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

2. 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

3. 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 Peter 1: Corinthians 15: Thessalonians 4:9-10
This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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: Corinthians 3:13, Corinthians 8:8, 13:5
This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

7. 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

8. 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, Peter 2:1
This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

9. 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

10. 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

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: Romans 6:22
This I Pray! Philippians 1:9-11

12. 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

13. 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

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