Philippians 1:3-11

Do you ever wish you were like Robinson Crusoe, living alone on a desert island away from difficult people? Would that be paradise to you?

The apostle Paul came to realize his need for other people. When Paul came into a relationship with the person of Christ, he moved from a user of people to a lover of people. Writing from a Roman prison cell in A.D. 61, Paul was near death, inflicted with pain, acutely aware of persecution, yet foremost for him were his relationships.

From Paul’s example and his writings we can learn what it takes to enjoy the people in our lives.

Thank God for the people in your life (v. 3).

At Philippi, Paul was arrested illegally, whipped, humiliated, and thrown in prison. Yet when he looked back he doesn’t dwell on the negative experiences, he thought of his friends. And for them he gave thanks. Paul wanted to leave no doubt about his gratitude for the people in his life.

Thankfulness is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good close friends are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness.

Become a team in a venture together (v. 5).

The Philippians weren’t just friends they were co-laborers in spreading the message of Jesus Christ, fighting along side. They were a team.

Team is reflected in the word partnership translated from the Greek koinonia. The word is translated as partnership, fellowship, communion, fellow-working, and sharing together. It means sharing or participating with someone in an experience.

When I think of the team that Paul had in the first century, I’m reminded of the team that the modern day Paul, Billy Graham, has today. The world famous evangelist has done more for the cause of Christ in the modern era than anyone alive. Yet Mr. Graham has had a terrific team including the likes of Cliff Barrows, Bev Shea, and Grady Wilson. They have been with him since the beginning of Mr. Graham’s ministry. I suspect he would say he could not have accomplished all that he has without this group of gifted and talented teammates. They have been with him to support, share the work, and encourage each other.

Be patient with their progress (v. 6).

When Paul looked at the people in his life, he looked at their future and their potential. Paul knew that what God starts, God finishes. The words began and completion are like bookends of life. They were technical terms that were used to indicate the beginning and ending of sacrifices. The One who lives within them has started or begun a good work in their lives (past tense), and will continue this work (present tense) until the day of Jesus Christ will complete it (future tense). Or as someone once wrote of God, “The work You have in me begun/ Will by Your grace be fully done.” Paul believed God had the power to change human personality.

We can do much to encourage and affirm the people in our lives. It helps to remember not just how far they have to go, but how far in which they have come.

Be affectionate from the heart (vv. 7-8).

The word affection means bowels. In the first century it was believed that the intestines, the stomach, the liver held the most tender parts of human emotions. Regardless of its source, Paul loved these people with tender affection and devotion.

If people aren’t on our hearts, they’re on our nerves. When we love from the heart it changes the people in our lives and us.

Practice positive praying (vv. 4, 9-11).

Notice the repetition of the word all: All my prayers . . . all of you . . . always with joy. That means that every time Paul prayed he prayed for all his friends with the spirit of delight.

Praying for the people in your life will change your attitude and change them. People may resist our advice, spurn our appeals, reject our suggestions, not listen to our help; but they are powerless against our prayers.

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Sermon brief provided by: Rick Ezell, a pastor and author in Naperville, IL