• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"That you may approve the things that are excellent..."

Text: Philippians 1:10

A DEEP AND INSIGHTFUL PRAYER

The prayer that the apostle Paul offered on behalf of the Philippians reveals the fact that he was a man of deep insight.

“That you may approve the things that are excellent,
that you may be sincere and without offense till the
day of Christ.”
Philippians 1:10

1. “That you may approve the things that are excellent”

a) The word “approve” (Greek dokimazein) describes a person who has a sharp mind.

i) He is able to discern between the good and the bad.

ii) He is able to distinguish between the good and the excellent.

b) This is the practical ramification of the prayer for love, knowledge and discernment.

i) Love has practical ramifications.

ii) It is able to choose to focus on that which are excellent.

2. “That you may be sincere”

a) The word “sincere” (Greek eilikrineis) describes the idea of “purity” or “honesty”.

b) The believer must be able to express his faith sincerely in life.

i) He seeks purity.

ii) He practises honesty.

3. “Without offense”

a) The believer must always be conscious that he lives in a world that can be hostile.

b) He must not live in an offensive manner.

c) His life must be well-characterised by:-

i) Love

ii) Wisdom

iii) Purity

4. “Till the day of Christ”

a) This is the second time where Paul mentioned “the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

b) This reflects Paul’s consciousness of the Second Coming of Christ.

c) The Person and the Presence of Christ is obviously prized.