Paul’s prayer for the Philippians
Paul’s prayers are wonderful. For in them we see the humbleness of this man….and his firm belief in God’s greatness…
…and the desire of his heart for the churches he prayed for.
Philippians 1:9-11 “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
The believers at Philippi were under persecution. They had been from the beginning, and yet….this is one of the most joyful books….exhorting the believers to steadfastness in rejoicing!
This first prayer, here, shows the importance of love to God, and Christ Jesus. Those that love God, rejoice…even though the circumstances are bad.
Yet Paul prays that their love may abound in knowledge.
To have a deeper knowledge of Christ, and His grace and help. To have a deeper knowledge of the truth of the Word of God. To have a deeper knowledge of the working of the Holy Spirit within.
Love must be instructed in the things of God, that it can “abound”.
And that their love will abound…in judgment.
This is discernment: for he goes on to say, “that ye may approve things that are excellent.”
All the circumstances of our lives need much wisdom to deal with them rightly.
So Paul prays that they may be instructed by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit….so that their hearts are not lead astray….but that they know what they are to “approve” of.
We are to walk without offense…to avoid doing those things that might cause an occasion to sin, for others.
Paul wanted them to have an even balance….not just instruction in…”do this”….”don’t do that”….
…but an acquired knowledge or experience of “Christ in me the hope of glory”. To stand in hope….”to be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;”
Christians under persecution can still rejoice in hope: for the Holy Spirit helps us grow in grace….and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ….experiencing HIs grace and love to us….
…and gives us discernment for all our situations.
Romans 5:2-5 “By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
….knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost…”
Our hearts are warmed and enlightened by the knowledge we gain of Christ Jesus, Who is our Lord and King.
Then we discern and value God’s goodness to us, even in the worst of times….which leads us out of ourselves….and on, into more of the things of Christ,
Love is increased….”abounds”.
Do we know the blessedness of walking with God? Have we truly: “taste and see that the Lord is good”?
The more our understanding is enlightened by the Lord….the more our hearts are drawn out to see the Way of the Lord in everything.
“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
Let me say that love leads to obedient praise….to the seeking of God’s glory in all my circumstances.
And Paul prays for this, for the Philippian Christians.
Paul prays that they might enjoy the fruits of their obedience.
Righteousness is two-fold.
First, there is the righteousness of Christ given to us when we are born again. Our sins are forgiven, and we are made positively righteous before God,…in Christ Jesus. We are justified. We are given a new, righteous nature….within us, so that we want to please God.
Second, there is the righteousness Christ works out through us, in our sanctification (Phil.2:12-13)….or our being set aside to God in life and work….in our circumstances.
Righteousness in this way….practical righteousness, means right living….walking according to God’s rules. And it is worked in us by the Holy Spirit…so we become fruitful (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, etc.)…and then He works it out through our obedience.
It is all of Christ Jesus, as Paul states here.
Paul wanted to see these Philippians being filled up with the fruit of righteousness. Overflowing in joy and peace! In knowledge and in discernment!
He wanted them to continue in this grace of joy….seeking the good of others (which is not so easy under persecution.)
And he sets them an example:
Philippians 1:15,18 “ Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”
For this is what Paul is saying to them: do all these things “….unto the glory and praise of God.”
That was his life….and his prayer for their lives.
That they might “abound” in love….through persecution and trial….and learn to do all to the glory of God.
Being filled with His fruits of righteousness….HIs joy….His peace….HIs patience….His faith, His hope, to the glory and praise of God…Who saved, called, and sustains us.
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 