APRIL 2, 2025 – THANKSGIVING AND JOY

READ: Acts. 16:25-34

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now…” – Phil. 1:3-5

Paul is grateful and joyful—not just occasionally, but continuously—whenever he thinks of the church in Philippi and prays for them. This is remarkable because Paul is in prison while writing this letter.

He even considers that he would rather depart to be with his Savior (Phil. 1:23), yet he knows he still has a great task to fulfill for Christ. This makes him thankful.

In prison, he is far from the church he established during his second missionary journey and with whom he has such fond memories. Despite the distance, he is filled with joy and gratitude to God, who has given so much to him and the church.

He recalls precious moments that revealed the greatness of God’s grace—such as the conversion of Lydia, the seller of purple cloth, and the jailer from the prison where he and Silas were imprisoned. He remembers the establishment of church leadership and the congregation’s heartfelt faith and service.

Besides thanking God, Paul continually prays for the church, persistently entrusting them to God. It is never a burden to him—he does it with joy. He prays for them every day, ever since he has known them.

Paul states that his deep connection with this church is because they share in the gospel. They live by it and spread it in their surroundings. Because of their active faith, they face difficulties, experiencing hostility from the local population, yet they persevere. Though not wealthy, they give generously to Paul (Phil. 4:14-16) and to others, such as the church in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:1-5).

Paul gives a strong testimony of this church and, at the same time, serves as an example of compassion within the fellowship of believers. 

How and how often do you pray for the church?

Sing: Hymn 46:2 (1984) / 61:2 (2014)