by Dr. Grant C. Richison
“…, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will …”
In the prayers of the New Testament we detect the deficiencies of the saints. Paul prays for things they lacked in their spiritual life. Paul’s prayers pinpoint the primary and paramount needs of the saints.
This prayer falls into two halves. […]
“…, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will …”
The first thing Paul prays for the Colossians is that they will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. The will of God is a great theme in Scripture.
“and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge […]
” … with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”
“with the knowledge of His will”
The word “knowledge” indicates a full understanding of God’s will. This word is a key word in the book of Colossians (1:9, 10; 2:2; 3:10).
God makes his will known through the Holy Spirit’s teaching ministry in the […]
“that you may walk worthy of the Lord, …”
Paul’s purpose in this passage is that the Colossians would live a life pleasing to God.
“that you may walk “
“Walk” means to live a course of life as a philosophy of life (Co. 2:6; 3:7; 4:4). We must not divorce our position in Christ from our daily […]
“…, fully pleasing Him, …”
When we walk a life that corresponds to who and what the Lord is, we will “please Him.”
“fully pleasing Him”
Literally, this phrase means “unto all pleasing.” Paul wants us to give pleasure to the Lord. “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more […]
“…, being fruitful in every good work …”
In verse 10 we see the first of four results of pleasing God: fruit.
“being fruitful in every good work “
The words “being fruitful” and “increasing” were also used in verse six. This phrase directs attention to the life within. Knowledge without appropriation of knowledge is vain.
Christ is the […]
“… and increasing in the knowledge of God …”
God did not design the Christian life to be static. If we stand still in our spiritual growth, our lives will become static. Today, we come to the second spiritual fruit of pleasing God: increased knowledge of God.
“and increasing in the knowledge of God”
The word “increasing” […]
“… strengthened with all might, …”
The third result of pleasing God is spiritual strength. This verse has three words for strength: “strengthened,” “might” and “power.” Paul’s prayers significantly emphasize power because power transforms saints.
“strengthened with all might”
The first word for spiritual strength is the word “strengthened.” The word “might” is spiritual vitality. There is […]
“…, according to His glorious power, …”
The second phrase for power in this verse is “according to His glorious power.”
“according to His glorious power”
“Power” is the word for overcoming resistance. This word is only used of God in the New Testament. Of the number of words for “power” in the New Testament, this word […]
“…, for all patience …”
Paul prays that the Christian will have power for “all patience and longsuffering with joy.”
“for all patience “
God’s power is designed for “patience” and “longsuffering with joy.”This is not sour resignation to the acceptance of God’s will. It is not the passive acceptance of the inevitable. “Endurance” is the pro-active […]
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