God for everything. Everything comes from God. Always be praying for other Christians where ever they may be. Should always be growing in their Joy, it comes from God. And always be loving towards God and others to judge and discern properly.