Seeing Clearly in Unclear Situations

It would be easy to think that life should follow a predictable script: make the right choices, work hard, love others, and everything will work out perfectly.

But we know that’s not the reality, don’t we?

The truth is, life isn’t cookie cutter.

Some days, the puzzle pieces don’t fit.

The job we thought would last forever falls apart.

The relationships we assumed would bring joy bring sorrow.

The habits we thought we could control end up controlling us.

The path forward isn’t always clear.

So, what do you do when life gets messy?

What do you do when the answers aren’t obvious, and the stakes feel high?

How do you see clearly in unclear situations?

Paul, the Apostle, understood this tension all too well.

He knew that the Philippian church, living in a hostile and unloving world, would face these very challenges.

If they were going to continue to grow in love and remain faithful to Christ, it wouldn’t come easily.

It would require more than willpower or optimism.

It would require divine discernment rooted in Jesus, overflowing from a deep knowledge of God and His love.

Think about the pressures facing the Philippian church:

They were a small group of believers living in a Roman colony loyal to Caesar, surrounded by pagan worship and moral decay.

They were outnumbered and outcast.

Their faith marked them as different—unpopular, even dangerous.

The love Paul prayed for them to have wasn’t just a sentimental feeling; it was a sacrificial, Christlike love that would challenge the world’s hatred.

And what about us?

We may not live in Philippi, but we face our own challenges.

We live in a world that increasingly values self over sacrifice, tolerance over truth, and convenience over conviction.

Whether you’re here today battling addiction, navigating broken relationships, facing a difficult decision, or just trying to make sense of life, you know how difficult it is to walk in love and wisdom.

We need more than good intentions or human wisdom.

We need what Paul prayed for the Philippians: a life overflowing with love, rooted in knowledge, and strengthened by discernment.

And here’s the good news:

Paul’s prayer wasn’t just for the Philippians. It’s for us too!

God’s Word invites us this evening to experience the same clarity, the same growth, and the same fruitfulness through Jesus Christ.

So, here’s the question I want you to think about today:

How do we cultivate the kind of love, knowledge, and discernment that helps us see clearly in unclear situations?

How do we live in a way that glorifies God when the world around us is so broken, and our own hearts often feel the same?

We’ll answer that question together as we unpack Philippians 1:9-11.

My prayer for you is the same as Paul’s for the Philippians:

That you will walk out of here today with a clearer vision of who God is, what He has done for you through Christ, and how He empowers you to live a life of love and discernment for His glory.

Transition

Outline

Paul’s prayer gives us a roadmap for seeing clearly in unclear situations.

It unfolds in four key movements:

Love That Grows with Knowledge (v. 9)

Discernment That Brings Clarity (v. 10a)

Righteousness That Prepares Us for Christ (vv. 10b-11a)

Glory That Fulfills Our Purpose (v. 11b)

Let’s begin.

Open your Bibles to Philippians 1:9-11.

Philippians 1:9 ESV

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,

First thing I want you to see is that Christ’s Love Grows with Knowledge (of God) (v. 9)

Paul begins his prayer with love.

Remember his words to the talented Corinthian church:

1 Corinthians 13:2–3 ESV

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Love is the end goal of christian life.

Paul begins his prayer with love, but this love isn’t vague or undefined.

It’s not a generic sentiment or a surface-level emotion.

Paul is praying for a very specific kind of love—a love that is directed toward God and rooted in knowledge and discernment.

Exegesis: What Kind of Love?

Paul’s prayer is not primarily asking for the Philippians to feel more love, but for their love to increase in knowledge and discernment.

The love Paul speaks of here is first and foremost a love for God and Christ.

While there is a secondary application to love for others, the main focus of this love is upward—toward God.

As commentator David Chapman notes, this love is already present in the Philippians.

Paul’s phrase “more and more” shows that Paul is confident they have begun to grow in love but are not yet complete.

He is praying for an abounding, overflowing love that matures as it is shaped by knowledge and wisdom.

