Philippians 1:10
so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
so that you may be able
The phrase "so that you may be able" indicates a purpose or result. In the Greek, the word used here is "εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν" (eis to dokimazein), which implies a process of testing or examining. This suggests an active engagement in discernment, a call for believers to be intentional in their spiritual growth and understanding. The ability to discern is not passive but requires effort and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

to test and prove
The Greek word "δοκιμάζειν" (dokimazein) means to test, examine, or prove. It carries the connotation of refining, much like gold is tested for purity. This implies that believers are to critically evaluate their lives and choices, ensuring they align with God's will. The process of testing is not merely intellectual but involves a moral and spiritual dimension, seeking to align one's life with the truth of the Gospel.

what is best
The phrase "what is best" translates from the Greek "τὰ διαφέροντα" (ta diapheronta), meaning things that are excellent or superior. This suggests a call to prioritize what truly matters in the Christian life. It is a challenge to rise above mediocrity and pursue excellence in faith, love, and service. The believer is encouraged to focus on eternal values rather than temporary or worldly concerns.

and may be pure
The word "pure" comes from the Greek "εἰλικρινεῖς" (eilikrineis), which can mean sincere or without hidden motives. It suggests a transparency and integrity in one's character and actions. Historically, this term was used to describe something that is judged by sunlight, indicating clarity and truth. Christians are called to live lives that are open and honest, reflecting the light of Christ.

and blameless
The term "blameless" is translated from the Greek "ἀπρόσκοποι" (aproskopoi), meaning without offense or not causing others to stumble. This highlights the importance of living a life that is not only righteous in God's eyes but also considerate of others. It emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, where one's actions should edify and not hinder the spiritual journey of others.

for the day of Christ
The "day of Christ" refers to the eschatological event of Christ's return. In the early Christian context, this was a central hope and motivation for holy living. The anticipation of Christ's return serves as a reminder of accountability and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. It encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the coming kingdom and the joy of being found faithful at His return.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to the Philippians. He wrote this epistle while imprisoned, expressing his deep affection for the Philippian church and his desire for their spiritual growth.

2. Philippians
The recipients of the letter, the Christian community in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. They were known for their generosity and partnership in the gospel.

3. Philippi
A significant city in Macedonia, where Paul established the first Christian church in Europe during his second missionary journey.
Teaching Points
Discernment and Excellence
The Greek word for "approve" (dokimaz?) implies testing or examining. Christians are called to discern and choose what is excellent, reflecting a life that honors God.

Purity and Blamelessness
The goal of discernment is to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. This involves living a life that is free from moral and spiritual blemish.

Eternal Perspective
The focus on the "day of Christ" encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and readiness for Christ's return.

Growth in Love and Knowledge
The context of Philippians 1:10 highlights the importance of growing in love and knowledge, which fuels discernment and leads to a life that pleases God.

Community and Accountability
Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability in the pursuit of excellence and purity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "approving what is excellent" challenge your current decision-making process in daily life?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a mindset that prioritizes purity and blamelessness in preparation for the day of Christ?

3. How does Romans 12:2's call for transformation and renewal of the mind relate to the discernment Paul speaks of in Philippians 1:10?

4. What practical steps can you take to grow in love and knowledge, as mentioned in the context of Philippians 1:10, to enhance your spiritual discernment?

5. How can being part of a Christian community help you in your journey to live a life that is pure and blameless?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 12:2
This verse emphasizes the transformation and renewal of the mind, which aligns with the discernment and purity Paul desires for the Philippians.

