And this I pray, that your love [agape] may abound still more and more in knowledge [epignosis=recognition, discernment] and all discernment [perception, judgment], that you may approve [test, examine]the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the (fruit) of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11).
“The Fruit of Righteousness” deals with the product(s) of righteousness the same way as the produce of a tree or plant reflect the nature of that organism. The life of Jesus is the fruit the Spirit produces within and through the believer. Everything the Holy Spirit produces in and through us is an expression of Christ alone. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians was that their love would abound in knowledge and in recognition of what God has done for us, in and through Jesus Christ. He prayed that we would have as produce perception, being spiritually keen, thus giving us the ability to make sound judgments resulting in an acumen that tests/examines the things that are excellent. The things that are excellent are those acts and qualities that surpass even the highest worldly standards. This work of God brings to maturity the fruit of righteousness, which makes us sincere and without offense, meaning that purity and blamelessness have been inculcated in us through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit until the day of Christ; we, being filled with the fruit of righteousness by Jesus Christ, will forever be to the glory and praise of God! This has been forever given to the believer!
“Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits [harvest] of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God” (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).
By this work of enrichment (Christ in us), the Father will have brought the reality of Jesus, His Son, to and in every redeemed person throughout His universe, thus having in every place a visible tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, which will result in thanksgiving through us to God.
Pastor Don