Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians (1:9-11)
Lesson Three: What? Where? Why? (Philippians 1:11)
1. Introduction: Fulfilling Our Purpose
a. Thus far in our text Paul has prayed that:
i. The Philippians’ love might abound more in more in knowledge and discernment
ii. The Philippians’ discernment might enable them to approve what is excellent
iii. The Philippians might be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ
b. But why are love, knowledge, discernment, and purity so important to Paul?
i. He desires the Philippians’ ultimate salvation, and these are necessary to it.
ii. These qualities are what will equip the Philippians to fulfill their purpose in Christ.
c. This verse tells us the what, where, and why of our purpose in Christ.
2. Body: What Paul Prayed
a. that they might be filled with the fruits of righteousness
i. God seeks fruit from His people. (Jn. 15:1-8)
1. We must be faithful to Christ in order to be fruitful.
2. We must be fruitful in Christ in order to be faithful.
ii. What is the fruit that God seeks?
1. It is the result of God’s word in our lives. (2Ti. 3:16-17)
2. The Spirit teaches us (in the word) to live in a certain way. (Ga. 5:16-26)
iii. Fruit is the outward evidence of the health and worth of the tree.
1. Our speech and conduct betrays our true nature. (Lk. 6:43-45; Mt. 12:33-35)
2. If our lives are not bearing fruit of God’s work in us, we are useless to Him!
b. which are by Jesus Christ
i. The fruit God is seeking within us is uniquely spiritual. (Jn. 15:4-5)
1. It is only cultivated through our connection to Jesus Christ.
2. You don’t develop the fruit of the Spirit in the bookstore’s self-help section.
ii. A person may be moral but he cannot be righteous apart from Christ.
1. The faith and fellowship of Christ distinguishes morality and spirituality.
a. An atheist may choose moral behavior for personal advantage.
b. A Christian chooses righteousness for eternal, spiritual gain.
2. Works of righteousness are based on one’s loyalty to God. (Ge. 39:7-9)
iii. This ought to radically affect our perspective on “moral people.”
1. The Bible says that no one is righteous without Christ. (Ro. 3:10-18)
2. Our goodness is filth when seen in the light of God’s holiness. (Is. 64:6)
3. Yet we offer hope or make excuses for those we consider “good people?!”
iv. Jesus Christ is the only source of truth, blessing, fellowship, and hope. (Jn. 14:6)
c. to the glory and praise of God
i. Why do we exist? For what purpose has God given us life and breath?
1. He gives us our existence that we might seek and find Him. (Ac. 17:24-28)
2. The whole duty of man is summarized in his response to God. (Ecc. 12:13)
ii. God may assign or allow many tasks to occupy us while on the earth.
1. Assignment: Work (2Th. 3:10), Family (Co. 3:18-21), Stewardship (Lk. 12:48)
2. Allowance: Hobbies/Recreation (Ecc. 11:9-10), Marriage (1Co. 7:1-9)
iii. We exist to bring glory and honor to God.
1. We bring glory and honor to God by bearing the fruit of righteousness.
2. If we do not bear the fruit of righteousness, we have no reason to exist.
3. Conclusion: Application
a. Does God See the Fruit of Righteousness In My Life?
i. Is there evidence of my repentance? (Lk. 3:8-9)
ii. Is there evidence of submission to the Spirit’s guidance? (Ga. 5:22-23)
b. Does God See the Fruit of Unrighteousness In My Life?
i. Is there evidence of carnal behavior? (Ga. 5:19-21; 1Co. 3:3)
ii. Is there evidence of worldly or selfish priorities? (Lk. 14:16-24)
c. Am I Seeking to Draw Closer To Christ That My Life Might Be Filled?
i. Am I deliberately resisting the world and seeking the spiritual? (Jas. 4:7-10)
ii. Am I neglecting opportunities to strengthen my faith? (Eph. 5:14-17)
d. Are We Glorifying God By Lives Filled With the Fruits of Righteousness?
e. Are We Actively Seeking These Spiritual Blessings In Prayer?