Verse 9 “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,”
Exactly what we would expect. Paul having assured them of his affection does what he does in his letters. Paul believes in prayer and talks about his participation in it at every opportunity. In this instance he describes exactly what he is praying for. I’m not suggesting that prayer in general is a bad thing, but certainly we see the benefits for having something definite in mind when we ask God for help or when we thank Him for His blessings.
Paul had mentioned his prayers in verse four. He had assured them that he offered those prayers in joy. Now he tells them what he is praying for. He is asking that they continue to do what they have been doing. Becoming a Christian is not a day one only experience. In other places Paul calls it a race and not a dash either. For Christians there is a goal in sight but it can’t be reached by standing still. Growth is required. Maturity is required. Steadfastness is required. So, Paul prays that they keep keeping on. Don’t stop loving, Paul says. Keep doing what you have been doing.
Their love should grow in knowledge. To continue to pursue the gospel they would need to continue to learn more and more about the gospel. This idea of love is not general affection but rather a love that motivates action towards the one loved. It must extend beyond the Philippian church to the lost in Macedonia. This love for each other and the lost must be motivated by insight and accomplished in wisdom.
Task for Today: This verse should encourage us to take a path of learning to love. To begin to love with purpose and a goal. When we view the lost, those outside of Jesus, are our hearts touched at their lostness? We should allow our knowledge of their ultimate fate to motivate us to show our love in a practical way.
Philip Dampier's Blog 