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"If you are the source of the problem, repent. If you aren't the source of the problem, forgive" (Donnie Bates).

One key to unlocking a book or letter's subject is the prayers offered. Within them, keywords and the major focus of the letter can be found.

The problem in the church at Philippi was disunity. Paul writes to encourage them with the theme, "others above self." Philippians 1:3-11 helps us see this. After thanking God for them (3-4), the apostle reminds them of their past unity (5), prays they continue to allow God to use them (6), expresses his confidence in them and care for them (7, 8), and prays the theme of the letter (9-11). Today, note especially verse 6 and what Paul prays in this verse:

His Confidence. He knows it will happen: that God will continue to use them. He is confident that they will continue to serve because he believes they can resolve the problems dividing them.

Their Past. God had begun a good work in them (v.5), and it was God who would continue working through them. He would only be able to continue as long as they were focused on Him and not their pride, differences, and problems.

Their Future. His confidence is in the fact that they will continue to let God work in and through them in the future, whatever that held for them. He was also confident that the work of the church will be completed only when the Lord returns.

If their future was to mirror their faithful and productive past, their present must be focused on unity and love. No matter our talents, the Lord cannot use us if we are divisive, unforgiving, unloving, and causing problems. It is through our love and unity that the world will identify us as followers of Jesus. So, how important is it to work out those problems? It isn't just important; it is essential. Today, repent when you wrong others. Forgive those who have wronged you. And make sure our personalities do not hinder God's ability to continue using us! I love you, and God does too!

Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. As of this writing, the Vols are #1 in the nation!