Admirers vs. Advancers
Love is not Enough – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:9-11

Key Verse: Philippians 1:9

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight

Sometimes love is not enough!  I know that sounds like a byline to a chic flick, but it is the truth in many cases in this life.  The Apostle Paul is making this point in our walk with God.  He is challenging these Christ followers not to allow their love for Christ to stagnate.  Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he challenges God’s people to go from a level of love to a depth of knowledge and insight.

            The Greek word Paul chose to use for our English translation of “abound” was “perisseuo.”  The literal translation means to exceed; go beyond or over flow.  It means to excel greatly in an area of our lives.  The apostle wants to see movement or growth in the believer’s life.  No believers have an abundance of love and appreciation for what Jesus did for them.  That great love needs to grow into a knowledge and depth of insight.

            If there is no advancing in our knowledge of Christ, then we remain, simply, admirers of Jesus.  Admirers, according to my definition, are people who agree with and even envy advancing Christ followers, but they never start actually growing themselves!  It would be like admiring a muscle bound weight lifter but never get busy working out ourselves.  (Continued)

Father, I want to grow my knowledge into depths of insight so I can become a discerning disciple of Christ.  In Jesus’ Name, amen.