Verse of the Day (September 30, 2020)

Verse of the Day (September 30, 2020) #BMSeminary – {knowledge and depth of insight} The mind is important in this letter, but not out of any intellectualism: Paul desires their unity and humility, i.e., that they be “of one mind” with each other (2:2) and “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (2:5). Paul prays that they outgrow a naive love that is marked by acting in an unChristlike manner to each other and outsiders, and that they develop an informed love that is discerning (v. 10). Cf. Paul’s emotions in vv. 4,6,8. {pure and blameless for the day of Christ} Paul sees the work of Christ as presenting the church “holy and blameless” (Eph 5:27; see Col 1:22), and Paul’s own ministry as sharing in this work: Paul also sees himself as presenting the church to Christ (2 Cor 11:2; Col 1:28). Through prayer Paul participates in this work so that it will be complete on the final day. Paul wants the Philippians even now to aspire to be pure and blameless rather than settle for a halfhearted faith. [Zondervan Study Bible]