Ephesians 5:10
Encourages believers to discern what is pleasing to the Lord, similar to the call in Philippians 1:10 to approve what is excellent.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Advises testing everything and holding fast to what is good, echoing the discernment theme in Philippians 1:10.
Christian RectitudeG. G. Ballard.Philippians 1:10
Discerning with a PurposeD. G. Watt, M. A.Philippians 1:10
Discernment the Result of ExperienceR. Johnstone, LL. B.Philippians 1:10
Life WorkJ. Lyth, D. D.Philippians 1:10
One Fault May Spoil a LifePhilippians 1:10
Sincere and Without OffenceJ. Aldis.Philippians 1:10
Sincere and Without OffenceJ. Aldis.Philippians 1:10
Sincere ChristiansPhilippians 1:10
SincerityR. Johnstone, LL. B.Philippians 1:10
SincerityJ. Tesseyman.Philippians 1:10
Spiritual DiscriminationG. G. Ballard.Philippians 1:10
The Day of ChristJ. Aldis.Philippians 1:10
The Discernment of Things ExcellentJ. Aldis.Philippians 1:10
The Things that are ExcellentPrincipal Tulloch.Philippians 1:10
True Religion IsJ. Lyth, D. D.Philippians 1:10
Without OffenceJ. Aldis.Philippians 1:10
A Cheerful PrisonerFamily ChurchmanPhilippians 1:3-11
Blessed Remembrance and Joyful PrayersWeekly PulpitPhilippians 1:3-11
Christian RemembrancesJ. Lyth, D. D.Philippians 1:3-11
Expression of InterestR. Finlayson Philippians 1:3-11
Happy MemoriesG. G. Ballard.Philippians 1:3-11
My GodG. G. Ballard.Philippians 1:3-11
Pleasant Memories and Bright HopesR. Johnstone, LL. B.Philippians 1:3-11
Retrospect and ForecastJ. J. Goadby.Philippians 1:3-11
The Apostle's Intercession and AssuranceR.M. Edgar Philippians 1:3-11
The Introduction to the EpistleJ. Daille.Philippians 1:3-11
The True Spirit of PrayerJ. Lyth, D. D., J. Lyth, D. D.Philippians 1:3-11
Aboundings of LoveA. Raleigh, D. D., J. Parker, D. D.Philippians 1:7-11
Ministers Carry the Images of Their People in Their HeartsPhilippians 1:7-11
Reasons for Paul's ConfidenceWeekly Pulpit., J. Lyth, D. DPhilippians 1:7-11
The Apologetic Value of Paul's BondsPhilippians 1:7-11
The Fellowship of the GospelJ. Parker, D. D.Philippians 1:7-11
The Heart of Paul and the Heart of ChristG. G. Ballard.Philippians 1:7-11
The Unifying Influence of Christian LoveThe StudyPhilippians 1:7-11
The Things that ExcelW.F. Adeney Philippians 1:9, 10
Love -- the Heart's EyeS. Martin.Philippians 1:9-11
Perseverance to the Day of ChristW. B. Pope, D. D.Philippians 1:9-11
St. Paul's Prayer for the PhilippiansC. Lawson., J. Lyth, D. D.Philippians 1:9-11
The Apostle's PrayerT. Croskery Philippians 1:9-11
The Augmentation of Christly Love Ensures the Improvement of the Whole ManD. Thomas Philippians 1:9-11
The Life of God in the Soul of ManV. Hutton Philippians 1:9-11
The Recorded Prayers of St. PaulG. G. Ballard.Philippians 1:9-11
True Christian LoveS. Martin.Philippians 1:9-11
People
Christians, Paul, Philippians, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Philippi
Topics
Approval, Approve, Best, Blameless, Character, Christ, Christ's, Differ, Discern, Excellent, Judge, Offence, Offenceless, Offense, Order, Preparation, Proving, Pure, Sincere, Till, Transparent, Void, Wrongdoing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Philippians 1:10

     2224   Christ, the Lord
     8201   blamelessness
     8203   character
     8322   perfection, human
     8330   receptiveness

Philippians 1:9-10

     5815   confusion
     6115   blame
     8227   discernment, nature of
     8413   edification

Philippians 1:9-11

     5904   maturity, spiritual
     7027   church, purpose
     8255   fruit, spiritual
     8348   spiritual growth, nature of
     8440   glorifying God
     8602   prayer

