A Wondrous Prayer : Colossians 1:9-12

BEYOND THE BASICS | Brian V. Sullivan | Jordan, Ontario

Thinking about someone is great; loving them is essential, but praying for them shows the place they hold in your heart. When Paul wrote to the church at Colossae, it was not just a case of thinking about them or being content to declare he loved them. He gave us insight into what his prayers were for them to God.

Although Colossians 1:9-12 is all part of an extended sentence, our interest in this item is in the first verse of this section. Paul wrote, “For this reason we also, since the day we heard of it, do not cease to pray for you, and ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will, and all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (NKJV). Before we discuss those things, let us observe what Paul believed will result from these things.

Read Colossians 1:10-12, and you see that knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9) would equip them so “that you may walk worthy of the Lord.” They would be able to “fully please Him” by “being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (v 10). They would mature so that they would be “strengthened with all might according to His glorious power.” The Colossians would be better equipped to handle the day-to-day challenges of being a Christian in a contrary world. These things would result in them having “all patience and longsuffering with joy.” Their growth would help them remain steadfast and bear with the challenges of each day and find joy in knowing they were doing what God desired (cf. Acts 5:41-42; Philippians 1:27-30). Their confidence in God would be evident in two things: they were “giving thanks to the Father” – Whom they were serving through Christ (Colossians 1:12). And they saw themselves as “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (v 12).

Did you realize that the same prayer for increased knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding can bring about similar development, confidence, and hope in us? Most Bible students can immediately recognize that it is in the Father and the Son (Jesus Christ) “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3). So our source for “wisdom” and “knowledge” is easy enough to identify, and access, for the Father and the Son have made known these things through their inspired word (the faith, Colossians 2:2-10; 1 Corinthians 2:7-13).

“Knowledge” concerns the facts, the data upon which our faith is established (Romans 10:17). We increase knowledge by diligent study (“give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine,” 1 Timothy 4:13; “meditate” or think often and seriously about them, 1 Timothy 4:15. Paul encouraged Timothy to “Be diligent to present yourself approved unto God, a worker that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15). “Wisdom” is the practical application of knowledge. It is directing our steps in accord with what we know. Returning to 1 Timothy 4:15-16, we read: “Meditate on these things, give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” and “take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (NKJV). We often encourage people to grow in “knowledge” and “wisdom” but what about the third component? Most people skip over “spiritual understanding” because it may be more difficult to explain, but should it be? The Bible heart involves our intellect and thinking ability (receiving and retaining knowledge); our will or purpose (applying what we know or have learned of the will of God); and our emotions (whether we love or hate, sorrow or rejoice, like or fear, etc.).

To comprehend “spiritual understanding,” kindly turn to Psalm 119 and consider what it declares. Observe with me that verses 97-100 set before me the advantages of knowledge from God’s law, commandments, or precepts. Then, verses 101-102 set before me the practical application of that knowledge through the wisdom imparted and applied in my daily life. Finally, take note of verses 103-105, where we have reached the level of “spiritual understanding” to be convinced “how sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” God’s law is not just a series of “thou shalt nots,” as so many suppose. God’s word builds within me an “understanding” that causes me “to hate every false way.” God’s glorious word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

When we attain “spiritual understanding,” it helps us comprehend God’s plan for our lives, teaches us how to avoid temptation and sin, and prepares us for the world to come. We conclude that instead of the Bible being a burdensome, arduous taskmaster it is a wonderful guide to the richest, fullest, and most blessed life we can live in a hostile world. May God bless you with “knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding” in Jesus’ name, Amen.

_________________________
July 2020 | GROW magazine