Posted on 02/24/2018 2:48:55 PM PST by metmom
"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" (Col. 1:9).
Godly living results from being controlled by the principles of God’s Word.
Paul's prayer for the Philippians (Phil. 1:9-11) is closely paralleled by his prayer for the Colossians (Col. 1:9-12). Both epistles were written from the same Roman prison at about the same time in Paul's life. Both prayers focus on godly living, but each approaches it from a slightly different perspective.
The Philippians were gracious people who needed to exercise greater knowledge and discernment in their love. The Colossians also were gracious but their devotion to Christ was being challenged by heretics who taught that Christ is insufficient for salvation and godly living. True spirituality, the false teachers said, is found in Christ plus human philosophy, religious legalism, mysticism, or asceticism. Paul encouraged the Colossian believers and refuted the false teachers by showing the utter sufficiency of Christ.
At the outset of his prayer Paul stressed the importance of being controlled by the knowledge of God's will (which is revealed in His Word). That's the meaning of the Greek word translated "filled" in verse 9. "Knowledge" translates a word that speaks of a deep, penetrating knowledge that results in behavioral change. "Spiritual wisdom and understanding" refers to knowledge that cannot be known through human reasoning or philosophy. It is imparted by the Holy Spirit Himself.
In effect Paul was saying, "I pray that you will be continually controlled by the life-transforming knowledge of God's will, which the Holy Spirit imparts as you prayerfully study and meditate on God's Word."
Scripture supplies the principles you need to live a godly life. The Spirit gives you the power to do so. Many false teachers will try to divert you from the simplicity of devotion to Christ by offering you philosophy, psychology, and a myriad of other hopeless alternatives. Don't be victimized. In Christ you have everything you need!
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank God for His all-sufficient Son and for the resources that are yours in Him. Ask for wisdom to apply those resources to every situation you face today.
For Further Study
Read Colossians 1:15—2:23.
What was Christ's role in creation? What was Paul's goal as a minister? What warnings and commands did Paul give?
Studying God’s Word ping
There have been many attempts to subvert it but His Word has overpowered all of them.
How incredibly lucky we are to have a God like this.
Every day I am blown away by his Power and Glory.
How can we possibly understand Him when His ways are above our ways?
No way.
How can we possibly understand Him when His ways are above our ways?
No way.
Thank you!
bfl
We can study the life of Jesus. We can meditate upon His life and how He responded. We can pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Fasting seems to help in this area. We can have hope which seems to be missing in your posting.
For sure.
I don’t even understand how my TV works.
If I had a God who I could understand, he sure wouldn’t be much of a God, would He?
When we prayerfully read the Bible and begin to earnestly attempt to follow what it says then The LORD will begin to manifest Himself to us. We will start to really know Him, not just as a belief, but personally.
That is such a true statement...
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