Philippians 1:3-11

Summary: There’s an ancient Chinese military proverb that says armies must know themselves and their enemy if they’re to be successful in battle. The Catechism interprets the 6th petition of the Lord’s prayer according to a similar logic. Our spiritual battles require that we know ourselves and our enemies, namely: the devil, the world, and our own flesh. Sin is not just a stain that makes us guilty, it is a power that wants to enslave us, and so Christ taught us to pray not only for forgiveness but for deliverance. We pray this prayer in the confidence that the cross of Christ has accomplished not only the payment of our debt but also the victory over our enemies. Though we are weak and constantly susceptible to temptation, we receive through this prayer the strength of our victorious Saviour until the day when he finally and fully completes his good work in us.