Introduction and Recap
Many Christians today find themselves on the “Treadmill of Religion:” running like crazy but not actually going anywhere. Many feel “stuck” in their spiritual growth and
development…but this is something that every Christian ought to be pursuing.
In Philippians 1:1-8, Paul has told us not only how he feels about these believers, but also how he identifies them:
1. They are saints (vs 1) - set apart from sin unto God, holy, “in” Christ
2. They are partners in ministry (vs 5) – financial support, cooperation in evangelism, prayer and concern for Paul
3. They are partakers of grace (vs 7) – salvation grace and empowering grace for ministry
Paul’s prayer in vs 9-11 is for the spiritual growth and development of the believers.
The Principles for Spiritual Growth
The Foundation: Love (vs 9)
Everything in the Christian life flows from a heart that loves God and loves people.
Love is the greatest of all Christian virtues!
The kind of love Paul is talking about here can be defined as…
A Divine Love - God is the source, he provides it!
Rom. 5:5 – God’s love shed abroad in our hearts
1 John 4:19 – we love because he first loved us
An Active Love – Greek word agape = love of the will or choice
1 Cor. 13 – all actions
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave
This love seeks the good of others and meets real needs
An Intelligent Love - love that is accompanied by knowledge and discernment
Knowledge = truth of God’s word (love informed)
Discernment = moral insight/perception/application of truth
The Filter: Discernment (vs 10)
The foundation of love leads to the filter of discernment: the ability to “discern what is best” for our lives.
Discerning between what is “good” and what is “best” for us.
It’s the ability to establish the right priorities and make wise informed choices that will cause spiritual growth.
The Fruit: Righteousness (vs 11)
When we apply this discerning love to our lives, it results in bearing

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