Philippians 1:9-18
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
1. A prayer for abounding love & discernment
(1:9-11)
Love with knowledge:
Paul prays that their love is guided by knowledge and all discernment… It is love that aligns with God’s truth
Approving what is excellent:
Discernment equips the congregation to approve the things that are excellent… sorting truth from error
The fruits of righteousness:
The goal is to live pure and blameless lives that produce the fruits of righteousness… to the glory and praise of God
2. Advancement of the Gospel even in adversity
(1:12-14)
Turning setbacks into opportunities:
Paul wants the church to know his imprisonment has not hindered the spread of the Gospel
“The whole palace guard”:
Paul’s chains became known to the whole Roman imperial guard
Boldness in the brethren:
Paul’s steadfastness motivated the rest of the brethren to boldly speak without fear
3. Christ is proclaimed regardless of motives
(1:15-18)
Preaching with different motives:
- Envy and strife—selfish ambition, not sincere, add affliction to Paul
- Goodwill—out of love
The ultimate priority:
Paul is not condoning false teaching—truth being taught transcends the motives of the one doing the teaching
A reason to rejoice:
“Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” (v. 18)
Rejoicing in Growth (Philippians 1:9-18)
- A prayer for abounding love and discernment (vv. 9-11)
- The advancement of the Gospel even in adversity (vv. 12-14)
- Christ is proclaimed regardless of motives (vv. 15-18)