In His Name Devotionals
GOD’S WILL (2)
In His Name Devotionals
GOD’S WILL (2)
“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.” (Colossians 1:9 NIV)
Paul’s prayer for the Philippians (1:9-11) is closely paralleled by his prayer for the Colossians (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 they approach it from slightly different perspectives.
The Philippians were gracious people who needed to exercise greater knowledge and discernment in their love. The Colossians were also 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, and/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 (revealed in His Word). That is the meaning of the Greek word translated “filled” in verse 9. “Knowledge” translates from a word that speaks of a deep, penetrating knowledge, resulting 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 mediate on God’s Word.”
Holy Scripture supplies the principles you need to live a godly life. And 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. Do not be victimized. In Christ you have everything you need!
