For this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. - The New King James Version (Col 1:9)
Paul's Reasons for Praying for the Colossian
As an apostle, Paul was deeply concerned about the spiritual growth and well-being of the churches he had established or was in fellowship with. Even when absent from them, he would continue to pray and intercede for them, desiring that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This burden is reflected in his epistles, as he consistently emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and the pursuit of God's will.
In Colossians 1:9-10, Paul prays explicitly that the Colossian church would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. He understands that this knowledge is essential for them to live lives worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to Him. By asking for this knowledge, Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding God's character and purposes and seeking His guidance in all areas of life.
Paul's other epistles also reflect this same burden for the church. In Ephesians 1:17-18, for example, Paul prays that the Ephesian church would be given the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they would know God better and understand the hope to which He has called them. In 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Paul speaks about the importance of spiritual wisdom, which is only available through the Holy Spirit and enables us to understand the deep things of God.
Spiritual Knowledge
In the New Testament, spiritual knowledge refers to understanding God's character and purposes. This knowledge comes to believers through the Holy Spirit. Spiritual knowledge is not merely intellectual but is deeply personal and experiential, as it enables believers to know God in a way that goes beyond mere facts and information.
In Paul's letters, spiritual knowledge often contrasts with worldly wisdom based on human reasoning and understanding. Paul argues that worldly wisdom is inadequate for understanding spiritual truth and that only those who have the Spirit of God can truly grasp the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:6-16).
Spiritual knowledge is not just an individual pursuit but is meant to be shared within the context of the church community. In Ephesians 3:18-19, for example, Paul prays that the Ephesian church would "grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge." In this passage, Paul emphasizes that this knowledge is meant to be experienced and shared within the community of believers as they grow together in their understanding of God's love and grace.
Paul prayed that this church would be filled with spiritual understanding.
Spiritual knowledge versus secret knowledge
The reader may be interested to know that the words “hidden,” “secret," "occult," and "arcane" are related concepts, mainly when used to describe knowledge. Today, we are obsessed with occult or arcane knowledge. Just look at Netflix; almost every show geared towards children and youth has occultic themes. Millions are addicted to their horoscopes, psychics, and mediums. All of these promise their adherents secret knowledge.
In Paul's day, the Gnostics emphasized secret knowledge, which they claimed was necessary for salvation and was only available to a select few. This knowledge was often associated with mystical experiences and was seen as a way of achieving spiritual enlightenment or liberation.
The spiritual knowledge Paul refers to here differs from the occult, arcane, secret, or hidden knowledge. According to Paul, spiritual knowledge is grounded in a relationship with a personal God. It is not a detached, theoretical knowledge but is deeply personal and experiential, as it enables believers to know God in a way that goes beyond mere facts or information.
How to grow in Spiritual Knowledge
Acquiring spiritual knowledge requires effort, willingness, passion, and desire on the seeker’s part, but it is not hidden knowledge. Paul prayed for the Colossian church to grow in their spiritual understanding, and the knowledge that God wants us to have is not limited to a select few. God has set all of creation to declare who He is, as is evident in Romans 1:20. By simply taking the time to look, anyone can see the invisible things of God clearly through what He has made, and God reveals Himself through His Word; this revelation is available to all willing to follow its instructions and apply its teachings. As Paul says in another place, we should study to show ourselves approved.
As we reflect on Paul's prayer for the Colossian church, we can apply this desire to our spiritual lives. We must strive to deepen our understanding of God's character and will for our lives, seeking wisdom and spiritual understanding through prayer and studying His Word. We should also pursue a life worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing our knowledge of God. Let us thank Him for His grace and mercy in our lives, and may we continue to grow in our knowledge and understanding of Him.
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