Knowledge (epignōsis):

This refers to a deep, intellectual and experiential understanding of God (comprehensive knowledge)—knowing Him through His Word, walking with Him in prayer, and experiencing His character in our daily lives.

Discernment (aisthēsis):

This is moral and spiritual insight, the ability to apply the knowledge of God to the practical decisions of life.

Why does Paul connect love with knowledge and discernment?

Because love that is not grounded in the truth of who God is can easily go astray.

True love for God is not a blind passion but an informed devotion—a love that grows as we come to know Him more deeply.

Think about it this way:

To know God is to love Him. (Example of Jess and I over the years. I love her more the more I know her!)

The more we understand His holiness, His mercy, His faithfulness, and His grace, the more our hearts will overflow with love for Him.

And as our love for Him grows, it changes us.

It shapes how we think, how we act, and how we treat others.

This is why Paul prays for their love to abound "in knowledge and discernment"—because this kind of love leads to holy conduct and a life that reflects God’s character.

As a commentary explains, Paul’s prayer isn’t about the Philippians “having more love” in an abstract sense.

It’s about their existing love increasing in wisdom so that they can live pure and blameless lives before God.

Love for God must be informed by the truth of God, and it must overflow into the way we live.

Illustration: Love Guided by Knowledge

Imagine a parent teaching their child to love and care for a pet. (Example of Bella and our Cat)

At first, the child’s love might be shallow—based on how cute the pet looks or how fun it is to play with.

But as the parent teaches the child how to care for the pet—how to feed it, clean up after it, and keep it safe—the child’s love deepens.

It’s no longer just about feelings; it’s about understanding and responsibility.

The child learns to love the pet wisely, based on knowledge.

In the same way, our love for God must grow deeper as we come to know Him more. It’s not enough to have a shallow, emotional connection to God. We need to love Him with our minds as well as our hearts, letting His Word shape and guide our love.

Christ-Centered Focus: Jesus as the Perfect Model

Jesus exemplified this perfectly.

His love for the Father was rooted in His perfect knowledge of the Father’s will.

In John 8:28, Jesus said, “I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.”

His obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross, flowed from a love that was informed by truth and rooted and guide by perfect wisdom.

Jesus also demonstrated this love in how He treated others.

His love was never sentimental or superficial.

It was a love that spoke truth, even when it was hard to hear.

It was a love that acted in wisdom, meeting real needs and pointing people to the Father.

Application: Cultivating Love That Grows

So, how can we cultivate this kind of love—a love that grows with knowledge and discernment?

Here are a few practical steps:

1. Immerse yourself in God’s Word.

If you want to love God more, you need to know Him better.

The Bible is where He reveals His character, His promises, and His will.

2. Pray for wisdom and understanding.

Ask God to deepen your knowledge of Him and to help you apply that knowledge in your life.

3. Practice loving others in truth.

Let your love for God overflow into your relationships with others.

This doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations or pretending everything is fine; it means loving others with wisdom, truth, and grace.

Transition to Point 2

Paul prays for love that is rooted in knowledge and discernment because he knows this kind of love will lead to wise living.

As we grow in love for God, we gain the clarity we need to make decisions that honor Him.

This brings us to Paul’s second point: Discernment That Brings Clarity. Let’s look at verse 10.

2. Discernment That Brings Clarity (v. 10a)

Philippians 1:10 (ESV)

so that you may approve what is excellent…

Paul prays that love and knowledge will result in discernment, which enables us to “approve what is excellent.”

Discernment is the ability to see clearly in unclear situations, to test and evaluate what is best according to God’s will. (Repeat)

Exegesis

Approve (dokimazein):

This term means to test something for authenticity, like refining metals or examining diamonds for flaws.

Paul is calling the Philippians to carefully evaluate their choices and prioritize what truly matters in God’s eyes.

What is excellent:

Paul isn’t just talking about avoiding sin.

He’s calling us to pursue what is best—what glorifies God the most.

