CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE IN CHRIST MINISTRIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY ON YOUTUBE
Philippians 1:9-11
In Philippians 1:3-8 the Apostle Paul informs the Christians at Philippi that he is continually praying for them. In Philippians 1:9-11, Paul informs the Christians at Philippi of the very things in which he is praying for them. He states, “9And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11, NKJV).
This is an example of the intended life of a Christian as described by the Apostle Paul through the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit.
To abound in love and to continually grow in love is to grow in our relationship with God as God is love (1 John 4:8). The presence of God’s love in our lives helps us to discern between right and wrong as we grow in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, which helps us make the right decisions for our lives which is the approval of the things that are excellent. It is the love of God working in our lives through His Holy Spirit that leads us with sincere hearts to make the right decisions each day as we prepare for that glorious day when Christ Jesus will return to gather us to Himself for eternity (John 5:24-30). And as Paul states in Philippians 1:11, “11being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” The Bible teaches us in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” We all will draw more and more near to God if we will practice these things every day of our lives (James 4:8).
Dear LORD,
You have given us the example to follow in leading the life of a Christian, in which we are all called to in Christ Jesus. Please open our eyes, hearts, minds, and souls to receive Your Holy Spirit to lead us in the ways of righteousness as we continually seek to draw more and more near to You and be the people You would have us to be – In Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.