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MAKING REQUEST WITH JOY 030607

Text: Phil 1:1-11
3 June 2007

(I) THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL IN MAKING REQUEST WITH JOY

“Always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy” Philippians 1:4

1. As a personal practice (despite sufferings Philippians 1:7)

2. As a pastoral practice

3. As a consistent practice

4. As a powerful practice of faith

(II) THE BASES OF JOY IN PRAYER

1. Good Healthy Friendship

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” Philippians 1:3

2. Godly fellowship with each other

a) Gospel centred fellowship

“For your fellowship in the gospel…” Philippians 1:5

b) Continuing fellowship

“…from the first day until now” Philippians 1:5

i) The fellowship with Lydia ( Acts 16:15 )

ii) The fellowship with the Philippian jailer. ( Acts 16:34 )

c) Co-partakers of the grace of God

“…you all are partakers with me of grace.” Philippians 1:7

3. Great confidence in God’s good work in lives

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

a) It is God who begins this work

b) It is God who would finish this work

(III) MAKING DEFINITE PRAYER REQUESTS

“And this I pray…” Philippians 1:9

As Paul thought about the Philippian Church, he also make definite prayers request for them

1. Increasing in love (and joy)

“…that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment” Philippians 1:9

2. Walking alright (that leads to joy)

“That you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ” Philippians 1:10

3. Bearing much fruits (that our joy may be full)

“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:11

4. (Joy in) bringing glory to God.

“…to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:11

(IV) THE CHALLENGE TO MAKE REQUESTS WITH JOY

1. Do we know how to make request for others?

2. Do we know how to have joy as we make request?

3. Do we know how to pray for our own growth and the growth of others?