Historical Example

During the Reformation, Martin Luther faced an unclear situation.

The Roman Catholic Church demanded he recant his teachings, but Luther knew the gospel of grace was at stake.

Through prayer, study of Scripture, and discernment, Luther chose to approve what was excellent—standing firm on God’s truth even at great personal cost.

His famous words at the Diet of Worms were: “Here I stand, I can do no other.”

Real-Life Application

For those who recovering from addiction, you get this.

You’ve been clean for six months, but an old friend invites you to hang out in a familiar setting where temptation looms.

Discernment helps you evaluate the situation.

Instead of saying, “It’s just one night,” discernment asks, “Will this help me grow closer to God, or will it pull me away?”

Approving what is excellent means choosing what strengthens your walk with Christ.

Christ-Centered Focus

Jesus modeled perfect discernment.

He always approved what was excellent, whether it was choosing His disciples, teaching the crowds, or facing the cross.

His clarity came from His love for the Father and His commitment to God’s will.

Reflection

Are you facing an unclear situation?

Ask God for wisdom to discern what is best.

Read His Word, seek godly counsel, and pray for the Spirit’s guidance.

But we have to understand that discernment is cultivated ONLY as your love and knowledge of God grow.

Transition

Paul’s prayer doesn’t stop with clarity in decision-making.

He points us to the ultimate goal of discernment: a life that is pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness for the day of Christ.

This brings us to verse 10b and the third point of Paul’s prayer.

3. Righteousness That Prepares Us for Christ (vv. 10b-11a)

Philippians 1:10–11 (ESV)

so that you may 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…

Paul’s prayer has an eternal focus—he’s looking toward the Day of Christ, when Jesus will return to judge the world.

The day of Christ should continually be on our mind.

We see this in every letter of the apostles of the NT, don’t we? Jesus and the gospels? Always.

Clearly that day is on Paul’s mind in that prison cell.

He just mentioned that day in verse 6 (Philippians 1:6“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”)

(Example of my brother looking forward to that day of being released from prison. Every letter. Every phone conversation. Every act, every deed was geared toward that day of freedom.)

Same thing is going on here.

It will help us greatly to have the day of Christ on our minds, beloved.

Well, Paul prays here that the Philippians would live lives that are pure and blameless, bearing the visible evidence of a transformed heart—the “fruit of righteousness.”

Exegesis

Pure: Refers to inner sincerity, a life free from hypocrisy.

Blameless: Describes living in a way that doesn’t cause others to stumble.

Fruit of righteousness: The visible evidence of a life transformed by God’s grace, like love, joy, peace, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

Illustration

Think of a bride preparing for her wedding day.

She doesn’t show up in dirty clothes or with no preparation.

She carefully prepares herself, knowing the significance of the day.

Similarly, we prepare for Christ by living holy lives that reflect His righteousness.

Christ-Centered Focus

Jesus is both the source and goal of our righteousness.

Through His life, death, and resurrection, He credits His righteousness to us and enables us to live holy lives.

Philippians 2:12–13 ESV

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Without Him, we cannot bear fruit. (John 15:5)

Application

Are you bearing the fruit of righteousness?

Examine your heart.

Are there areas where you need to repent and seek God’s help?

Remember, righteousness is not about trying harder; it’s about abiding in Christ and letting His Spirit work in you.

Transition:

As Paul prays for purity, blamelessness, and the fruit of righteousness, he directs us to the ultimate purpose of it all: the glory and praise of God.

Everything—our love, our discernment, our righteousness—has one end: to magnify God’s greatness.

Let’s unpack how this final point ties it all together in verse 11b.

4. Glory That Fulfills Our Purpose (v. 11b)

Philippians 1:11 (ESV)

…to the glory and praise of God.

Paul concludes his prayer by reminding us of the ultimate purpose of life: the glory and praise of God. (Westminster Confession Article 1)

Every aspect of our spiritual growth—love, discernment, and righteousness—finds its fulfillment in pointing others to Him.

