Philippians Part 6-7 Series

Philippians Part 6, Chapter 1:9-18

I. Love (v. 9-10)

A. With knowledge to discern right and wrong.

Their love was to grow in knowledge and sensitive perception so that they would

be more and more able to distinguish between right and wrong. (WB pg 18)

B. Without offense—love other people not because they are lovable.

There are people who are themselves faultless, but who are so austere (hard)

that they drive people away from Christianity. The Christian is himself pure, but

his love and gentleness are such that he attracts others to the Christian way and never

repels them from it. (WB pg 19)

C. Love

1. Agape is love of other people, not because they are lovable, but because they

need love. It is the opposite of self-centeredness. (RFR pg 29)

2. Paul was praying that their love would develop in the direction of sound

Judgment. Paul probably was concerned over signs of growing conflict

And disunity within the Philippian Church.

3. Disciplined, determined care that does not give up easily becomes characteristic

Of the way we live. To some degree, and sometimes to a large degree,

we can make God’s love believable to our world by a goodwill and

compassion that are not discouraged easily. (RFR pg 33)

D. Approve (v. 10)

1. Was the word used to describe the testing of metals or coins to determine if they

were genuine.

2. Again “the Day of Christ”

II. Fruits (v.11)

A. To whom they are rendered acceptable through Christ’s sacrifice and intercession.

Observe, reader, here are three properties of that sincerity which is acceptable to God.

1. It must bear fruits, all inward and outward holiness, all goodness,

righteousness, and truth, and that so abundantly, that we may be filled with

them, or all our powers of body and mind, our time and talents, occupied therein.

2. The branch and the fruits must derive both their virtue and their very being from the

all-supporting, all-supplying root, Jesus Christ.

3. As all these flow from the grace of Christ, so they must issue in the glory and praise

of God. (Benson Commentary)

B. Filled with the fruits of righteousness. This now belongs to the outward life, for a good

conscience produces its fruits by means of works. Hence he desires that they may

be fruitful in good works for the glory of God. Such fruits, he says, are by Christ,

because they flow from the grace of Christ. For the beginning of our well-doing is,

when we are sanctified by his Spirit, for he rested upon him, that we might all receive

of his fullness. (Calvin’s Commentary)

III. Furtherance of the Gospel (v.12)

A. “But I would you understand”—I want you to know.

B. Paul’s enemies probably were saying that what had happened to him was proof of God’s

Displeasure with him and his interpretation of the gospel.

C. Furtherance or advancement –military term used to denote the progress of an army

Through a forest or over a mountain.

IV. Palace—Praetorian or Imperial Guard (Warren Wiersbe pg 21) (v. 13)

A. Instituted by Augustus – 10,000 troops dispersed throughout Rome and

neighboring towns.

B. Tiberius had concentrated them in Rome in a specially built and fortified

camp.

C. Vitellius – increased number to 16,000 troops

D. Bonds

1. Paul was handed over to the Prefect of the Praetorian Guard—their commanding

officer.

2. Paul is bound with a chain (halusis)—a short length of chain from wrist

of prisoner to the wrist of the guarding soldier.

3. Approximately, two years of rotating soldiers “tied” to the Apostle Paul

with a short chain.

4. Soldiers were changed every six hours.

5. Gospel was manifest in all the palace, and in all other places.

V. Paul, an example in the face of danger. (v. 14)

A. Others waxing confident—Paul had given them an example of heroism in the face of danger.

B. His body was bound; his spirit was free. (RFR pg 35)

VI. Preaching Christ (v. 15-18)

A. Some of envy and strife, contention.

B. Paul’s imprisonment seemed for some as a heaven-sent opportunity to advance

their own influence and prestige and lessen his. (WB pg 23)

1. Again, these things have happened to Paul because . . .

2. Why do you do what you do?

3. Examining motives—If we would deal with it within ourselves, pastors would

not have to continuously.

4. Some of good will –Loving Christ, they sympathized with Paul and doubled

their motives.

C. So what? I’m rising above the immature squabbling. I rejoice because Christ is

preached. Sometimes it’s not the man, but the power of the message.

D. All too often we resent it when someone else gains a prominence or a credit which we

do not. All too often we regard a man as an enemy because he has expressed some