Philippians 1:1-11

Today, were going to talk about being thankful and praying to God, so lets begin by turning in our Bibles to Philippians 1:1-11. (Read Verse 1) - Now, the definition of a saint is Christians; people whom God has made holy and can either be a Christian who is alive on earth or one who is already in heaven. We are saints because God made us holy through the cross and we need to lead others to Christ in order to allow them to become saints as well. Just like Paul and Timothy, we need to be servants of Christ and servants of others. As a servant, we need to do exactly as God says or what would please him. I know that its impossible to completely obey God, but we need to try our hardest and ask for forgiveness when we do the wrong thing. God is our master and hes like a one of a kind master, meaning hes like no other because hes forgiving and gives us so many chances with him. He loves us like no one else can and we need to be thankful for what hes given us. He supplies all of our needs and because of that, we need to go into a time of prayer and thank him even for the simple things. (Read Isaiah 53:6) - Even Christians need to be looked after by others and follow their steps and look up to them and we need to do as theyre doing as long as its a Christ-like action. God is our highest overseer and watches us because we act like lost sheep that need to find our way back home. We all, as Christians, no matter where we are, are united through Christ as the church. The church needs to act as one in order to help each other when theyre in a time of need and they need to build them up with complements. A church that isnt united isnt a true church at all! They wouldnt help each other or build them up because instead, they would do the complete opposite and would tear each other down and would only think about themselves and would only do things that they think will benefit them. Be united as Christians and help each other through each others time of need.

(Read Verse 2) - We often need to remind ourselves how much God really loves us because he has given us his grace. He sent his son to die for mankind, who was totally wicked and was following the worlds ways. We also need to remind ourselves to calm down and fill ourselves up with Gods peace. (Read Verses 3-6) Be thankful for even the smallest things because, quite often, people elsewhere dont even have the smallest of the comforts that we have. God has blessed us with everything that hes given us. If we lived in another poor country, then we wouldnt have a comfy bed or possibly even a tooth brush. Be thankful for what you do have and dont be lustful about what you dont have. Also, be thankful that you have Christian families that surround us and that take care of us like were special. Be glad that you have a wonderful family that fills you up with their joy and love. They love you so much, and we need to be in total prayer to God to thank him for that. We have Christian friends that are there for us and help us during our time of need or while were going through tough trials. You also need to be there as a Christian friend and help each other out. Treat each other how you would want to be treated. When you pray, dont only pray about yourself and your family, but pray for other Christians around the world too. They need help from God as well, and you can help them, even if they dont know that youre doing so. Pray with joy because you have more than what you actually need. God provided everything that you have. We need to obey the commands of God and have a true relationship with him by accepting him into your heart in order to know and love him because he supplies each of us with his everlasting love. God will continue to work in each of us until Jesus Christ returns to the earth. God will change your attitude toward things and he will change your horrible habits of sin (not completely, but a reduced amount,) as long as you allow him to. He will never stop working in his children because of his great love for us.

(Read Verses 7-8) We need to be compassionate, kind, and loving toward one another. We know this, and we often dont follow it, but we can change that. Ask God to help you and with his help, you can make this a stronger part in your outward behavior rather than a weakness. Help each other, even if youre going through a tough time or if something major has happened in your life. Continue on because you are a Christian and because of that, Christ is with us and hes on our side, so dont be afraid because nothing is stronger than God himself. He will protect and comfort you. You can tell another person to pray for you to be stronger and he or she should do so, just like you should pray for the other person in exchange. Help each other up and be there for your friends. Paul and Timothy longed for all Christians to be thankful for what they have and to pray for each other and help each other out. We need to be that devoted to God in order to long for others to love God back and for others to pray and help each other out. (Read Verses 9-11) This is what Paul and Timothy wanted to emphasize so much. They had been praying for others so that God could make them stronger in their life. Our love needs to be powerful and our knowledge and wisdom needs to increase so that we will be able to choose the right choice and head in the direction of Christs likeness. They prayed that we could continue doing this and the right thing until Jesus comes back. Do this with all of the fruits of the spirit. Do it for the Lord your God forever with the right attitude. Glorify him and exalt him, he is the one that all the glory should go to, not us. Personal Experience I never really realized how fortunate I am for having so many things that arent even essential to life. He has provided for me and my family because he loves us so greatly. I once heard from a Christian speaker that the homeless in the United States have it far better than the homeless in any other country. This should give you an idea of how poor some of the people in other countries are. I never thanked God for what I did have and instead, I longed for earthly things that I didnt even need. I realized how grateful I should be for what I have when I watched videos at youth group about the poverty of other nations.

Others around the world that still have their families together might be able to make money, but when they do, sometimes, the father sometimes goes out with the money and spends it all on drinking and/or gambling. Ive started to pray for people who need the everyday supplies that we have, and that year, our grade gave to other people in a poor country. We saved up money and bought animals for people so that they could live on their eggs, milk, etc. And I, once again prayed for those less fortunate, just like we all should be doing. How to Apply You can apply this into your life by being thankful for what you do have and by not coveting over what you want but dont have. You have so many extra things that many people dont have because they cant afford the items. You should also apply this into your life by praying to God daily and by praying with a willing heart and a want to talk to God. Just think, we can talk to our God and ask him for things we need, but not want. Even if his answer isnt what we want to hear, its his will and we need to accept that and not base everything upon ourselves and our will for ourselves. I encourage you to get in touch with God through prayer.