Introduction-Priorities
One way that we can tell what our priorities are, is what we choose to do.
What do we really dread doing, vs. what really excites us?
“What is the ruling passion of our lives?”
if we say “To live is Christ”, then when we die, we haven’t lost a thing, and we’ve gained greatly
24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
God used Paul’s love for his brothers and sisters to show him God’s perspective.
In being willing to show God’s love by remaining, Paul aligned himself with God’s plan.
25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,
Because Paul has aligned his will with God’s will, he now sees God’s plan in this.
Paul is speaking the truth in love for their progress and joy in the faith.
Continue with you all
Paul is going to stay and remain beside them to help them.
for your progress and joy in the faith
These two words summarize his desire for the Philippians: Progress and Joy.
Progress in the faith
As a body, this growth manifests itself by increasing love for one another,
Joy in the faith
Paul is also concerned about the quality of their Christian life—that they have more abundant and ever-increasing Joy in their lives while they’re progressing,
In the faith
If someone is truly Christ-centered, and “In Christ” in everything that they do, this single-mindedness, which Paul is encouraging in this letter, will make it impossible for anyone to rob us of the joy that is ours in Christ.
26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.
As he is released and gets the chance to see them again, they will have even more cause for exulting Jesus, and that it will be on account of his cooperation with the plan of God.