It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment. – Philippians 1:9
The apostle Peter wanted the early Christians to be “partakers of the divine nature” so they could escape the results of the corruption of the world. “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (1 Peter 1:2-4).
Paul expanded this thought to say, “If I have all faith… but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). Christian love is divine in nature and comes from God, quite different from the tainted perspective of the world. John MacArthur describes it as decisive because it takes the Word of God and applies it to conscious, intentional actions to love God and people; and it is dynamic because Godly love has the capacity to abound, overflowing in the life of the believer.
As the believer grows in the love and understanding of the Lord, he becomes discerning, and able to apply the knowledge of God’s revelation in a wise and judicious way. Having “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) allows you to make wise assessments instead of being naïve and gullible.
The prophet Hosea cried, “There is no faithfulness or steadfast love… My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:1, 6). Ask the Lord to draw you deeper into His love and knowledge and develop a discerning spirit in you. Pray for those in positions of authority in the United States, that their hearts would turn toward God, seeking His truth and applying it wisely with godliness.
Today’s Verse: Philippians 1:9
9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 1:15-18
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
