Young People's Group

THE CHALLENGE TO HAVE A MATURE CHRISTIAN LOVE

by Pastor Mitch
April 26, 2009

Praying For A Mature Christian Love

Christian love should never be static but constantly abounding. In the book of Philippians, Paul wrote of how there was a special sense of bond and affection that the Church had for each other and for him. And yet Paul saw that it was not enough. He prayed that their love for each other would truly abound still more and more.

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment” 
Philippians 1:9

Paul prayed that the Philippians might learn to have a maturity of love for people. Their love should be characterised by a deeper knowledge of God’s word and great discernment. Within the Church, there were false teachers who sought to spread wrong teachings. Paul saw the need for the Church to increase its love and yet be very discerning at the same time. Let’s pray for this maturity in the way we love.

Goals For Praying For A Mature Christian Love

What are our goals for praying for the maturing of our love for each other?

1. That We May Choose The Things That Are Truly Excellent

“That you may approve the things that are excellent” 
Philippians 1:10

The word “approve” in the Greek means to “examine and test” and recognise what is most important. With greater knowledge and discernment, the Philippians were meant to recognise what is truly excellent in life. They were meant to distinguish between that which is of lesser and greater worth in God’s kingdom. Young people, let’s seek to have sharper minds to choose the things that really matter in life.

2. That We May Have A Sincere And Blameless Life

“That you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ” 
Philippians 1:10

Another goal was for the Philippians to learn to be sincere and blameless before the Lord. And as we grow in love, our challenge must be to seek to have lives that are open, earnest and without offense before God and man. Let’s pray for this sincerity of life.

To The Glory And Praise Of God

“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” 
Philippians 1:11

As we mature in our love for each other, we will bear many fruits of righteousness. This work of fruit bearing is something that the Lord Jesus has to do in our lives. Let’s learn to abide in Him. When we have fruitful lives, we will then bring glory and praise to our Lord. Let’s live well that we may glorify our great God.

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