Paul's Prayer:

1
Paul's Prayer
Finish Strong! (Phil 19-11)
2
Finish Strong!
Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you
into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten
days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto
death, and I will give you the crown of life.
(Rev 210)
3
Finish Strong!
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to
what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
(Heb 21)
4
Finish Strong!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every
weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let
us run with endurance the race that is set before
us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter
of our faith, who for the joy that was set before
him endured the cross, despising the shame, and
is seated at the right hand of the throne of
God. (Heb 121-2)
5
Finish Strong!
Holding faith and a good conscience. By
rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their
faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander,
whom I have handed over to Satan that they may
learn not to blaspheme. (I Tim 119-20)
6
Pauls Prayer For The Philippians

• Prayed that their love would abound
• An abundance of love - Love more more (Phil
  19)
• This love is AGAPE - Benevolence, active goodwill
  
• A deliberate decision, committing myself to the
  good will of another (Eph 525 I Pet 122 Mt
  2237)
• They had shown great love in the past, this was
  to continue (Phil 415-16 2 Cor 81-5)
• Often we are zealous and focused when we first
  obey but then does it fade? (I John 316-18)
• Beyond their love for others stay strong in
  love for the Lord! (Acts 1917-20 Rev. 24)
• A love that is met with sound knowledge and
  discernment (Rom 101-3)

7
Pauls Prayer For The Philippians

• Prayed that they would approve things that were
  excellent (Phil 110)
• To test, try, and demonstrate it (Romans 122)
• Hidden treasure pearl of great price (Mt
  1344-46)
• Jesus emphasized this principle often
• Let the dead bury their dead follow Me! (Luke
  954-60)
• Martha was distracted, Mary chose better part
  (Mt 619-20)
• In the sermon on the mount - Spiritual focus (Mt
  619-20)
• Pursuit of things that really matter (Col 31-4)
• Focus our thoughts on excellent things (Phil
  48)
• A separating factor between the weak and the
  strong Christian where are you? (Jn 666 Heb
  514)

8
Pauls Prayer For The Philippians

• Prayed they would be sincere, without offense
• Real, dedicated, open heart toward God - a life
  that doesnt lead others astray (Phil 110)
• Great beginning at baptism (I Pet 321 Heb
  1022-23)
• Goal is to remain in this manner until we meet
  the Lord! (Prov 422 I Tim 15 2 Tim
  222 Rom 122)
• Conscience is a great powerful tool that must
  be developed treated right! (Rom 1413)

9
Pauls Prayer For The Philippians

• Prayed that they would be filled with the fruits
  of righteousness (Phil 111) A transformed
  life!
• The next logical step in spiritual growth! (Js
  317-18)
• Not of our own greatness, but a reflection of
  the glory of Christ His power! (Mt 56 Jn
  155)
• A great beginning when one first turns to the
  Lord in faithful obedience! (Col 16 Rom 117)
• Not the end Finish strong! (2 Pt 221 Rom
  612-13)
• FILLED with fruits of righteousness Filled with
  righteous works! (Mt 53-10 Gal 522-23
  Eph 210)
• Live a purpose driven life That purpose is to
  glorify God in everything we do! (2 Thess 112)

10
CONCLUSION

• This is a great prayer from the heart of one who
• Has a deep love for his brethren, knows their
  daily struggles, sees the intense war
  they are fighting
• Understands the great power that prayer has!
• We learn the importance of finishing strong
• In our love for others and in our love for the
  Lord
• In our approval of things that are excellent
• In our purity of heart and being without offense
• In being filled with the fruits of righteousness
• Will you pray this prayer for me? Will you pray
  it for yourself? Will you pray it for others?

11
You Can't Finish Strong
What You Never Began!
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized
and wash away your sins, calling on his name.
(Acts 2216)