Philippians 1:3-11

“I thank my God every time I remember you. I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners in God’s grace together with me. For God is my witness that I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.”

— ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭11‬‬

One of the best sermons I heard on this was Renaut van der Riet at Mosaic. His waffle illustration at the end will be in next book about serving together in fellowship of the gospel. The background to Philippians doesn’t belong here, but Paul certainly had a close bond with this church. Many of his memories can be found in Acts 16. Some of this most famous stories are found there (e.g., singing and prison doors opening). Philippi was Roman colony, so retired soldiers/politicians settled there. It would have been quite difficult for Christian church to really flourish.

Paul is obviously grateful for these people. You almost lost count of how many times he says love and appreciate in these verses. And apparently the feelings are mutual. Greek is ambiguous whether this is Paul remembering them or them remembering him. Either way, it’s clear that Paul and Philippians had very special relationship. Most likely the former.

Participation in the gospel could be their evangelism and mission, but more likely referring to their financial gift mentioned throughout the letter. They had sent people and money to provide for Paul while he was under Roman house arrest.

V 6 is perhaps another way of saying 4:19. God will supply all your needs after your gifts to me. Not so much financially in this passage, but their outworking of love toward Paul was shown through generosity. This was also a sign of spiritual maturity and growth and God would continue to grow/mature them until Christ’s appearing.

All the “for”s in v 4 and 5 relate back to Paul’s heart of gratitude. It is right for him to be thankful. He is sure of God’s working in their lives. And all this is cause to be thankful. He and the Philippians are partners. They are on the same team. They are working together on mission, and though God is the one working (2:12-13), they are invited into the work. 

Love may abound more and more. But Paul wants discernment and insight to restrict that love so that they invest in what’s best. Maybe restrict is the wrong word. Abounding and restricting seem to be oxymoronic. But Paul does want them to pour love into the best things. Sometimes we can waste time, energy, service into good things and not best things. With limited resources, we can alway use more discernment and insight. 

Fruit of righteousness—guessing this is apposition. Righteousness is the fruit. Probably debate whether this is righteous standing or righteous living. I’m going to guess it’s righteous living. Being just. Being pure. Making wise decisions. In this passage—love and generosity. So that we are giving praise and glory to God. He alone is worthy, not the idols that lead to sin and death.