Philippians 1:9
“And this I pray, that your love may overflow still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment”.
Paul prayed for the Philippians. His primary request was that they overflow with love. Next was for them to have real knowledge and discernment.
I have to smile when I see “real knowledge”. It’s very different from worldly knowledge. I Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” When I see the intellectuals debate, there is an air of smugness. Christians are the last thing on their minds. They joke amongst themselves about those in the faith. Little do they know that God is with them.
Jesus was being born in a stable while the rich and powerful missed it. Then the phrase, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” God associates Himself much more with the lowly. Arrogance is a big separator. The smug intellectual is that, but arrogance is in many classes. God has a problem with them all. He withholds from them.
Denying Christ is an even larger separator. Romans 1:21-23 says, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures.” God darkens their understanding. They don’t recognize it. Neither do their peers.
While this warning generally is to unbelievers, christians can ignore God in particular areas. Their heart grows hard on that topic. God continues to nudge, but if we continue to ignore, then we are foolish in that area.
What is the real knowledge? It’s God’s wisdom. It’s contained in His Word. He illuminates parts as we read and hear it. Actions usually are required at the hearing. Some form of obedience. God doesn’t enlighten for knowing sake, but to act. It may be for us to pray, to give, to sacrifice and so on. Jesus would challenge the crowds saying, “He who has ears, let him hear.”
James 3:17 tells us what accompanies God’s wisdom,”But the wisdom from above is indeed first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and of good fruits, impartial, sincere”. Verses 14-16 share the result of worldly wisdom, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. Our behavior can inform us where wisdom comes from. Selfish ambition versus love and peace.
Lord, Help us to have Your knowledge and wisdom. Help us to have ears to hear. Help our hearts to be open to You; to do what You ask.