Philippians 1:9-11
The scripture for today is Philippians 1:9-11
Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
The apostle's prayer must be our own prayer as well. Daily we must intercede for His beloved church. Daily we must lift our voices heavenward, asking God for the blessings of His Holy Spirit, “that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment.” We must pray for God’s grace to enable us to shine the holy character of Christ into this dark world. We must not be afraid, but rather bold, in our declaration of the love and redeeming power of God. In order for the world to see Christ, we must display the character of Christ.
“Jesus’ standard for testing the character is, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” God expects more than mere blamelessness; He looks for positive fruitfulness. Righteousness is not simply the absence of sin, but the presence of the righteous character of Christ in the life of the believer. All the preceding steps in their experience, for which Paul was praying, would lead the Philippian believers to a demonstration of the actions of the true Christian. They were to be filled with these fruits. Not a branch here and there, but all our branches are to be loaded with good fruit. Paul hastens to remind the Philippians that any righteousness they might possess and any good works they might do, could be theirs only through Jesus Christ. Christian fruit bearing depends on the believer’s connection with Christ. The fruit of the life that abides in Jesus is the same as the fruit of Christ’s own life. God’s honor is best promoted by the holy lives of His children.” The SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 7, pp. 143-144 Let us be those who promote God’s honor.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim