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Session Eight

Philippians 1:3-7 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

First Day Until Now 1. Paul left Philippi and went to Thessalonica Philippians 4:15,16 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.

2. Then he went onto Berea, Athens, and Corinth 2 Corinthians 11:7-9  7Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. 9And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed.

First Day Until Now 3. Jerusalem collection Romans 15:25-26 25Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. 26For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 2 Corintjhians 8:1-5 1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints

First Day Until Now 4. Paul imprisoned in Caesarea then Rome Philippians 4:18 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

“a good work” I think the “good work” referred to here is the work of God that has taken place in their lives through the gospel which has resulted in them being committed to the progress of the gospel. There seems to be a logical progression . . . First day (past) Until now (present) Until the day of Christ Jesus (future).