THE CHALLENGE: TO ABOUND IN LOVE

Philippians 1:9-11
Bob Bonner
February 10, 2008

Last Spring, we taught a ten-week study on what makes for a healthy and productive family of faith, such as the local church. What makes for a community that builds up one another and is truly loving one another? We used as our foundation text Ephesians 4. As we studied that chapter, we noted that the chapter was book-ended by verses that teach two hallmarks of loving one another. Ephesians 4:1-2 opened with a command for us to practice longsuffering with one another. Ephesians 4:32 closed with a parallel command to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven each of us. We did not look at chapters 5-6, but in those chapters Paul gives us even more practical instructions concerning how we are to love one another. In 5:1-20, Paul’s instructions as to how we are to walk in love are a little more general or broad in scope. But then, beginning with 5:21 - 6:9, he gets very specific and points out how we are to love one another in the key relationships we have in life. He began with the home, speaking first to the marriage relationship, and then the parental relationship. From there, he went outside the home to touch on those relationships at work. 

Then, suddenly with 6:10 to the end of the chapter, it appears to many that Paul starts another topic altogether without warning.  He addresses the subject of spiritual warfare. So sudden is the change to this subject of spiritual warfare, that many readers don’t see the connection between this new subject of spiritual warfare and Paul’s previous teaching on loving one another that began back in chapter 4. But there is a very strong connection. After introducing the subject of spiritual warfare in verse 10-11, and telling us that our battle is against the devil, Paul makes the point in verse 12, that our battle, our warfare, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” Why does he say that? Furthermore, what does that mean that our battle “is not against flesh and blood”? It means that our struggle in learning to love one another is not really with one another. When we encounter difficulties in loving one another, we usually look at the other person and first feel and then think, “You are the problem!” Or in the parlance of Paul’s spiritual warfare metaphor, “You are my enemy.” But Paul wants to correct our thinking. When someone in this fellowships hurts me, that person is not my enemy. That person never has been nor will that person ever be my enemy. It may feel like he is, but in truth, he is not. Paul’s point is that our enemy is ultimately the devil. Our struggle is against Satan, who will try to turn us against one another. And when we turn on one another, we have fallen prey to our ultimate enemy’s tactics, to divert the blame from him to each other. When we turn on each other as our enemy, then we have unwittingly become his pawns.

God wants us to love one another, even when we get hurt by one another. He wants us to understand that when we feel estranged from one another or act unloving toward one another, we are not living a Jesus Christ controlled life. Instead, we are allowing Satan to manipulate us. Hence, right here, Paul warns us about that scheme and shows us how to deal with Satan and our hurt. 

I remind you of all of this because we often forget that Satan is real, alive and continues to do all he can to disrupt the local church family as well as the universal body of Christ. His best tactic is to manipulate us into not loving one another and to divide us. It is a ploy that has been going on since the church began. It is something that Satan has used to disrupt even the most faithful, mature and effective churches in history. It was just such a scheme that he used against the church at Philippi, twelve years after this church had begun a powerful and effective ministry in its world. 

Interestingly, during the same time that Paul wrote his letter to the church at Ephesus, in 61 A. D., he was sitting in a Roman prison awaiting his turn to have an audience with Caesar to defend himself before Caesar and to give an account of the gospel to Caesar. Paul not only wrote this letter to the Ephesians that year, but he also wrote the letter we are presently studying, his letter to the Philippian church. These are “sister” letters.

In this letter to the church at Philippi, God gives instructions to the Philippians as to how to get back on target and to return to the assignment that Jesus has given the church: to love one another such that we would build up and encourage one another as we live in this world and reach out to the lost.

The Apostle Paul and the Philippians had a mutual love for one another that was unmatched by any other New Testament church. That which had bonded them together was their commitment to Jesus Christ and introducing others to Jesus. This church for several years demonstrated what it meant to practically love one another and provided a healthy spiritual family into which new believers could come and grow up in the faith.

However, twelve years after its birth, we don’t know the exact nature of the issues, but trouble surfaced in the church and it became disunited. As a result, their effective outreach had either slowed down or had come to a screeching halt.

