Philippians 1 - 5.20.22

Scripture

Philippians 1:9-10

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…

Observation – What does it say?

The Apostle Paul is writing a letter the Christians in the city of Philippi. And he begins by telling them the prayers he has been praying for them.

Understanding – What does it mean?

Love is the starting point.

Have you ever wondered the best decision to make? Have you ever wondered the key to living a pure and blameless life before God?

What an incredible insight! Paul prays that their love would abound SO THAT they would be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless. In other words, if we are overflowing with love for God and for people, that will give us the ability to know exactly what to do in every situation. Love is the answer.

Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love others. If we do, we will find ourselves fulfilling all the commands of scripture. If we love God we will seek him and spend time with him, seek to please him, obey him and worship him. If we love others we will naturally care for them, share Jesus with them, tell them the truth, build them up, etc.

Life Application

Ask God for our love to abound AND choose to act in love.

C.S. Lewis once said to not bother about whether we feel love for God or others. Rather, consider what you would do if you were overflowing with love. And when you have the answer, do it. When you do acts that express love for people, you will find your emotions catch up and you will love them more and more.

-Levi Thompson