Paul’s Prayer for his People

Philippians 1:1-11, Colossians 1:1-17

Introduction: The way Paul prays: --giving thanks: for the memories Philippians 1:3

for the fellowship and partnership Philippians 1:5

for their love for the saints Colossians 1:3-4

for their love for him Colossians 1:8

--loving them in his heart Philippians 1:7-8

--with confidence Philippians 1:6

I.                    Asked that their love abound Philippians 1:9, John 13:35, Colossians 3:13 Knowledge of what it means to love like God, judgment based on love—discernment

II.                 Be filled with the knowledge of His will Colossians 1:9, wisdom is the fear of God, the Scriptures, spiritual understanding

III.               Walk worthy Colossians 1:10 (walk like you’re his), pleasing Him, Be sincere without wax Philippians 1:10, not a hypocrite, without offense or blameless like the preacher

IV.              Approve the excellent Philippians 1:10, discernment, look or seek the best not just good

V.                 Strengthened Colossians 1:11, patience or faithful endurance, constant love, having joy even in problems

VI.              Filled with fruits Colossians 1:10, Philippians 1:11, Matthew 5:16, soul winning, attending, nursing homes, praying, giving, jails, prisons, cooking, fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23

VII.            Increasing in the knowledge of God Colossians 1:10

a.       Know His righteousness Romans 10:3-4, Philippians 3:8-10

b.      To know him intimately without any veil I Corinthians 13:11-12

c.       Wanting to be like him and purifying myself each day I John 3:1-3

d.      To become conformed to His image Romans 8:28-29