As we read the first few verses of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we cannot help but imagine a large smile on his face and a tear forming in his eye. One does not need to look too hard to recognize his joy and love for the Church of Philippi as he reminisces about his initial days in ministry. Apparently, the Philippians were the only church to support him when he began his work (Philippians 1:5; 4:15; Acts 16:11-15), and he is remembering their faithfulness and support. There is something special when, against all odds and despite your past, someone gives you a chance, and the Philippians did just that. Again, as we consider these opening paragraphs, we cannot help but sense Paul’s tremendous gratitude for his friends.

We also catch a glimpse of how Paul prays for his friends. He uses words like “joy,” “yearn,” and “affection”—his prayers are offered with an attitude of joy when he thinks of the Philippians, and he yearns for them with the same affection as that of Jesus (Philippians 1:4, 8). This is no half-hearted devotion. It is obvious that Paul’s thankfulness is deep and sincere (Philippians 1:3).

Paul then informs them of his requests to God on their behalf. He prays that the love they showed him years ago will continue to grow—that it will continue to increase. But he does not just pray for the growth of their love; he also prays that their love will be met with the acquisition of more knowledge and discernment. This is important, and we should not miss it. It is not enough for the Philippians to acquire more love; they should do so with knowledge and discernment.

Most often, believers seek to grow in love, and it is right to do so. We are told to pursue love and reject actions and attitudes that are counter to love (1 Corinthians 14:1; Colossians 3:8). However, growing in knowledge of God’s Word and learning discernment are equally important but frequently overlooked.

While growing in knowledge of God and his Word and growing in discernment may seem like two discrete things (and in a way, they are), they are mutually infective if one does not grow in both equally. Growing in the knowledge of God and his Word has very little benefit if one does not grow in how to use that knowledge. This is biblical discernment—knowing how to rightly apply Scripture in every situation. On the other hand, attempting to grow in discernment without actually knowing God’s Word is virtually impossible. It’s like trying to grow in math without opening a book and studying. In such a case, one will have very limited effectiveness.

Paul understood this and wanted his Philippian friends to grow in their relationship with God by spending time with him and in his Word. Paul also wanted them to know how to rightly apply their knowledge in their lives. Then, by growing in both—knowledge of the Word and how to apply it correctly—the believers at Philippi could effectively “approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, [all] to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:10-11).

The Church today is filled with many amazing people who love God and love each other. Yet, so many fail to see the importance of spending time in his Word and seeking how to apply it daily—the centrality it should play in every life decision, moving beyond simply reading Scripture to seeking how to apply it faithfully. Unfortunately, the Church and those whom we try to reach suffer from this lack of knowledge. In many areas around the globe, the Church is characterized by ineffectiveness, weakness, and, in some cases, moral compromise. While this is truly unfortunate, we have an opportunity to change it.

While you may have recently prayed to grow in love, when was the last time you prayed for more knowledge of God and the Bible, along with discernment? How key is Scripture in every decision you make? Allow me to encourage you to pray for knowledge and discernment today.