Philippians 1:9–11

   Joy in our salvation gives us His peace!!

Considering everything Paul taught about the promise of " no condemnation" (Romans 8:1), the giving of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4-17) and God's sovereignty, (Romans 8:28-30) Paul's questions invite us to respond with wonder and praise.

1. "What then shall we say to these things? (Romans 8:31a) We can only say God is great!

2.  "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b) No one!

3. "... Will he not also with [Christ] graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32) God will never hesitate to give believers good things that lead to their growth in holiness.

4. "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?" (Romans 8:33a) No one!

5. "Who is to condemn?" (Romans 8:34a) No one!

Apart from believing Jesus died and was resurrected for us, there is no way for us to be saved. (Ephesians 2:8-9) But in Christ, we are inseparable from God.

6. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Romans 8:35a) No one!

7. "Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?" (Romans 8:35b) No!

Paul concluded by pointing out in verse 39 that it is only because of God's love that we have this certainty. First5 

Philippians 1:9–11

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. The New King James Version

As Paul explains later, love (agapē) involves putting others before oneself. The knowledge that Paul has in mind is not just intellectual but experiential, acquired through acts of love. The Greek term used here, aisthēsis, refers to the ability to make decisions for the benefit of others. 

When the Philippians’ love abounds, they will be able to determine what is most valuable or beneficial to the community of believers. 

Christ, in His death and resurrection, brings righteousness to all who believe! Faithlife Study Bible

The love that Paul sought for the believers is the highest form of Christian love, based on a lasting, unconditional commitment, not on an unstable emotion. 

The first of two terms on which a directed love is built, knowledge suggests an intimate understanding based on a relationship with the person. 

Here the focus of this knowledge is God. Discernment, found only here in the NT, the Greek word means moral or ethical understanding based on both the intellect and the senses. The word implies perception or insight into social situations.

That you may approve is a verb is used in ancient literature for the testing of gold to determine its purity, and for trying oxen to assess their usefulness for the task at hand. 

The purpose of increasing in love, controlled by knowledge, is to be able to evaluate people and situations correctly. Pure, unmixed, and free from falsehood. 

Fruits of righteousness is best understood either as “fruit that results from being justified” or “fruit characterized by morally correct conduct.” 

Righteousness describes the behavior. The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,

John 15:8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Acts 24:16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.