Library
February 23. "For Me to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain" (Phil. I. 21).
"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil. i. 21). The secret of a sound body is a sound heart, and the prayer of the Holy Ghost for us is, that we "may be in health and prosper even as our soul prospers." We find Paul in the Epistles to the Philippians expressing a sublime and holy indifference to the question of life or death. Indeed he is in a real strait, whether he would prefer "to depart and be with Christ," or to remain still in the flesh. The former would indeed be his sweetest
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 12. "To Abide in the Flesh is More Needful for You, and Having this Confidence, I Know that I Shall Abide" (Phil. I. 24, 25).
"To abide in the flesh is more needful for you, and having this confidence, I know that I shall abide" (Phil. i. 24, 25). One of the most blessed things about divine healing is that the strength it brings is holy strength, and finds its natural and congenial outflow in holy acts and exercises. Mere natural strength seeks its gratification in natural pleasures and activities, but the strength of Christ leads us to do as Christ would do, and to seek our congenial employment in His holy service. The
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches.
Text: Philippians 1, 3-11. 3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Walking Worthily
'Walk worthy of God.'--1 THESS. ii. 12. Here we have the whole law of Christian conduct in a nutshell. There may be many detailed commandments, but they can all be deduced from this one. We are lifted up above the region of petty prescriptions, and breathe a bracing mountain air. Instead of regulations, very many and very dry, we have a principle which needs thought and sympathy in order to apply it, and is to be carried out by the free action of our own judgments. Now it is to be noticed that there
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Loving Greetings
'Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4. Always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5. For your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6. Being confident of this very thing that He which began a good work
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Prisoner's Triumph
'Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; 13. So that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest; 14. And that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 15. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16. The one do it of love, knowing
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Strait Betwixt Two
'To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24. Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.'--PHIL. i. 21-25. A preacher may well shrink from such a text.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Citizens of Heaven
'Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28. And in nothing terrified by your adversaries.'--PHIL. i. 27, 28. We read in the Acts of the Apostles that Philippi was the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a 'colony.' Now, the connection between a Roman colony and Rome was a great deal closer
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Comprehensive Prayer
'And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 10. So that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ; 11. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.'--PHIL. i. 9-11 (R.V.). What a blessed friendship is that of which the natural language is prayer! We have many ways, thank God, of showing our love and of helping
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Good Man's Life and Death
If you would get a fair estimate of the happiness of any man you must judge him in these two closely connected things, his life and his death. The heathen Solon said, "Call no man happy until he is dead; for you know not what changes may pass upon him in life." We add to that--Call no man happy until he is dead; because the life that is to come, if that be miserable, shall far outweigh the highest life of happiness that hath been enjoyed on earth. To estimate a man's condition we must take it in
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Paul's Desire to Depart
I hope that the service of this morning may have the effect of leading every one of us to self-examination. I shall endeavor while preaching to search myself, and I pray that each one of you may be led to hear for himself, and I beseech you to put home each pertinent and personal question to your own souls, while in a quiet, but I hope in a forcible manner, I shall endeavor to describe the apostle's feelings in prospect of departure. Three things I shall observe this morning. First of all, the apostle's
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

7Th Day. Sanctifying Grace.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "He which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."--PHIL. i. 6. Sanctifying Grace. Reader! is the good work begun in thee? Art thou holy? Is sin crucifying? Are thy heart's idols, one by one abolished? Is the world less to thee, and eternity more to thee? Is more of thy Saviour's image impressed on thy character, and thy Saviour's love more enthroned in thy heart? Is "Salvation" to thee more "the one thing needful?" Oh! take heed!
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Love and Discernment.
"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all judgment: that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."--PHIL. i. 9-11. One of the most beautiful elements in the Pauline Epistles is the intimate relation which evidently existed between the Apostle and his converts. This is especially the
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

