Philippians 1:7-11
7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this I pray, that your love may overflow still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may discover the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God.”
Verse 7: Paul expresses his deep affection for the believers in Philippi. He acknowledges that it is right for him to feel this way because they are all partakers of God’s grace. Whether Paul is in chains or actively proclaiming the gospel, the Philippians are united with him in the same grace of God.
Verse 8: Paul emphasizes his longing for the Philippians, a longing that is not merely human but originates from the affection of Christ Jesus within him. This love is a reflection of the love of Christ that dwells in every believer.
Verse 9: Paul’s prayer for the Philippians is that their love would increase and overflow. This love is not based on human effort but is rooted in the knowledge and depth of insight that comes from knowing Christ. It is a love that is grounded in the truth of the gospel.
Verse 10: Paul desires that the Philippians would have discernment, being able to distinguish what is truly excellent and in line with God’s will. This discernment comes from a place of purity and blamelessness, which is not achieved through their own efforts but through their identity in Christ.
Verse 11: The ultimate desire for Paul is that the Philippians would be filled with the fruit of righteousness. This fruit is not produced by their own striving, but it comes through their union with Jesus Christ. As they bear this fruit, it brings glory and praise to God. Here being “filled” means being influenced by the fruit of the Spirit.
