In Paul’s day, Philippi was a prosperous Roman colony. Approximately ten years before the writing of his letter, Paul had established a church there. Everything in Philippian society stood in sharp contrast to the gospel of Christ. The most sticking and fundamental distinction was the belief that Caesar was Lord.
Various beliefs and religious practices created a context for the church that had no shortage of challenges. In addition, Paul wrote that some who were preaching the Christian message were doing so out of envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition.
Paul’s letter is a strong word of encouragement to Philippian believers to live the Christian life authentically, and he guides them in that path.
He also prays for them with a full understanding of the challenge they face in the surrounding culture.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure 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 1:9-11)
The Bible tells us that Christian love is continually growing and maturing in the knowledge of God, in depth of insight — what we must learn about God’s ways, and what is morally right.
In this fallen world and its values, we are called to reflect God’s righteous ways. This guides our response to everything and everyone. Paul’s prayer applies to the whole of life. It’s a strong word of encouragement and also a clear admonishment to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
We know that we can’t achieve such holy standards on our own. But Paul encourages the Philippians and us today to humbly seek and follow our God who will complete the work he has begun in those who love him until the day of Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
There is help. Paul tells us that it is God who works in his people to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)
In a world that seems to be unravelling more and more, followers of Christ have the certainty of where everything will end. We know the end of the story and look through the storms to the wonderful day of the Lord.
Until he comes, or we go to be with him, we can be daily recipients of his amazing grace. As we continually learn to walk in his ways, being humble, repentant, and maintaining a serving heart, the light of the gospel shines as a bright witness to others.
Let’s take great encouragement from Paul’s prayer and offer those words to God in prayer for one another.