Filled with Knowledge, Wisdom, and Spiritual Understanding. Colossians 1:9 When we learn about God's work among His people, one of the initial spiritual responses after hearing a good report from a trusted source is to turn to God in prayer. “Prayer and supplication with thanksgiving” are natural reactions for a child of God. We seek spiritual victory and growth for God’s people, and when we hear about potential risks in local situations, we become more earnest, concerned, and committed to interceding for them.
Growth, understanding, and maturity in Christ are not accidental. Faith in Christ is the first step of a life of faith. The word of God is the source of our knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God's things. The heretics who were being listened to by the Colossians claimed they had secret, advanced knowledge of spiritual matters that the believers needed to hear.
The need for spiritual perception is universal when God saves precious souls. Those new believers have just begun to live as if they have been raised from the dead, and everything in their lives feels new. How they interact with their spouse and family is affected. Their work habits and attitude change as they start to do their work "as unto the Lord." Leisure activities, sources of their joy, the way they speak, what they listen to, and the control of their minds are all shaped by this new life in Christ. Spiritual insight into every part of life is essential. The saints at Colossae needed spiritual intelligence to grow in what they already possessed rather than seeking something new, like miracles and signs that were being promoted by false teachers among them.
Knowledge appears to be the main focus Paul was praying about because when we are confident in divine truth, we tend to let that knowledge guide our actions and commitment. However, knowledge “puffs up” and can lead to pride in what we believe we know. Biblical knowledge is not just about knowing the facts of the scriptures; when combined with wisdom, it encourages the practice of godly living. Knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding help God’s people walk in a way that is worthy of the Lord.
The Colossians heard the word of truth, believed it, and God saved them. They were taught by Epaphras and remained faithful to that teaching. Now, they must put their knowledge into action by applying God's will daily. Understanding comes when we use the wisdom God provides. There was evidence of genuine faith, hope, and love among God's people there. Now, they're called to agree with God and do His will. Spiritual understanding isn't genuine until there's proof it's more than just wishful thinking. Some people have been led astray by those who focus on feelings and emotional displays instead of faith and a Christ-like life.
Knowledge of God's will is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit as we read and apply the teachings of scripture in our walk of faith. We understand God's grace in truth, and the message of the Gospel bears the fruit of divine life. This fruit is wisdom, the practical expression of knowledge, and spiritual understanding is the purpose for which knowledge and wisdom are given. Spiritual understanding provided by the Holy Spirit allows us to apply divine truths to specific situations that arise in daily life. There is a “filling” by God's power that is necessary and available when we are committed to doing God's will from our hearts. Discernment through spiritual understanding provides us with what we need to face the challenges of false teaching and everyday living.
There are many things that could fill my mind, but I am hopeful that it will be filled with knowledge of God's will and how it satisfies my need for wisdom and understanding in each situation I face. Morning comes, and my mind is refreshed with new thoughts of Himself, His mercy, and His grace. I must spend time with the Lord so He can bless and guide me by revealing the truth from the scriptures to strengthen my faith. Later, my wife and I read and pray together, and I often gain a deeper understanding of His will through what she shares. Together, we are nurtured in our spirits and can feel the significance of our fellowship before we rise and go.
When I meet with others and spend time with them, I recognize the differences in their lives compared to mine. Being filled with knowledge of God's will keeps me from foolish, careless talk and worthless activities. Decisions must be made that affect me and others. Therefore, I need that spiritual insight to help my brothers make choices that will guide the church and support those working in God's service. By the end of the day, my mind is full of thoughts about events and people, yet the knowledge of His will remains active, working to bring spiritual understanding. So, I pray, "Thy will be done," and peacefully turn out the lights.