Paul's Prayer For The Saints Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. They abound in sincere love

2. They approve things excellent

3. They abide without offense

Introductory Remarks.

1. The apostle Paul held sincere regards for the church at Philippi. While in prison, he prayed for them, in the concern and love of a father for his children. Like Corinth, these were "his children in the gospel," 1 Corinthians 4:15. Paul prayed that they might abound in the faith of Christ and their love for each other and towards all men. The church loved Paul not just in words or tongue: "but in deeds and truth," 1 John 3:18. This is also our prayer for the church at Pickensville!

2. First, "That your love may abound yet more and more." Increasingly!

3. Second, "That your knowledge and judgment might be more fruitful."

4. Finally, "That you might be sincere and abide without offense until the day of Christ." We will now consider point one — "they abound in sincere love."

BODY OF LESSON

I THEY ABOUND IN SINCERE LOVE

A. Paul's prayer for Philippi was one of concern and sincerity. He wanted the Philippians not only to love: but to abound in love, yet more and more. They being filled to overflowing, like a river whose banks rise to flood the surrounding fields and forests. Increasing! He wanted their love to abound toward God, the Lord, to him, and towards all the saints. What a wonderful prayer for any church.

B. His prayer for Thessalonica. He penned: "And the Lord make you increase and abound in love one towards another, and all men, even as we to you; to the end, the Lord may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints," 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. My prayer is: That the Lord establish our hearts in love towards family, friends, and all the saints in Christ!

C. Love might abound. He desired the Philippians to grow up into Christ in all things. Especially in love. He wanted these saints to abound in sincere love! Jesus gave love its direction and order, Matthew 22:37-40. He said:

1. First, upward, to God. "And we love Him because He first loved us," 1 John 4:19.

2. Then, outward, to others (family, brethren, friends, and even our enemies), Matthew 5:43-48.

3. Lastly, inward, to ones' self. Learn to love yourselves, even during life's failures, as well as its successes. There will be both. So, learn to accept God's forgiveness while forgiving yourself and others!

NOTE: Illustrate, "brother Ron, my wife has become a historian."

D. Grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord. Pentecostal’s saints: "Continued in the apostles' doctrine," Acts 2:42. Why? They desired to grow. Peter encouraged it, 2 Peter 3:18. They continued in -- Visits, teachings, communion, and prayers for one another. Each saint must desire to grow in Christ, in all wisdom, grace, and knowledge, 1 Peter 2:1-3. This is how--

1. Study to "show thyself approved unto God," 2 Timothy 2:15; Proverbs 15:28.

2. Grow up in Christ, "in all things, speaking the truth in love," Ephesians 4:15.

3. Being no more children, "tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine," Ephesians 4:13-14.

E. Grow in sound judgment. To "discern both good and evil," Hebrews 5:12-14. To Ephesus he prayed: "That they might know the love of Christ which passes all knowledge, being filled with all the fullness of God," Ephesians 3:19.

NOTE: Illustrate making wise decisions regarding our faith, health, and daily lives. We must consider the CDC, HD, and the medical community's advice regarding COVID-19 health and safety protective measures.

1. Too much false, mis- and disinformation is being spread through multimedia News outlets, i.e., TV, Radio, Internet, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.

2. Nearly all of which are false! Many governors and political leaders are misrepresenting the dangers of this virus. Pay attention to the CDC, the health department, and the medical community. Follow the directions of your spiritual leaders, i.e., elders, evangelists, ministers, and deacons. They will inform you correctly of the "delta variant's" virulence to cause infection, sickness, and death.

3. Any information from leaders not consistent with the health and safety advice: issued by health and medical professionals, should not be followed. It is not accurate medical and health guidance. The simple truth is you must do these few things. They are:

a. Get vaccinated immediately (both shots). This is the most important thing you can do to "save yourself" and those you love. The death of children is rising across the nation (infants, children, and teens). Copy and paste the link below in your browser: The CDC's, COVID Data Tracker, https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_casesper100klast7days

b. Use social distancing always. Wear face protection in closed areas (restaurants, stores, business offices, and church gatherings, etc.). Keep your mouth and nose always covered when speaking to others (this protects them from you and you from them).