The Colossians of the New Testament were faithful believers and, although Paul may not have traveled to Colosse, he had heard about their love in the spirit from Epaphras a 'fellow-servant 'of God. In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he expressed his hearts desire for them. What a great vision he had for them! God had put that desire in him.
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Colossians 1:9The greatest thing you can believe and pray for in people is that they are filled to the brim with the knowledge of God's will. Many people have a knowledge of God and what he can do, but a smaller number of people really see God's will. The word 'will' is translated from the Greek word 'thelema' and has to do with God's love and his desire for the best in the lives of people.
Practically applying God's word in our lives rests and continues with wisdom and spiritual understanding. Wisdom is skill in using knowledge and it involves spiritual understanding. Wisdom is mentioned many times in the book of Proverbs. Solomon, who wrote Proverbs asked God for wisdom and wisdom he got!
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7The book of Proverbs is loaded with tremendous practical application of God's love in the daily challenges of life as we relate to others and how we function as human beings. So often when I am having difficulty in understanding situations, the book of Proverbs comes to the rescue in getting to the bottom of what is going on.
I have met many people who know and recite the words of the Bible verbatim, but have little understanding as to how it really benefits them. They can recite and teach the great ideas in the Word but without wisdom and spiritual understanding the words of the Bible are just words. Too often, people quit their pursuit of God and fall back on emotion, feelings or other diversions to add juice and meaning to their lives. They miss out on the greatest resource that has ever been available for mankind.
The word of God is living and was never meant to be dull theology. It is exciting! God has given us the gift of holy spirit to ensure that the 'eyes of our understanding can be enlightened' (Ephesians 1:18) when we look to God's word. The gift of holy spirit was made available to all who believe after the ascension of Jesus Christ to his highly exalted position as the head of the Church of God.
10 That ye might walk worthy (translated from the Greek word 'axios' conveying balance in regards to weights) of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Colossians 1:10-19
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