Read Philippians 1:3-11 with the elders this morning.
So many stand-out phrases in that passage. And they are structured together in such an interesting construction which is, in itself, instructive.
I can’t quit thinking about it.
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Verse 3 – Am I thankful for the people surrounding me in the body of Christ? Do I speak out about that thanksgiving to God and to them?
Verse 5 – Partnership in the gospel is what it is all about. The commonality we have in Christ is the only true and lasting commonality that matters.
Verse 6 – Do I share with those around me that my confidence is in God for them until the future day of Jesus Christ.
Verse 7 — I have deep feelings that are stirred by seeing people partake of and participate in the grace of the gospel. Be on the lookout for God’s grace in the lives of people. Treasure it. Dwell on it. Soak in it. Remember it.
Verse 8 – There is a longing and affection inside of me that that can only be explained as “of Christ Jesus.”
Verse 9 – Love starts it all. Love prompted the Father to send His Son. This love draws us into the gospel. Now that love fires in us so that we progress and participate in the gospel.
Verses 9b and 10 – Love has limits. Love develops along specific lines of knowledge and discernment. Love causes right choices, excellent choices, spiritually discriminating choices to be made. Am I increasing in knowledge and discernment? Is that increase arising alongside of an increase in love? Look for the evidence of this in the choices that I make.