This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11 Studies in Philippians (4)

That your love may abound Love, a fundamental quality in the Christian’s life 1 Corinthians 13 We need abounding love Ephesians 3:17, Colossians 2:1-2 This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

That your love may abound More and more – while it is already there, it must keep increasing (it never stops increasing!) Described as a mighty growing stream. Such can do great damage, unless it is properly routed Our continual growth 2 Peter 1:5-8 1 Corinthians 15:58 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

That your love may abound In knowledge – properly directed love based upon truth Knowledge – full and clear understanding of something Our growing love will correlate with growth of knowledge - Psalm 119:97 Colossians 1:9-10 Is our love according to God’s word? What do we love and how? Is it self-serving or compromising? This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

That your love may abound In all discernment The product of increased and applied knowledge Wise judgment because of what we know A regulator – we think before we act Hebrews 5:12-14 This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

Approve excellent things The things that are excellent Excellent means superior. Like an expert able to spot something genuine Approve – to judge to be right. How? We test it. Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thess. 5:12 1 Corinthians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 8:8, 13:5 This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

Approve excellent things Excellent - Our lives as Christians are to be striving toward high quality Jesus used this word to describe how we are of more value than birds Matthew 6:26, 10:31 It is easy to spot the difference between the good and the bad. But what about between good and better, OR better and best? This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

We are to be without hypocrisy Romans 12:9, James 3:17, 1 Peter 2:1 That you be Sincere That you may be sincere – pure and without hidden motives. “To judge in the light of the sun” (BDAG) Sun light can expose flaws. How do we compare to “the light of the SON”? We are to be without hypocrisy Romans 12:9, James 3:17, 1 Peter 2:1 This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

And without offense – Not causing one to stumble That you be Sincere And without offense – Not causing one to stumble We are continually challenged to consider others, lest we “offend” them. When we act without regard to the weaknesses of our brethren - Romans 14:15. God cares how much we care – John 13:34-35 This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

How will we fare on that day? 1 John 2:28, 1 Peter 1:7 That you be Sincere Till the day of Christ How long are we to act in sincerity? Until He returns, or as long as we live We always live with that realization - Acts 17:31, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-7, 2 Peter 3:10 How will we fare on that day? 1 John 2:28, 1 Peter 1:7 This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

Fruit is reference to the product of something. The end result Filled with Fruit Fruit is reference to the product of something. The end result We are to be productive and present our “fruit” to the Lord Matthew 25:20, 22 John 15:1-8 Our fruit – Galatians 5:22-23 Romans 6:22 This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

Our fruit proceeds from our heart – Matthew 12:33-35 Filled with Fruit Which are by Jesus Christ - Ephesians 5:9-10 “…finding out what is acceptable to the Lord” Our fruit proceeds from our heart – Matthew 12:33-35 This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

Filled with Fruit To the glory and praise of God – when we are living as we ought to, God is glorified Matthew 5:16 John 15:8 1 Peter 2:12 – honorable conduct by which Gentiles will “glorify God in the day of visitation.” This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

Do we pray for the abounding and sincere love of one another?