Phil 1:9-11 (NIV) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.
NOTE: I am always intrigue by the prayers that men who wrote the scriptures used. Paul's prayer is that their love may abound more and more. First, their love was expressed in a financial gift for Paul. Giving is a good thing, not just for the recipient but also for the person who gives. He also wants their love to grow in knowledge and depth of insight -- that comes through the word of God, and not just a superficial understanding of the word, but one that goes deep. The fact that Paul makes the subject "love" suggests that knowledge and depth of insight should affect us personally, in our character and actions. He also prays for them to be able to discern what is best. That follows from knowledge and insight, after having applied truth. As our mind is affected by God's word we develop godly discernment. We are not as easily fooled by Satan's deceits. Paul also prays that they might be pure and blameless until Jesus returns. Sin hurts our witness and takes away from God's glory on earth. The more we keep our lives pure from sin, the more God is glorified by us. Righteousness is the result of a life pure and blameless. Also, a reward is awaiting us in heaven, as well as the words, "well done, good and faithful servant." How I hope to hear those words some day.
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