Faith without religion.
Intelligent Affection and Authentic Faith
In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound words of Paul from Philippians 1:9-18, exploring the essence of Christian love and authenticity. Paul’s prayer for the believers in Philippi is a timeless reminder of the principles of the Spirit that transcend material desires. He prays for their love to abound in knowledge and discernment, emphasizing an “intelligent affection” that goes beyond mere emotion. This love, Paul suggests, should be reflective and reasoned, ensuring that our actions are guided by understanding and discernment.
Paul’s message extends to the importance of sincerity and being without offense, urging believers to be transparent and genuine in their faith. He highlights the need for a love that is both open and non-offensive, a challenging balance that requires a heart purified by the Spirit. This sincerity is likened to pottery judged in the light of the sun, where only what is genuine remains.
Furthermore, Paul speaks of being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. This righteousness is not about piety but fairness and equity, reflecting a justified state before God through faith in Christ.
Paul also shares insights into his own circumstances, revealing how his imprisonment has furthered the gospel. Despite being in chains, his situation has emboldened others to preach Christ, whether from pure motives or otherwise. Paul rejoices in this, recognizing that the message of Christ transcends the intentions of those who preach it.
This teaching encourages us to embrace a love that is thoughtful and discerning, to be sincere and without offense, and to rejoice in the spread of the gospel, regardless of the motives behind it. It is a call to live authentically and to trust in the power of the Spirit to work through all circumstances for the glory of God.
