Admirers vs. Advancers
Love is not Enough – Part 2

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

Continuing from where we left off yesterday, we want to see the benefits of becoming an advancer rather than remaining simply an admirer.  By the way, being an admirer is an essential first step in our spiritual journey.  We should have a truck load of love for Jesus and all He did for our atonement.  However, the apostle wants us to become wise in our walk with God as well!

As we advance in our faith by growing our knowledge, we become better at discernment.  New believers will normally ask one question: “Is something sinful?”  Mature Christ followers move on to a better question: “Is something best for me?”  Some things may not be sinful, but they are not the best things for our spiritual growth.  As the Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians: “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23).

This becomes a great prayer for all of us to continually pray, “Father, help my love to grow in depth of insight so that I can discern that which is best for my walk with you.”  This will move us away from the edge of the cliff—seeing how close we can come to something without actually sinning.  This prayer’s goal is to move us to a safe distance from sin, enjoying victory in Christ.

Father, I want to be an advancer of my faith.  Remind me to study your Word and grow my faith.  In Jesus’  name, amen.