Ep 697 – Philippians 1:1-11

This is the first in our series on Paul's letter to the Philippians. Written while he was a prisoner in Rome, this letter is one of what are known as the pastoral epistles, letters written by Paul and intended to encourage the churches he had helped to start. Paul had a pastor's heart that showed up in his intense desire that the believers in Philippi grow up in their salvation. These people were near and dear to Paul. They had even provided him with financial support. Like a loving father, Paul wrote to his children in the faith, encouraging them to keep on growing in Christ-likeness. In the opening chapter, and the first 11 verses, we will see Paul lifting up a heart-felt prayer on behalf of his friends in Philippi. He may be separated from them by many miles and prevented from visiting them because of his imprisonment. But he could pray for them, and he did. He was grateful for their friendship and support, but also for their increasing faith in God and their determination to live lives that mirrored that of Christ.