“Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4. In every prayer of mine for you all (Southwest Ga. Translation “y’all”) making request with joy.”
The introduction to Philippians shows the positive nature of the letter. It also contains an example for us in our Christian fellowship. According to the Analytical Greek Lexixon, the word translated “every remembrance of you” can also be translated “every mention of you.” First, this had to do with Paul’s memory of them after his visit and their support since his visit. Every time he thought of them, he was thankful. Don’t you have people in your life for which you are thankful when you think of them? This hits at the very heart of Christian fellowship. How thankful are you with the memories of your fellowship with your fellow Christians? Your answer may speak of your attitude as much as theirs, be it positive or negative. Maybe we need to pause here and take stock of our “thankful quotient.” Second, Paul was thankful every time he “mentioned” them when he prayed. My point here is that we need to pray for each other. When we pray for each other, we are not as apt to break fellowship, as when we fail to pray for each other. It would really help if we would pray thankfully when we mention each other in prayer. Third, think of the difference in your fellowship in your church if you prayed for each member your church by name, and thanked God for each of them as you prayed. It is at least worth a try isn’t it? It surely will not do harm to your Christian witness, and to your sense of fellowship in your church. I’m trying to imagine what would happen in your church if you decided to try this prayer exercise. Well, bring it up at the church where you are a member. You could at least mention that your suggestion is biblical. Fourth, I have a vital question for you concerning this matter of thankful prayer: Do you think that you are a person that members of your church could honestly be thankful for when they prayed for you? At least give this serious thought. I seriously think that if churches would adopt what I will call, “The Philippians 1:3 Prayer Project, ” it would make a difference in their witness to their communities. It will make a positive difference in your own prayer life and in your fellowship at your church. It would not hurt to try it! Bro. Joe
1 Comment
Patty Brown
7/30/2016 06:30:13 am
Wonderful to start my day off with such GOOD teaching, Bro. Joe! So glad you are still working on this blog. Blessings, Patty
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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