July 23 - Philippians 1

Phil 1:9-11 9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.   Phil 1:9-11 (NKJV) 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.   Strive to love knowledge and discernment. Discern what is best, things that are excellent. Live a pure, sincere and blameless life. Be filled with the fruit of righteousness.   Q: What is(are) the fruit(s) of righteousness?   Phil 1:15-18 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[c] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.   What is important is that the gospel is preached, disseminated, publicized. Some do it out of good motive, some not-so-good motive. Still, the gospel gets preached; this is good despite whatever motive. In this era, there are some preachers out there who are money-minded, wealth-seeking, conceited and proud.  So long God's message is effectively passed on to the people, it's ok; main objective is achieved. It doesn't matter that the preacher is carnal, the preacher is wealth-seeking or money-minded.   Phil 1:21 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.   Phil 1:21 (NKJV) 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.   One of my favorite verses. This is uttered by Paul when he was persecuted, when he was imprisoned. He wanted to live on because he wanted to continue to preach the gospel. To die was gain because he could be in heaven, closer to God.   Phil 1:21-26 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For[c] I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.     Ok. Gtg. Time to go to work.