Philippians 1:9-10
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,
Application:
Paul continues to express his deep affection for the Philippians because of their spiritual partnership with him in the gospel: “I have you in my heart” (1:7). He considers them partners in grace. Just how did the Philippians partner with the apostle in ministry? They supported him in his imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel (1:7). They were not, then, fair-weather Christians. When the gospel was spreading powerfully, they supported him. And when the name of Jesus landed Paul in a jail cell, the Philippian believers remained true to him. Therefore, Paul missed them with the affection of Christ Jesus (1:8).*
Paul wants to ensure that their love continues to grow for the Lord and for each other in a context of truth, which he describes as knowledge and every kind of discernment (1:9). Love must be more than a sentimental emotion; it must conform to the truth of the Word of God. Our love must be authentic and whole, not merely emotional and full of cracks. Discerning love helps us approve the superior things so that we don’t waste our lives on inferior things (1:10). And this kind of life is filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ (1:11).*
“all discernment.” The Greek term used here, aisthēsis, refers to the ability to make decisions for the benefit of others.^
The word “Sincere” originates from two Latin words, “San” and “Cere,” which together mean “Without Wax.” In old Eastern markets, crooked sellers used wax to cover cracks on pots exposed to the sun, painted over the cracks, and then sold them as new. Honest sellers, however, would label their good pots as “SanCere” pots—pots without wax. To be sincere means we have no cracks in our character. When faced with trials, tribulations, or hardship, we won’t crack under pressure and reveal that we were dishonest or deceptive.
*Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1238–1239.
^Reference: John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Php 1:9.
To God be the glory!
Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
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Disclaimer
When God inspires me, I write or post articles that glorify God. I invite you to view this post as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have posted is true. Always consult your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be grammatical or spelling errors. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. My prayer is that this message will inspire you to seek the Lord with all your heart and bring glory to His Holy name. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.
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