Praise: Affection and Appreciation

Paul's message to the Philippians begins with gratitude, as he remembers their participation in the spread of the gospel with him. He offers every prayer with joy for them as he entrusts them to God. Their ministry with Paul gives him complete assurance of their salvation and a guarantee that Jesus Christ will complete the work in them until He comes back to reign. Paul could rest in Christ - the Philippians had proved their faith and love over and over in Paul's life by not only helping him in his imprisonment, but also helping him in verbal defense of the gospel. Paul desired God's best for them with a sincere heart that had supernaturally come from Christ Jesus.