Abounding in Love
Back in May, I had the privilege of preaching on Philippians 1:9-11, Paul’s prayer for the Philippians. Paul reveals the content of his prayer whenever he remembers the faithfulness of the Philippians. He starts with . . .
“That your love may abound”
Having an abounding love for people and for the Lord is a defining mark of a Christian. Or, at least, it should be, and that is why Paul says it is the thing that he is constantly praying for the believers in Philippi.
Is it ours?
Is that why our churches are weak?
Is that why our impact on the culture is so shallow?
Is that why, with all of our efforts and investment in spiritual formation and spiritual programing, there seems to be so little transformative change in our people and our culture?
I suspect the answer is yes, and that leads to another question.
Are we going to obey the command and follow the example of Paul in praying that the love of our people and our churches would “abound”?
9 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 for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11, ESV)
Are we going to discipline ourselves to pray this way or are we just going to play games at church?
Questions and Suggestions for Family Discussion and Growth !
- If Christian people’s love “abounded” (overflowed) for one another, what do you think would be the effect on the people who knew them?
- Why do you think Paul focuses on prayer for the Philippian believers rather than for those in Philippi who did not know Christ?
- How does praying for the right ultimate goal help us to grow the way God wants us to?
- Why isn’t holiness a very popular topic?
- Ask each member in your family where they struggle with holiness? Commit to pray for one another this week in that area.
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