“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 1:9-10).
In the early verses of his letter to the Colossian believers, Paul greets them warmly and praises them for their faith, love, and hope (vv. 1-5). Of course, it was the gospel of Christ that was producing this growing harvest of fruit in their lives, beginning from the very moment they heard and obeyed it through the teaching of Epaphras, Paul’s friend and co-worker (vv. 6-9). In the verses quoted at the beginning of this article, the apostle speaks of praying that the Colossian church would be filled with the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God’s will. What a great prayer! Knowledge is certainly important. Jesus taught that knowing the truth will lead to freedom (John 8:32). The Savior also tied eternal life to knowing God and Jesus, the Son he sent (John 17:3). Paul himself taught that eternal destruction awaits those who refuse to know God and obey the gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9). So there is no doubt that knowledge is vital.
But knowledge isn’t an end in itself. Paul prayed the saints in Colossae would be filled with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding SO THAT they would do something. Knowledge was designed to produce godly living and productive work in the kingdom (v.10). Knowing should naturally lead to doing. What the head accumulates should work its way out to the hands and feet.
Father, please help me not only to know Your will but also to have that knowledge find expression in the way that I serve You. May I think, speak, and live what I know to be true.
God loves you!
Mike
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