Untitled Sermon (11)

phillipians 1:9-18

1. Paul’s Prayer vs 9-11        

A) That your love abound more and more vs9

The Philippians were already exercising love but Paul prayed that their love continued to grow. This shows something they should always be striving for

how should love grow? with knowledge and discernment vs9

Love needs knowledge or it will be misdirected, knowledge without love puffs up.    

this leads to proper discernment

why? So that you may approve what is excellent,  this is what it means to discern vs10

result? be pure and blameless at the day of Christ and manifest the fruits of righteousness vs10

Accomplishing these things is only possible through God’s work in us (Phil 1:6)

 “to the glory and praise of God”vs11  This happens through Christ and brings God glory

Only those who are in fellowship with Christ and abide in him can produce these things. (cf John 15:5)

This is all the work of God and he does this for his glory and praise. 

Paul's encouragement about his Imprisonment vs 12-14  

“I want you to know”

What? The Gospel has advanced through my imprisonment!!!

How ? He had opportunity to preach!! Which produced 2 positive outcomes

Unbelievers were shown the reality of his relationship with Christ vs13

Believers were shown an example of joy and faithfulness despite difficult circumstances and now preach more boldly without fear vs14 

Motivations for preaching/Result  vs 15-18   

 2 ways

Bad motivations vs15,17

out of a sense of competition 

personal ambition , envy, strife

Good motivations vs15,16

out of genuine love, and sense of good will

 result

Christ is proclaimed vs18