The apostle Paul writes with love and gratitude to the Church at Philippi, unlike some of his other letters which address major problems in their congregations.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1
Paul’s opening remarks are very positive towards those he knew and established as the Church of Phillipi.
4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with JOY (a key word in Paul’s letter to this Church) 5 because of your PARTNERSHIP (koinonia) in the gospel from the first day until now, ( probably over a period of ten years)
Paul speaks about the Philippians as a Church that brings him Joy, 1:25,26, their memory was and is a blessing to him.
25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and JOY in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting(JOY) in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
They were the one Church that supported him financially, particularly when imprisoned in Rome. The Greek word ‘koinonia’, used for partnership has a business, as well as spiritual connotation. If a business prospers or fails, then everyone in the partnership is affected, the relationship is that binding. So Paul thanked them for partnering (in the spiritual sense means Fellowship), with Him in the Gospel. Perhaps the Church today should place a higher value on those who are partnering with the sharing of the Gospel.
… 6 being CONFIDENT of this, that HE who began a good work in you will CARRY IT ON TO COMPLETION until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
Paul ends his opening statement to the Philippians by expressing Confidence that God Himself will finish the work that has already begun. He can’t be with them himself, but he knows that ultimately it’s God who builds His Church. This is the positive side of our faith today, God has begun something in us as well and He’s working on bringing it to a completion. We need to be willing to ‘partnership’ with Him. The Philippians had aligned themselves to Paul and his ministry, no doubt out of great gratitude, but they continued to support and help him. God is working with us and we need to align ourselves to His cause and support His work wherever and however we can.
Paul concludes with the powerful prayer that he in turn is praying for those in Phillipi;
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.
We can also pray this for those we know in the Faith today.
God bless and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you peace.