Grow!

Grow!

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, Philippians 1:9‭-‬10 NIV

Context and Charge:

Paul and Timothy were writing to the church in Philippi, and there is a mention of God's Holy people. It does not matter what else is there; if there is no holiness in the camp, it is a waste of time. This is the minimum standard for God to engage with a man. If I will see God move, I must see from God's perspective,  and that means being holy.  He gives the grace, but I must seek His face and help. Furthermore, this church was celebrated for partnering in the gospel, and must have been involved in missions alongside Paul. This is also the heart of God, who seeks men to come to him and enjoy the benefits and blessings of salvation from sin. Do not attempt or claim to live or work for God whilst living in sin; my life must be sanctified and holy if its offerings will be accepted by God.

Then Paul could pray the words of today's verse, that the love of this church would continue to abound even more and more. Knowing God is the key to growth, and it is simply because you can never know all about God on this side of eternity. It will be continuous growth in knowledge and experience of God here on earth, and a new level and depth of knowledge when we get to heaven. If I don't have time here on earth to learn more of who God is and what He desires of me, what knowledge of God would I build on when I get to heaven? God calls me to serve from a heart of love; the love He births and sustains in those who are fully submitted to Him. Am I submitted to the God who is love personified? Does God count me as one who He can entrust the deep riches of his identity, grace and favour to? Are you?

Conviction and Conclusion:

The end goal of all God desires is always clearly spelt out by God. He leaves no one in doubt: if you act in a certain way, in line with His Word, you have access to true riches. The work God wants to do in his church is that they may discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. It is His church, not mine. He is able to equip his church with all it needs to be able to know, recognise and pursue that which is God's perfect will. As I pursue that which is God's will, He keeps me holy and blameless as I walk and work into eternity. The more I know of God, the more I will avoid sin. The more of God I know, the easier it is for God to guide me. Knowing God must end up in eternal life for me; that has to be the proper end of all knowledge. God's time of favour is here.