Exegesis

God’s glory is the display of His character, power, and worth.

Our lives are meant to reflect His greatness.

“Praise” emphasizes the active response of worship and adoration, both with our lips and our lives.

Paul’s prayer brings everything full circle: Love, knowledge, discernment, and righteousness are not ends in themselves; they are all meant to point back to the One who deserves all glory.

Hymn Reflection

In the words of the hymn “All Glory Be to Christ”:

"All glory be to Christ our King, All glory be to Christ. His rule and reign we’ll ever sing, All glory be to Christ."

This hymn reminds us that every moment of our lives, every success, every struggle, every act of obedience should ultimately declare, “All glory be to Christ.”

Or the Words of the Hymn “Take my life and let it be”

"Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise."

Our transformed lives, filled with the fruit of righteousness, are not for our recognition but for His.

Illustration

Think of a stained-glass window.

When the light shines through, the colors come alive, revealing a beautiful design.

In the same way, our transformed lives ought to reflect God’s glory, His work in us, His power, His goodness, His grace, to the world.

Our transformed lives are light that shine his beauty, majesty, power, and mercy!

Further Explanation:

Paul reminds us that our good works are not meant to bring us recognition but to glorify God. Our lives, filled with the fruit of righteousness, should point others to Him.

Practical Example: Doing It Right

Imagine a Christian who serves faithfully—volunteering, giving, mentoring—all out of gratitude for God’s grace. When praised, they humbly respond, “I’m just reflecting God’s love. All glory belongs to Him.” Their actions point to Christ, inspiring others to see His greatness.

Practical Example: Doing It Wrong

Now picture someone doing similar good works but seeking recognition. They post their service on social media, hoping for likes and praise. Instead of glorifying God, their actions glorify themselves, missing the true purpose of righteousness.

The Key Difference

The difference lies in motivation.

One seeks to reflect God’s glory; the other seeks personal applause.

As Jesus said in Matthew 6:1, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them.”

True righteousness always points back to God.

Application

Ask yourself:

Why do I serve?

Is it to honor God or to build my own reputation?

When our lives truly point to Him, others will see not just our good works but the greatness of the God who transforms us.

That is living for His glory.

Our lives our simply the light that shines upon his beauty and majesty!

Christ-Centered Focus

Jesus glorified the Father perfectly through His life, death, and resurrection.

As John 17:4 reminds us, Jesus prayed, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.”

Through His sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for us to live lives that glorify God.

Reflection

Is your life pointing others to God’s glory?

When people look at you, do they see the light of Christ reflected in your actions, your words, and your choices?

No matter your story—whether you are recovering from addiction, battling sin, or serving faithfully—God can use you to display His grace and power.

Conclusion: The Gospel Demands a Response

Let’s return to our opening question:

How do you make wise decisions in unclear situations?

Paul’s prayer gives us the answer:

1. Love grows with knowledge—Cultivate a love for God that deepens as you know Him more.

2. Discernment brings clarity—Let your love and knowledge lead to wise decisions that honor God.

3. Righteousness prepares us for Christ—Bear the fruit of righteousness through your connection to Jesus.

4. Glory fulfills our purpose—Live for the glory and praise of God.

This passage brings us face to face with the gospel tonight, doesn't it?

Jesus is the source of love, the giver of knowledge and discernment, the producer of righteousness, and the one who ultimately glorifies God through us.

Whether you know Him or not, the gospel demands a response.

Will you trust Him today?

Will you surrender your life so that He can transform you to live for His glory?

Will you let your life declare, “All glory be to Christ”?

Right now your life is singing a son “All glory be to me” or “All Glory to be Christ”?

What song is your life singing?

Keep in mind “That day of Christ”

You will have to give an account for your life.

Tonight you are either dreading that day or rejoicing to see that day.

All glory be to me or All glory be to Christ.

The song choice is yours.

What will it be?

How will you respond tonight?

PRAY

Related Media

Related Sermons

Earn an accredited degree from Redemption Seminary with Logos.