How Can We Discern What Is Excellent in a Spiritually Confusing World?

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Pursuing Spiritual Maturity Through Discernment: A Study of Philippians 1:10

In a time when moral relativism and theological uncertainty often obscure the clarity of biblical truth, Christians are called to develop sharp spiritual discernment. Philippians 1:10 challenges believers to grow in such discernment for the purpose of holy living and preparation for the return of Christ. The verse reads: “so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” This portion of Scripture is situated within Paul’s opening prayer for the Christians in Philippi—a prayer that expresses deep spiritual concern for their continued growth in love, knowledge, and spiritual insight.

The Greek verb used for “approve” is δοκιμάζω (dokimazō), meaning to test, examine, or evaluate with the purpose of distinguishing what is genuine, valuable, or worthy. It is not merely a call to prefer what is good over what is evil—though that is certainly foundational—but a deeper call to recognize what is best among many seemingly acceptable options. The goal is not simply to avoid sin, but to live in such a way that every decision, motive, and habit is filtered through the lens of what is spiritually excellent.

Paul’s desire for the Philippians was that they would develop a level of moral clarity and spiritual insight that would allow them to navigate life with wisdom and conviction. In the preceding verse, Philippians 1:9, he prays, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” The structure of Paul’s prayer shows the progression of Christian maturity: love is to grow in a context informed by ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, full knowledge) and αἴσθησις (aisthēsis, discernment or spiritual perception). This spiritual growth equips the believer to make wise, holy choices that align with the will of Jehovah.

Approving what is excellent does not come naturally; it is the product of disciplined exposure to Scripture. As Hebrews 5:14 explains, “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” A Christian who fails to study diligently and submit to the authority of God’s Word cannot expect to rightly discern between what is permissible and what is excellent. The Word of God is the only sufficient standard by which spiritual judgment is calibrated.

The call to discern excellence implies that there are many things in life that may not be explicitly sinful but are still not spiritually beneficial. Paul addressed this principle again in 1 Corinthians 10:23, stating, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.” A spiritually mature believer asks more than “Is this allowed?” They ask, “Is this the most edifying, God-honoring choice I can make?” This attitude reflects deep submission to the Lordship of Christ in all areas of life—time management, speech, entertainment, relationships, and priorities.

This growth in discernment is also crucial because of the ever-present danger of being led astray by false teachings. Paul warned the Colossians in Colossians 2:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Without clear discernment, believers can fall prey to teachings that appear wise, loving, or tolerant, but in fact contradict the truth of the gospel.

The latter part of Philippians 1:10 offers the purpose of this discernment: “so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” The word pure here is from the Greek εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs), which literally refers to something judged in sunlight—transparently genuine and without hidden flaw. The term blameless is ἀπρόσκοπος (aproskopos), meaning without offense or not causing another to stumble. Together, they describe a life of moral integrity and spiritual readiness, lived in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ.

This forward-looking motivation is consistent throughout Paul’s writings. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, he prays, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The expectation of Christ’s return is not a vague religious hope—it is a call to daily vigilance and purity. The “day of Christ” is used specifically in Paul’s epistles to refer to the return of the Lord and the judgment that will accompany it. For the faithful, it will be a day of reward; for the unfaithful, a day of loss. That is why believers must live in a manner that prepares them for that day with confidence and not fear.

The idea of moral and doctrinal excellence is also echoed in Romans 12:2, where Paul urges, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Discernment involves renewing the mind according to Scripture, not feelings, traditions, or societal norms. It requires rejecting the world’s standards and embracing God’s.

In contrast, those who fail to grow in discernment are described in sobering terms. In Ephesians 4:14, Paul warns against spiritual immaturity: “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” This kind of instability is the mark of a believer who lacks spiritual depth. The cure is found in Ephesians 4:15, where Paul says, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Maturity is the result of truth applied in love, cultivated through the Word.

Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:10 assumes an active, intentional Christian life. Spiritual excellence is not stumbled into. It is the product of daily decisions that flow from a life saturated with Scripture, guided by prayer, and shaped by godly fear. Jehovah does not ask believers to rely on emotional impressions or inner voices for discernment. He has provided his Spirit-inspired Word as the sufficient and authoritative source of all necessary knowledge for life and godliness.

Discernment is not an abstract concept for theologians or leaders only. It is vital for every believer in every season of life. Parents must discern what influences shape their children. Young Christians must discern whom they choose as companions. Churches must discern the difference between true doctrine and popular errors. Workers must discern how to maintain integrity in secular environments. In all these situations, approving what is excellent is the difference between spiritual growth and compromise.

In light of Philippians 1:10, the Christian is called to live not passively, but with purpose, not carelessly, but with vigilance. Each day is an opportunity to approve what is excellent—not merely what is acceptable—and to live in such a way that reflects purity and readiness for the day of Christ. This discernment is not optional; it is a mark of true maturity and evidence of a life fully surrendered to Jehovah’s will.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).