The city of Philippi at this time was so small and this fellowship was so small, probably somewhere around 60-100 people, that the Christians who made up this church family had no other church to join when their relationships with each other were strained. Their little church was the only game in town and there wasn’t enough of them to split and start another church—which really was a good thing in the end. I believe that it would be fair to assume, knowing human nature and past church history, that if these problems were to have surfaced in any other church in any other larger city, more than likely the members of this church would have split the church and started another, or left the church to attend elsewhere where their preferences would be considered.  Rather than reconcile and build into one another’s lives, go somewhere else where you don’t have to work on your relationships and life is easier.

But unable to cut and run, they were forced to face their selfishness and to return to basics of learning to put into practice what it means to love one another. Because of this, Paul writes them this encouraging love letter, pointing them back to the important basics that made them such a unique church family that had brought such glory to God in its earlier years.

This morning, we find ourselves in the second half of Paul’s explanation of how he has been praying diligently for them, while he sits in prison. Paul’s prayer covers 1:3-11. In verses 3-8, Paul prays, thanking God for and praising God for the Philippians. Then, in verses 9-11, Paul petitions God on behalf of the Philippians.  This petition is one very long sentence, that falls neatly in to three parts, one part in each verse. Verse 9 gives the specific request; in verse 10 the purpose or end goal of the request: and verse 11, the assurance that we have what it takes to fulfill the purpose of the request.

Let’s begin by reading Paul’s petition in verse 9-11, and then look at it more closely, one verse at a time. Paul wrote, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

In a nutshell, Paul’s simple prayer request for them, is that their love for one another would continue to grow; that they would abound in love. Let’s look at the implications of this request more closely.

When Paul speaks of “love” here, he is not thinking of simple brotherly love or the affectionate love one would expect between close family members. If he were, he would have used the Greek word “philos” here for love. Neither was he speaking of the erotic love between a husband and wife or he would have used the Greek word “eros” also translated love. Instead he deliberately used the Greek word “agape” which is that unconditional love that exhibits itself in an outward behavior that actively seeks the best for another. This is the very self-sacrificing love that Christ demonstrated toward us when He died on the cross. It is a selfless action to benefit someone else. Paul describes what this kind of love looks like in action elsewhere in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. In these verses, Paul contrasts how this type of love conducts itself against the backdrop of selfish conduct. There, Paul writes, “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Those who love are in it for the long haul!

Paul is praying that this kind of Christ-like conduct of self-sacrificing love that he had witnessed in the past amongst Philippians would continue to grow and overflow into deeds of kindness. Likewise, he was praying against those selfish attitudes and actions toward each other that had crept into their midst and which had birthed the disunity that presently hung over the church at Philippi like a dark cloud.

When Paul prays for their love to “abound more and more” he is telling us that love is a grace in which we can always advance. No matter how much we are presently conducting ourselves in loving others, all Christians can still grow in their ability to practically love others.  In this lifetime, this will be each of our ongoing pursuits as it concerns our growth in spiritual maturity. The degree to which I can truly, unselfishly love others, will be the measurement of my spiritual maturity or growth thus far.

Sometimes, love is more easily shown toward those on the outside or those who are a part of another church family who are very little known by us, than it is to love those with whom we have a constant association. That’s why Paul adds that we are to love with “real knowledge” or in Greek, as this is just one word, not two, and it is probably better translated with “full knowledge” meaning not some incomplete knowledge of others, but fully knowing them and what is morally the right thing to do as I live with them.

Allow me to note here that Paul is not, as I have heard others use this verse, intending to encourage the unlimited search for knowledge through an intense seeking of a formal education. The knowledge he has in mind here is a very specific knowledge that concerns our relationships with people: It is the morally correct, religious knowledge as it pertains to living with each other in this world. We know that Paul has moral or religious knowledge in mind here because the next word, “discernment,” which only appears here in the NT, is a unique term that refers to biblical, moral, theological and spiritual perception.

It is this ability to make proper moral decisions in the midst of a vast array of differing and difficult choices that Paul has in mind here; choices that come at us constantly, as a matter of daily routine, as our lives intersect with the lives of those around us.

