READ Philippians 1:1-11

Philippians 1:9-11, "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

Paul's prayer for the believers in Philippi reveals a pattern that could aid us in praying for fellow believers.  Prayer is an integral part of the life of a believer and certainly, we would agree that it makes a difference in what is accomplished in all that we do and desire.  Notice what is emphasized in this prayer

• Growing in love that is steeped in knowledge and judgment. Love must be a focal point in our lives, but it must be steeped in "knowledge" (a full and comprehensive understanding of things ethical and divine) and in "judgment" (Holy Spirit cognition, perception, and discernment). See 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

• That as believers we would have the ability to choose what is best. To "approve" is to put something to the test. Paul's prayer focuses on the ability of the believer to recognize what is excellent. Excellence is seen in anything that surpasses the norm.

• That we would live life knowing what is genuine (sincere) and without offence to God or others. A Christian should live genuinely, seeking to be careful to not cause someone else to stumble.

• That our lives would be filled with fruits of righteousness that redound to the glory of God. Fruit is the result of a relationship with Jesus. He spoke of being the vine and our being the branches. It is through our relationship with Christ that we have the ability to bear fruit that remains. See John 15:5-8.

May we begin by praying in this manner for our own walk, and then may we also utilize this pattern as we pray for others who are walking with Jesus.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What does love steeped in Biblical knowledge and discernment look like in your mind?

2.  How might you improve in making choices that are better than good?

3.  Are there any areas of hypocrisy in your life?  What can you do to be more genuine?

4.  As you look at your life, do you see any fruits of righteousness?  If not, why?  How can you become more fruitful in areas of righteousness?