Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians (1:9-11)
Lesson One: Intelligent Love (Philippians 1:9)
1. Introduction: Why Paul Prayed
a. Paul frequently begins his epistles by telling the brethren of his prayers for them. (1:3-4)
i. Why would Paul tell the brethren what he was specifically praying for them?
1. It demonstrated his sincere interest in and labors on their behalf.
2. It would encourage them to know that Paul was praying for them.
3. It would inspire them to work in coordination with his prayers.
4. It would help direct them in their own prayers to God.
ii. Do we pray specifically for the spiritual well-being and growth of our brethren?
iii. Do we tell our brethren that we pray for them and what we pray for them?
b. Paul had a wonderful relationship with the Philippian church.
i. They had had fellowship with him in preaching the gospel. (1:5; 4:15-16)
ii. He was confident of their faith and devotion to God. (1:6)
1. The only reproof is a gentle plea to Euodia and Syntyche. (4:2)
2. Contrast this overwhelmingly positive epistle with Galatians 1:6 and 4:11.
iii. Paul considered the Philippians to be fellow partakers of grace. (1:7)
1. This seems to indicate more than merely sharing in Christ’s sacrifice.
2. They participated with Paul in the grace of persecution, apologetics, and confirmation of the gospel of Christ.
iv. Paul had a deep and sincere longing for the Philippian brethren. (1:8)
2. Body: What Paul Prayed
a. That their love might be ever increasing
i. Paul offers a similar prayer for the brethren in Thessalonica. (1Th. 3:12-13)
ii. For whom might our love increase?
1. Our love for God (Mk. 12:29-30)
2. Our love for one another (Jn. 13:34-35)
3. Our love for all men (Mt. 5:46-48)
4. Our love for truth (Ps. 119:97, 113, 163, 165)
5. Our love for deeds of righteousness (Mt. 25:34-40)
iii. Love is the fulfillment of God’s law. (Mt. 22:37-40; Ro. 13:8-10)
iv. An ever increasing love will draw us ever closer to God. (Jn.15:9-10; 1Jn. 4:8-10)
b. That their love might abound in knowledge
i. Paul desired the Philippians to obtain an intelligent love.
1. Affection is to be governed by truth, not blinded by enthusiasm or emotion.
2. The truth tells us what, who, and how we should love.
3. Sometimes God’s truth will direct our love contrary to our inclinations.
a. E.g. Loving our enemies or Disciplining an unruly loved one
b. If our love is not directed by truth, it will fail to fulfill God’s purposes.
ii. Our emotions and zeal must be balanced by reason and revelation.
1. The Jews had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. (Ro. 10:1-3)
2. Paul was sincerely zealous in defense of righteousness. (Ac. 23:1)
a. As Saul of Tarsus his zeal made him a persecutor. (Ac. 26:9-11)
b. But when Saul was confronted with his error, he repented. (Ac. 26:19)
c. That their love might abound in discernment
i. Paul prayed that this intelligent love might facilitate good judgment.
1. Discernment is a mark of spiritual maturity. (He. 5:14)
2. We must use our senses in order to train them to make proper distinctions.
ii. This intelligent love is spiritually perceptive. (Ne. 6:10-13; Ac. 10:34; 2Ti. 2:7)
1. Discernment requires us to evaluate the merits and relative worth of things.
2. A thorough knowledge of scripture and meditation are keys to discernment.
3. Conclusion: Application
a. Is our love abounding more and more?
i. How can we determine whether we are growing in love?
ii. What are some simple steps to developing greater spiritual love?
b. Are we increasing our love in knowledge?
i. How can we ensure that our love is governed by knowledge rather than emotion?
ii. What are some simple steps to connecting love and knowledge of truth?
c. Are we developing our love in spiritual discernment?
i. How can we be sure that our discernment is grounded in truth and not pride or presumption?
ii. What are some simple steps to increasing our spiritual perception? (cf. He. 5:14)
d. Do we have an intelligent love and faith in God?
e. Are we actively seeking these spiritual blessings in prayer?