Philippians 1:3-11

Love more abounding in knowledge

Despite Paul.being in the depths of a prison cell, amidst political opposition, he is able to write to and encourage this church in Philippi he had fostered.

In it for the long haul

Paul knows that God's task of spreading the gospel, and growing and maturing Christians is a long one. But he knows that God will complete the work one day. And so he is invested in the church for the long haul.

We are just links in a chain of building up others and sharing the gospel. We might not be the ones to bring about what God wills, but we are part of a huge team effort to do this in the hope of a future when He will return.

The hope we have is stronger than anything on this earth - the gospel of Jesus Christ the risen saviour.

Abounding love

Paul knows that the love the Philippians have is long-term. It is true love from God and is directed for Jesus' glory. Love that is used to disciple others.

Paul defines true love as something that is found in Christ alone. That love can be build up in three ways.

Knowing Jesus Christ

Our love abounds as we know Christ more. As we know Him as our saviour we must walk our whole life with Him alongside us.

You can know Jesus better by reading the scriptures. Paul only had the Old Testament, which still gives a great insight into who Jesus is. But we can use the entire scriptures! The words from God's own mouth can help us know Him better.

Perceptiveness (depth of insight)

What Paul means here is the aesthetic

? aesthetic (adjective):concerned with beauty or appreciation of beauty

Paul wants to know Jesus so much that He wants his aesthetic to be that of Jesus. He wants Jesus to been seen in everything He does. He wants people to get a taste for holiness from being with him.

To be able to cultivate that insight is to read, listen, and learn from those who have also pursued this insight. We can study theology and who God is at an intellectual level.

Discernment

Paul wants the Philippians to know Jesus enough to make the right judgement calls. To know what is right and wrong and what is part of God's will. We can also learn to discern good biblical teaching from false or flat teaching. It is important to know what your are being told is from scripture and is what God wills in our life.