Of the Desire after Eternal Life, and How Great Blessings are Promised to those who Strive
"My Son, when thou feelest the desire of eternal happiness to be poured into thee from above, and longest to depart from the tabernacle of this body, that thou mayest contemplate My glory without shadow of turning, enlarge thine heart, and take in this holy inspiration with all thy desire. Give most hearty thanks to the Supreme Goodness, who dealeth with thee so graciously, visiteth thee so lovingly, stirreth thee up so fervently, raiseth thee so powerfully, lest thou sink down through thine own
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Death of the Righteous
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2. No medicine like the blood of Christ; and in the text, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' I. For to me to live is Christ. We must understand Paul of a spiritual life. For to me to live is Christ, i.e.' Christ is my life; so Gregory of Nyssa; or thus, my life is made up of Christ. As a wicked man's life is made up of sin,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Believer's Privilege at Death
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Hope is a Christian's anchor, which he casts within the veil. Rejoicing in hope.' Rom 12:12. A Christian's hope is not in this life, but he hash hope in his death.' Prov 14:42. The best of a saint's comfort begins when his life ends; but the wicked have all their heaven here. Woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.' Luke 6:64. You may make your acquittance, and write Received in full payment.' Son, remember that
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

For There were Even in the Apostles' Times Some who Preached the Truth Not...
16. For there were even in the Apostles' times some who preached the truth not in truth, that is, not with truthful mind: of whom the Apostle saith that they preached Christ not chastely, but of envy and strife. And on this account even at that time some were tolerated while preaching truth not with a chaste mind: yet not any have been praised as preaching falsehood with a chaste mind. Lastly, he saith of those, "Whether in pretence or in truth Christ be preached:" [2404] but in no wise would he
St. Augustine—Against Lying

The Master's Hand
Heinrich Suso Phil. i. 21 "To me to live is Christ," and yet the days Are days of toiling men; We rise at morn, and tread the beaten ways, And lay us down again. How is it that this base, unsightly life Can yet be Christ alone? Our common need, and weariness, and strife, While common days wear on? Then saw I how before a Master wise A shapeless stone was set; He said, "Therein a form of beauty lies Though none behold it yet." "When all beside it shall be hewn away, That glorious shape shall stand,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Therefore if Haply, which Whether it Can Take Place...
16. Therefore if haply, (which whether it can take place, I know not; and rather think it cannot take place; but yet, if haply), having taken unto himself a concubine for a time, a man shall have sought sons only from this same intercourse; neither thus is that union to be preferred to the marriage even of those women, who do this, that is matter of pardon. [1981] For we must consider what belongs to marriage, not what belongs to such women as marry and use marriage with less moderation than they
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Concerning Lowliness of Mind.
HOMILY. Against those who improperly use the apostolic declaration which says, "Whether in pretence, or in sincerity, Christ is preached:" (Phil. i. 18), and about humbleness of mind. Introduction. There is an allusion at the beginning of this Homily to some remarks recently made on the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. These occur in Chrysostom's fifth Homily against the Anomoeans, one of a set of Homilies which, from internal evidence, may be assigned to the close of the year 386, or beginning
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood

Second Day. God's Provision for Holiness.
To those that are made holy in Christ Jesus, called to be holy.'--1 Cor. i. 2. 'To all the holy ones in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi. Salute every holy one in Christ Jesus.'[1]--Phil. i. 1, iv. 21. HOLY! IN CHRIST! In these two expressions we have perhaps the most wonderful words of all the Bible. HOLY! the word of unfathomable meaning, which the Seraphs utter with veiled faces. HOLY! the word in which all God's perfections centre, and of which His glory is but the streaming forth.
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Effects of Messiah's Appearance
The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped: Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. H ow beautiful and magnificent is the imagery, by which the Prophet, in this chapter, represents the effects of MESSIAH'S appearance! The scene, proposed to our view, is a barren and desolate wilderness. But when He, who in the beginning said, Let there be light, and there was light, condescends to visit this wilderness, the face of nature is
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Greeks Seek Jesus. He Foretells that He Shall Draw all Men unto Him.
(in the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^D John XII. 20-50. ^d 20 Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast [The language indicates that they were Greek converts to Judaism, such as were called proselytes of the gate. It is also noted that as Gentiles came from the east at the beginning of Jesus' life, so they also came from the west at the close of his ministry]: 21 these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee [See p. 111. They were possibly
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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