Family Churchman Philippians 1:3-11 I thank my God on every remembrance of you,… At midnight in the Philippian prison Paul and Silas sang praises to God. The same joyous spirit breathes through this Epistle. And yet now he was a prisoner at Rome. I. THE SORROW OF HIS IMPRISONMENT IS TEMPERED BY HIS THOUGHT OF GOD. 1. He recognizes God as his God. He knows that God has led him and redeemed him, and that nothing can separate him from His love (Psalm 23.; 63:2). As it was with Paul and David, so it may be with us. "Whom have I in heaven but Thee." II. THE SORROW OF HIS SEPARATION FROM THE PHILIPPIANS IS LIGHTENED BY THOUGHT OF THEIR WELFARE. 1. He remembered them in his thanksgivings. (1) For their fellowship with each other in the gospel. (2) He had confidence in its continuance. 2. He remembered them in his supplications. (1) That their mutual affection, knowledge of truth, and spiritual perceptions might increase. (2) That they might be preserved pure and without offence to the day of Christ. (3) That they might be filled with the fruits of righteousness. Conclusion: Looking to God he felt thankful; thinking on what God had wrought by him, and praying for its perfection, he was happy. Here is the secret of ministerial joy. (Family Churchman.) Parallel Verses KJV: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, |
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