Philippians 1:10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; [ Eis (G1519) to (G3588) dokimazein (G1381) humas (G5209)] 'With a view to your proving (and so embracing) the things that excel' (Romans 2:18); by 'perception' (Philippians 1:9), testing not merely things not bad, but the best among good things: the things of advanced excellence. Ask as to things, not merely, Is there no harm? but Is there any good? and Which is the best?...

10_That ye may approve the things that are _Here we have a definition of Christian wisdom — to know what is advantageous or expedient — not to torture the mind with empty subtleties and speculations. For the Lord does not wish that his believing people should employ themselves fruitlessly in learning what is of no profit: From this you may gather in what estimation the Sorbonnic theology ought to be held, in which you may spend your whole life, and yet not derive more of edification from it in connection with the hope of a heavenly life, or more of spiritual advantage, than from the demonstrations of Euclid. Unquestionably, although it taught nothing false, it well deserves to be execrable, on the ground that it is a pernicious profanation of spiritual doctrine. For _Scripture is useful_, as Paul says, in 2 Timothy 3:16, but _there _you will find nothing but cold subtleties

8-11 Shall not we pity and love those souls whom Christ loves and pities? Those who abound in any grace, need to abound more. Try things which differ; that we may approve the things which are excellent. The truths and laws of Christ are excellent; and they recommend themselves as such to any attentive mind. Sincerity is that in which we should have our conversation in the world, and it is the glory of all our graces. Christians should not be apt to take offence, and should be very careful not to offend God or the brethren. The things which most honour God will most benefit us. Let us not leave it doubtful whether any good fruit is found in us or not. A small measure of Christian love, knowledge, and fruitfulness should not satisfy any....

Verse 10. _THAT YE MAY APPROVE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT_] Εις το δοκιμαζειν ὑμας τα διαφεροντα· _To the end that ye may put to_ _proof the things that differ_, or the things that are in are more profitable. By the pure and abundant love which they received from God they would be able to _try_ whatever _differed_ from the _teaching_ they had received, and from the _experience_ they had in spiritual things. _THAT YE MAY BE SINCERE_] Ἱνα ητε ειλικρινεις. The word ειλικρινεια, which we translate _sincerity_, is compounded of ειλη, the _splendour of the sun_, and κρινω, _I judge_; a thing which may be examined in the clearest and strongest light, without the possibility of detecting a single flaw or imperfection. "A metaphor," says Mr. _Leigh_, "taken from the usual practice of chapmen, in the view and choice of their wares, that bring them forth into the light and hold up the cloth agai...

THAT YE MAY APPROVE THINGS - Margin, “Or, try.” The word used here denotes the kind of trial to which metals are exposed in order to test their nature; and the sense here is, that the apostle wished them so to try the things that were of real value, as to discern that which was true and genuine. THAT ARE EXCELLENT - Margin: Or, “differ.” The margin here more correctly expresses the sense of the Greek word. The idea is, that he wished them to be able to distinguish between things that differed from each other; to have an intelligent apprehension of what was right and wrong - of what was good and evil. He would not have them love and approve all things indiscriminately. They should be esteemed according to their real value. It is remarkable here how anxious the apostle was not only that they should be Christians, but that they should be intelligent Christians, and should understand the rea...

EXPOSITION PHILIPPIANS 1:1 PAUL AND TIMOTHEUS. St. Paul does not assume his official title in writing to the Macedonian Churches, Philippi and Thessalonica; it is used in all his other Epistles, except the short letter to Philemon. His relations to the Philippians and Thessalonians were those of the deepest personal affection; there was no need of a formal introduction, especially in an Epistle which has so little of an official character as this to the Philippians. He joins the name of Timothy with his own, as in 2 Corinthians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon. Thus Timothy is associated with St. Paul in every Epistle in which another name is found except 1 Corinthians, where Sosthenes only is mentioned; this shows the intimate affection that bound St. Paul to his "own son in the faith." There was a special reason f

THAT YE MAY APPROVE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT,.... Or "try things that differ". There are some things that differ one from other; as morality and grace, earthly things, and heavenly things, carnal and spiritual, temporal and eternal things, law and Gospel, the doctrines of men, and the doctrines of Christ; all which differ as much as chaff and wheat, as gold, silver, precious stones, and wood, hay, stubble. These are to be tried and proved; they are not to be received without distinction, but should be examined, which is right and best to be chosen and preferred; and to such trial and examination it is necessary that a man should be transformed, by the renewing of his mind, that he should have spiritual light, knowledge, and experience, have his spiritual senses exercised to discern the difference of things, and also the guidance, direction, and influence of the Spirit of God: and this t...

ANALYSIS AND ANNOTATIONS I. CHRIST, THE CONTROLLING PRINCIPLE OF THE BELIEVER'S LIFE CHAPTER 1 _ 1. The introduction (Philippians 1:1)_ 2. The fellowship in the gospel (Philippians 1:3) 3. The apostle's prayer (Philippians 1:9) 4. Paul's victory (Philippians 1:12) 5. Paul's life and confidence (Philippians 1:21) 6. Exhortation to walk worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27

PHP_1:3-11. THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION. Paul usually begins his letters with congratulations and thanksgivings, even when he has to follow with complaints and rebukes. In writing to Philippi he has no fault to find with the church, so that his opening sentences are especially glad. At once he sounds a dominant note, the note of joy, which recurs again and again throughout the epistle. He is especially thankful for the fellowship of his readers, their affectionate association for the spread of the gospel; and he is always praying that this may continue, as it has been from the first a period of ten years. This is a matter of confident prayer because he is sure that He who began the good work in them, that is, God, will go on perfecting it until the day of Jesus Christ the day of the return or manifestation of Christ, the Parousia. This was eagerly expected by the early Christians. The...

A FRIEND TO HIS FRIENDS (Php_1:1-2)...