“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; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” – Colossians 1:9-10
Yesterday we looked at Paul’s first prayer for the Colossian Church: that they would know God’s will. And this prayer brings up an important question: How do we know what God’s will is?
a. The Will of God Is Revealed by His Word
- The primary way God reveals His will is through His Word. As we read the Bible, we align ourselves with God’s plan.
- Daily reading of the Bible is crucial because it shows us what God desires for our lives.
- Jesus’ life was about fulfilling God’s will as outlined in Scripture:
“Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.
Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.’”” (Hebrews 10:5-7).
We must not only read the Word but also endeavor to obey and do what it says (James 1:22-25). Sometimes people want to make sacrifices for God while neglecting to obey Him.
- Somehow, they think giving a large offering can substitute for disobedience to His Word.
- But the Bible reminds us that, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).
- True blessing comes from obedience, not just offerings. If you want to experience God’s grace and provision, you must obey His Word.
b. The Will of God Is Revealed by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit speaks to us, showing us God’s desires and leading us into all truth. “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21). Jesus also said,
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” ~ John 16:13.
- The Holy Spirit not only illuminates God’s Word but also highlights the Scriptures that are relevant to our specific situation.
- It’s possible to read the Bible and miss what God is saying to us, but the Holy Spirit ensures that we focus on what matters most at that moment.
These are the kinds of prayers we should also pray for ourselves and others. This is our prayer point for today: “Lord, please show me Your will and help me walk in it.”
2. Prayer for Wisdom and Spiritual understanding to implement God’s will:
“…that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding…”
After praying that they know God’s will, Paul also prayed for wisdom and spiritual understanding. Dear friend, wisdom is crucial because it’s the ability to apply what we know to achieve the intended results.
Proverbs 15:2 says, "The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly..."
We may have knowledge about some things, but lack the wisdom to apply it effectively. Wisdom is taking what we know and using it to create tangible outcomes. When people saw Jesus’ results or outcome, they marveled and said:
"What wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!" ~ Mark 6:2
- Whatever vision or plan God gives you, ask Him for wisdom. Pray for it.
- Sometimes it will come in the form of ideas that may seem simple or insignificant, but they are actually divine instructions.
Spiritual Understanding:
Understanding means knowing the meaning, nature, and cause of things, especially in spiritual things. Many things in our natural world have spiritual significance. We need spiritual understanding to see beyond the surface.
- Let’s pray that our spiritual eyes and ears will be opened to perceive what God is revealing. This is crucial.
- Without it, we’ll miss divine signs, directions, and warnings.
- May God bless us with spiritual understanding in Jesus’ name!
Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
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Disclaimer: this post contains portions of messages and text originally shared by Prophet Kakra Baiden (who is one of my mentors in the faith).