By praying Paul acknowledged the importance of asking God to work (cf. James 4:2). We may not be able to explain fully why God has ordained prayer as a vehicle whereby He works in the world or how prayer works. Nevertheless Scripture is unmistakably clear that prayer does effect objective change. [1] Consequently we should make use of this great privilege as Paul did. [source][source][source]
Paul"s petition was three-fold. He prayed that his readers would be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ ( Philippians 1:10 b). In order for them to be that he prayed that they would approve excellent things ( Philippians 1:10 a). To do that he prayed that their love would abound even more ( Philippians 1:9). Self-sacrificing love (Gr. agape) should be the motive behind partnership (Gr. koinonia) in the gospel. Paul illustrated the importance of this shortly with examples of preachers who demonstrated improper and proper motives ( Philippians 1:15-18). [source][source][source]
The Philippians had already given evidence of possessing the love that God alone can produce ( 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Galatians 5:22) in their dealings with the apostle. Paul asked God that that love might increase even more. He did not limit the objects of that love in this verse. They probably included God, Paul, other believers, and all people. [source][source][source]
However, he did qualify that love as resting on real knowledge and all discernment. It should arise from an intelligent appraisal of reality. It should also rest on spiritual sensitivity to truth as God has revealed it in His Word and not on mere sentimentality. [source]
"We grow in proportion as we know.... To grow as a Christian is to grow in one"s grasp of the truth, in breadth and in depth. Ignorance is a root cause of stunted growth." [2][source]
God"s revelation and His Spirit were to guide their loving. This kind of loving becomes apparent when a Christian values highly the things that God loves and turns away from situations and influences that God hates. In the context this discernment applies primarily to what will advance the gospel best (cf. Philippians 1:12-26). [source][source][source]
". . . the most effective way to influence another is to pray for him, and if a word of rebuke or correction has to be spoken let it be prayed over first, and then spoken in love." [3][source]
Context Summary
Philippians 1:1-11 - Rejoice In Growth And Seek Increase
It is exceedingly difficult to compress this Epistle, which is the tenderest and most personal of them all. Every word merits consideration; every paragraph is full of linked sweetness long drawn out. In the opening verses we are taught that we may further the gospel, not only by direct efforts, but by helping those who, like the Apostle, are devoted to its spread. From the early beginnings of their friendship, this Church had never faltered in its loving gifts, which Paul sought to repay with prayers on their behalf. He regarded them as comrades fighting the same enemy, on the same field, and sharing in the same grace.
The Apostle's confidence that whatever God begins will have its perfect end, Philippians 1:6, is very reassuring. This is what we need, though we must not take it for granted apart from faith and prayer. Each of the Epistles has its "collect," its comprehensive prayer offered in the name of Christ. This one is especially beautiful. Abounding love will lead to increased knowledge; and this to quicker discrimination between things that differ, however similar they may appear; and this, in turn, to freedom from blame and offense. And all will result in the fruit of a holy life, pleasing to Jesus and bringing glory and praise to God. [source]
Chapter Summary: Philippians 1
1Paul testifies his thankfulness to God, and his love toward the Philippians, 9daily praying for their increase in grace; 12he shows what good the faith of Christ had received by his troubles at Rome; 21and how ready he is to glorify Christ either by his life or death; 27exhorting them to unity; 28and to fortitude in persecution
Greek Commentary for Philippians 1:9
May abound [περισσευηι] Present active subjunctive of περισσευω perisseuō may keep on overflowing, a perpetual flood of love, “yet more and more” The delicate spiritual perception (αιστησις aisthēsis old word from αιστανομαι aisthanomai only here in N.T. as the verb only in Luke 9:45 in N.T.) can be cultivated as in αιστητηριον aisthētērion (Hebrews 5:14) [source]
Judgment [αἰσθήσει] Only here in the New Testament. Rev., better, discernment: sensitive moral perception. Used of the senses, as Xenophon: “perception of things sweet or pungent” (“Memorabilia,” i., 4,5). Of hearing: “It is possible to go so far away as not to afford a hearing” (“Anabasis,” iv., 6,13). The senses are called αἰσθήσεις . See Plato, “Theaetetus,” 156. Plato uses it of visions of the gods (“Phaedo,” 111). Compare αἰσθητήρια senses Hebrews 5:14. Discernment selects, classifies, and applies what is furnished by knowledge. [source]
What do the individual words in Philippians 1:9 mean?
Parse: Verb, Present Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: περισσεύω
Sense: to exceed a fixed number of measure, to be left over and above a certain number or measure.
Greek Commentary for Philippians 1:9
Present active subjunctive of περισσευω perisseuō may keep on overflowing, a perpetual flood of love, “yet more and more” The delicate spiritual perception (αιστησις aisthēsis old word from αιστανομαι aisthanomai only here in N.T. as the verb only in Luke 9:45 in N.T.) can be cultivated as in αιστητηριον aisthētērion (Hebrews 5:14) [source]
Only here in the New Testament. Rev., better, discernment: sensitive moral perception. Used of the senses, as Xenophon: “perception of things sweet or pungent” (“Memorabilia,” i., 4,5). Of hearing: “It is possible to go so far away as not to afford a hearing” (“Anabasis,” iv., 6,13). The senses are called αἰσθήσεις . See Plato, “Theaetetus,” 156. Plato uses it of visions of the gods (“Phaedo,” 111). Compare αἰσθητήρια senses Hebrews 5:14. Discernment selects, classifies, and applies what is furnished by knowledge. [source]