Bible Study Reflection: Philippians

I started reading the book of Philippians last week. It's not a long book at all, but I am slowly digesting it, and just letting it all sink in.

I joined in with Inspired To Action and have really REALLY enjoyed it.
I also found Time Warp Wife's Study on Philippians and am using her guide and questions too.

What God has shown me about Him in the first part of Ch 1.
*He is always working to finish what He has started in your life.
6 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. 
*Jesus longs affectionately for us.
8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus

What God wants me to apply to my life.
*To long affectionately for others.

*To pray for them like Paul did.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now

*To consider the good I do. Does it stem from a love for God, or a desire to be good? 

Paul truly cared for people. That is how you know you know God. When you love others, because that is the true character of God. Paul prayed for them every single day, with joy. No matter his circumstances, and even recognized that everything that happened to him turned out for furtherance of the gospel. He shared the gospel no matter what!

Paul loved others and prayed for others, but he also focused on ridding his life of sin. He knew he was a sinner, and because he loved God, he focused on ridding his life of sin. He didn't focus on all the good stuff he was doing. He lived in a humble manner.

I just love the example Paul is. I love that he loves God and others. I love that he prays for others, and truly deep down inside cares for each person. I love that he made sure others heard the gospel no matter what.