Hence, the more you get close to others, get to know them and see their faults, it is sometimes harder to get along with or love others and do what is morally right, what God says in His Word. It is easy to expect more in the way of right behavior of Christians.  But when they fail, it is just as easy to become more critical or harsh toward them. It’s easier to break fellowship with them when they disappoint us than it is to lovingly forgive them and work toward a harmonious reconciliation. Why? We so easily see their faults, quickly forgetting that each of us have serious flaws in our own lives, in which God is busily at work transforming each of us. When we see their faults, we immediately think, “There have to be others who are better, more perfect and mature than you to whom I am married, work with or fellowship with.” When in reality, although some are more mature than others, none of us has arrived. We will all let each other down over time. Hence, the need for growing and being committed to conducting ourselves in a loving manner, rather than doing what’s less difficult or self-sacrificing.

That’s why Paul urges us to lovingly “approve” or test ourselves to see if we are continuing to love one another. This word “approve”, used in verse 10, was for assaying metals. It means to test with the sense of approval. The present tense indicates that believers must constantly reassess their opinions and lifestyles. The reason we must constantly examine our own lives as to whether or not we are conducting ourselves in a loving manner, is that none of us has yet arrived.

In addition to testing to see whether or not something we are doing is truly morally upright, this idea of “approve” also includes the work of correcting the situation should one not pass the test. Whether the Correction morally upright, this idea of “approve” also includes the work of correcting the situation should one not pass the test. Whether the correction be with me or someone else in the fellowship, correction needs to take place The love described here is not just a mushy emotion of tolerating everybody’s childish, selfish behavior. But love is discerning and if necessary confrontational and even disciplinary. Apparently, the elders and the leadership at Philippi had forgotten that or had failed to correct the divisive people who were not loving one another.

That’s why Paul explains the purpose of their loving in this manner, in verse 10, “so that you may approve the things that are excellent.” They were to focus upon that which was “excellent.” This word “excellent” points to that which is of primary importance as compared to that which is secondary in importance. That which is of primary importance is whatever is best spiritually or eternally as defined by Scripture. Take, for example, that which is mentioned in Romans 2:18.  That passage underscores that the excellent life is that which obeys the will of God as expressed in His Word. 

Paul’s challenge to the Philippians was obvious at this point. He was saying to them, “If you really love Jesus as you claim to, then you must stop disobeying His Word by acting selfishly and divisively, and start challenging one another to do what is excellent. In this case, to return to obeying God, in loving one another.”

Boy, that’s hard. It’s hard enough for me to choose to love those around me who appear difficult to me. But to challenge, confront and encourage someone else to stop being divisive and to act lovingly, that’s even harder.  For as sure as you tell someone the truth that, whether or not they are aware of it, they are not conducting themselves in a loving manner but a divisive manner, there’s a good chance they will get defensive, challenge your motives for confronting them, and in turn, reject you. Ouch! Who here wants to experience more rejection?!

Be that as it may, Paul tells us the reward of loving, long suffering and risking rejection is worth it if we keep God’s purpose in mind. And he points to the purpose of holding each other accountable in the rest of verse 10. He says that you are to do this, “in order that you be found sincere and blameless.”

This word “sincere” in the original language, is worth explaining. It is one word made up of the two Greek words for “sun” and “judge.” You might wonder, How does one get the meaning “sincere” from putting together the two words “sun” and “judge?” It comes from a known practice of Paul’s day.

In ancient times the biggest industry in the world was the pottery industry. Their pottery varied in quality just as cars, office supplies or household goods vary today. The cheapest pottery was thick and solid and did not require much skill to make. It is found everywhere at archaeological sites. The finest pottery was thin. It was translucent, like the votive candle holders that you find on your table in better restaurants. Obviously, the finer the pottery; the higher the price.

Fine pottery was very fragile, both before and after firing it up in an oven. In fact, in the process of finishing up the making of fine pottery in an oven, the finer pottery would often crack, making it worthless and ready for the trash heap. But dishonest dealers were in the habit of filling in the cracks with a hard pearly wax that would blend in with the color of the pottery. This made the cracks practically undetectable in the shops, especially when painted or glazed. However, if you were knowledgeable about such practices, you could discern the difference between a quality piece and one that was worthless by holding the pottery up to a bright light, like the sun. When you did, if there was any artificial filler or wax in the piece, it would be detected. Hence, the idea of “sun-testing.” Honest dealers marked their finer product with the caption sine cera, “without wax.” In other words, it was “sincere,” without flaws, the real deal.

