Paul’s Prayer For The Philippians

Philippians 1:9-11

INTRODUCTION:

1. Philippians 1:9-11.

DISCUSSION:

I. That their love may abound – 1:9.

A. "Agape" love.

1. Involves "good will."

2. Independent of emotions - Ephesians 5:25, Titus 2:3-4.

B. Must be an educated love.

1. Abound in knowledge – according to moral principles revealed in scriptures.

2. Abound in judgment – use of wisdom to apply knowledge most effectively.

II. That they may approve (distinguish) things that are excellent – 1:10.

A. Jesus often stressed this very need.

1. "Let the dead bury the dead" - Luke 9:56-60.

2. "Mary has chosen that good part" – Luke 10:42.

3. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures in heaven" – Matthew 6:19-20.

B. Consider a personal application.

1. In areas of "leisure" time (entertainment, recreation, etc.).

2. In establishing priorities – Colossians 3:1-4.

III. That they may be sincere and without offence – 1:10.

A. Sincere.

1. Coffman reports that the word "sincere" has its origin in two Latin words, "sin" (without) and "cere" (wax). Ex: Dishonest merchants’ use of wax. Honest merchants advertised their wares as being "sincere," or "without wax."

2. To be "spiritually sincere" means to be genuine in heart, without hypocrisy.

B. Without offence.

1. Offence – an obstacle against which one may dash his foot, to stumble or cause to stumble (Vine’s).

2. Paul prayed that they would not stumble nor cause others to stumble.

C. Till the day of Christ.

1. "Till the day of Christ" refers to the day when Christ will come again.

2. A day that marks the beginning of eternal life for some and the beginning of eternal punishment for others – Matthew 25:46.

CONCLUSION:

1. The result – when the Philippians (1) possess a love that abounds in knowledge and judgment, (2) approve things that are excellent (3) and are sincere and without offence, they will be filled with the fruits of righteousness.

 

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