Philippians 1:3-11

STP Devotional for the Week of 9/29/25

The next section of Paul’s letter demonstrates his love for the Philippian church. He tells them not only that he prays for them often, but that he also thanks God for them! What are you thankful for? Your family? Your faith? Your pet? Your home? I know we’re not at Thanksgiving time yet, but what Paul is getting at is being thankful every day and in all circumstances.

Paul first says he thanks God for them.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all

making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until

now. Philippians 1:3-5

Note that he says in all of his remembrances of them and “always in every prayer.” Is there anyone you pray for all the time? Do you pray for people when they come to mind?

Paul also tells us why he is thankful – because of their partnership in the gospel. We are all partners in the gospel here at STP. When we are in classes to put on a production, the goal is to spread the gospel from our stage. Pray for your fellow castmates. Pray for your directing staff and crew.

Paul goes on to say, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” in verse 6. When we start a class, God (who began the good work) will definitely bring it to completion. We’ve seen many shows that looked like they were in desperate situations, but God pulled out miracle after miracle to make the shows happen.

Paul then justifies his love for them so that even future readers will understand the devotion, support, and love that existed between Paul and the Philippians.

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all

partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of

the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:7-8

Have you ever been apart from your family or a friend who you loved? How much did you want to get back with them and spend time with them? Paul felt this type of kinship with the people of Philippi.

Paul winds up his Thanksgiving and Prayer by asking God to give them discernment and to fill themselves with the righteousness of Christ.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all

discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

Paul is in fact praying for their growth – growth in love that is not blind but discerning and growth in holiness. Sometimes we want things that aren’t good for us or won’t work for our benefit. God sees all of this and holds our future. Trusting Him to give us direction, knowledge, and discernment will help fill us with the Holy Spirit and help us to further the gospel for the good of all we encounter.

AT HOME: Have you prayed for your class and directing staff? How can you best support the mission of STP while in your class?