The foundation of our heart is this fruit of righteousness which is by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God (v. When Jesus is in us, the fruit of righteousness comes to dwell within us. No other foundation can be laid than that which is already laid. We know that ultimately Jesus is the foundation of our lives. They are intentional love, informed expectations, and unimpeachable behavior. Filling the other foundational needs of our hearts (and homes), three piers, representing the three purpose clauses in this prayer in Philippians 1, must also be poured. In a life they are filled with the 'fruits of righteousness' (v. In a house the outer 'footing trenches' are filled with concrete.

These piers provide the strength on which the floor joists are joined, and they prevent the floor from sagging. To give the floor joists something to rest on, builders pour piers and lay them down the center of the house. In houses with traditional foundations, the span that the floor joists cover is too wide to reach from one side to the other. The purpose clauses are foundational piers that can support a strong home. This prayer contains three purpose clauses and a summary statement. Beginning in verse 9, Paul offered a pithy prayer request for the people he loved so dearly. He loved the people of Philippi, and he made all his prayer requests for them with joy. He includes 14 forms of the word in only 104 verses. The apostle Paul built the whole book around the word joy. Scripture Insight: Philippians 1 is one of the most exciting chapters in the Bible. Be sure to check out the set-up sketch (drama) 'The Home Inspection) at the end of the sermon. This sermon first appeared in Let's Worship Magazine.

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