Neither with this word, “sincere” or with the word “blameless” is Paul challenging Christians to be perfect. But rather, he is challenging us to remain open before God and others as to our motives. In this world, we will not be perfect. We will fail. We will still have character flaws. When we see our flaws, God is telling us here to be honest about it and deal with it. Don’t try to cover it up or ignore it as though it were not there. Deal with it! If it is your flaw, confess it. If it is an ongoing problem with another, then maybe it’s time for you to confront him about it.  If we are faithful in being “sincere” with God, ourselves and each other, then God’s love will flow through honest Christians, no matter how marred the vessel.

To help us better understand the point, Paul adds this word “blameless” to his explanation. This word denotes behavior that does not cause others to stumble. A good synonym for this word might be “harmless.” Although you may make a selfish mistake, a blameless person remains good-intentioned and good-willed, not desiring to cause another to stumble.  Hence, when a blameless person is confronted about an error in his ways, he may be embarrassed about it at first, but will quickly do what is right so that he doesn’t cause others to stumble. Maturity is not about never making a mistake. Maturity is about doing what is right after you discover you have made a mistake or even hurt others.

Having said this, Paul is aware that his readers lack confidence that even if they want to do what is right, that they have what it takes to truly love others as Christ loves others. It is for that reason that Paul adds these words of assurance in verse 11. He tells them, “having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

The words, “Having been filled” is a verb that is in the past-perfect tense. What does that mean? It means that “having been filled” points to a past event that continues to have ongoing results in our lives. In this case, Paul’s words “which comes through Jesus Christ” points to the past event of our putting our trust in the past work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and its ongoing affect in our lives today, as we continue to submit to Him as our Lord and Savior.

Allow me to explain: When you initially put your trust in Jesus, there were many things that happened in you and to you. Some of those things you may not be aware of. One of those things that you may not be aware of is that right now, in you, as a Christian, you possess for the first time the “fruit of righteousness.” What is that? This is a unique expression and is found only here. It means the ability to conduct yourself in a manner that is befitting of those who truly love others.  [This New Testament expression is used only here, but to help define its intent look at Hebrews 12:11; however, Ephesians 5:7-9, James 3:18 and John 15, “fruit” deals with actions of eternally good works, not fruit of the spirit or conversions.] How is it that Paul says Christians possess this ability, whereas before you came to Christ you did not possess this ability to truly love others? You have it now because Jesus lives in you, ready to enable you to love others in ways you could not love others before. Before Jesus came into your life, you could not love this way. You could not produce the “fruit of righteousness.” 

Hence, Paul is assuring these Christians that when they are challenged to love the difficult people or to live sincerely and blameless, all they have to do is admit to Jesus, “I need you to supernaturally enable me to love as you love. Jesus, I’m asking you to live your life of love through me as I deal with others.” And when you admit this to Jesus and submit your life to His control, Jesus will do a miracle in and through you. To experience Christ’s supernatural enablement to love others, admit your powerlessness and submit your life to His control.  When you choose to obey God and to humbly depend upon His enablement to do His will, He will make it happen at that moment in your life. 

This is where Jesus goes from being a religion to a relationship, whereby you moment-by-moment walk with Him by faith, depending upon Him to work in and through you in ways that you could not. And as you do, people will observe it and their response, as this verse states, will be to “give praise and glory to God.” 

In the end, Paul is not asking you and I to do something we cannot do...to love the unlovable. Paul is praying for the Philippians and challenging us to learn how to daily walk with Christ, depending upon Him to enable us to love one another such that our conduct will cause us to live in harmony, not divisively.

Through Paul’s words, God is not only speaking to the Philippians but to us. He is telling us that he knows we are going to struggle in our relationships with others because we have a common enemy, Satan, who is out to cause friction amongst Christians because satan knows, as he does this, we may stop loving each other and quit being of the same mind together focused upon reaching our world for Christ. God knows that there will be times of arrogance that crop up in all of our lives, and when they do, our lack of humility, our selfishness will not draw us together, but it will divide us. Therefore, Paul reminds us through this prayer, to make it our continual goal to seek to grow in our loving conduct toward each other. When friction or tensions mount between you and some other Christian, turn to Jesus and ask Him to show you what the right, sincere, blameless and loving thing is to do. Once you know it, then humble yourself before the Lord, and ask Him to supernaturally enable you to do His will, to conduct yourself in a loving manner.

back to top