Philippians 1:9,10 – Discernment

And this I am praying, that your love may be superabounding still more and more in realization and all sensibility, for you to be testing what things are of consequence.

It was Paul’s prayer that the love he observed in the Philippians would abound even more. This would be too much to ask of a human being, but by definition we think too small about what God can do. He can work in us so much more than we ever imagine possible (cf. Eph.3:20). Paul is aware of this and that is why he prays for even more love for the Philippians “in realisation and all sensibility”. God can give that!

The Greek word ‘epignosis’ (lit. knowledge) suggests from the word structure that it transcends knowledge. It does presuppose knowledge, but it is so much more than that. ‘Epi-gnosis’ corresponds to our word ‘realization’. This ‘awareness’ goes hand in hand with ‘all sensibility, which indicates fine tuning and intuitive feeling. That attitude is essential “to be testing what things are of consequence”. Paul prays that the Philippians would be able to experience “the things that are of consequence.” Discernment to notice what really matters!

Delen: