For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding
Into the Text
Even though Paul had much to be thankful for with the Colossian church, he saw their need to increase in knowledge. Paul prays that the Colossians may know God more fully, specifically His will. How can we know God’s will? We know through the words of the Bible. It is here that God reveals to us what He loves, what He hates, how He wants us to live, how He is at work, and what is right and wrong.
Paul also speaks about spiritual wisdom and understanding. Wisdom is more than just knowledge. Wisdom is when we rightly use what we know and apply our knowledge to specific situations in our daily lives. The Bible does not spell out what we should do in every specific situation. When we have spiritual wisdom, we will make choices that are in harmony with God’s will.
The encouraging news is that these virtues are “spiritual,” meaning they do not depend on our own abilities. They are given by the Holy Spirit. He is the One who will enable us to grow in knowledge and the ability to wisely apply it.
Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to saturate our minds with truth and to fill us up to the brim with the knowledge of God’s will. It is vital that we pray for ourselves and each other so that we continue to grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding. Let’s faithfully follow Jesus today, trusting Him to lead us into His will for tomorrow, next week, or next year, in His perfect time.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit who is at work in me. Please help me to know your will and put it into practice. Amen.