The Apostle Paul had a great love for those who were committed to the same goal of glorifying Christ through the proclamation of the Gospel. With that in mind he writes.
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11 NAS95).
The Philippians were helpful to Paul when he was in prison. All they did for him and the Gospel entrenched in Paul a great love for them. To that end he wanted them to have all they could have of Christ. He desired their love would abound more and more. He knew this increase would come form a deep understanding of who God is. He prayed they would have real knowledge and discernment that would lead to the fruit of righteousness in Christ to the glory of God.
Paul wanted the Philippians to be blameless, to be guilt free, able to approve those things that are excellent. If you want what Paul prayed for the Philippians, then you must seek Christ on a daily basis. You must be involved in the ministry of the Gospel. What does that mean?
It can mean different things. For some it may mean giving of time and money. For others it might mean teaching the Word. James writes, Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world (James 1:27 NAS95).
What it doesn’t mean is to be aloof or detached from the work of God. Seeking to advance the kingdom of God will unite your heart to your brothers and sisters in Christ. It is the struggle that produces real knowledge and discernment, as you are forced to rely upon the Savior.
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