Colossians 1:9
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;

Application: 

“Knowledge of his will” Refers to the believers’ awareness of Christ’s desires for how they ought to conduct themselves (see vv. 10–12). False teachers might have described God’s will as unknowable—or knowable only through secret rituals. Paul rejects this idea: Followers of Christ, filled with the knowledge of His will, can live in a manner pleasing to God because they know what matters to Him.~

When God wanted to explain what knowing him would produce in the lives of Christians, he used the word fruit. Fruit has three characteristics: it is visible, it reflects the nature of the tree it grows on, and it exists for someone else’s benefit. God is concerned that what we produce aligns with who he is—that the results of our lives are consistent with our biblically grounded experience with him. However, sometimes when we look over our lives, we may see rotten fruit. That should also concern us.

Paul never stopped praying for the spiritual growth of the church in Colossae (1:9). He links bearing good fruit with knowing God (1:10). This is experiential knowledge, not just informational. When Adam knew Eve, she conceived; that intimacy produced fruit. Paul asks the Lord that the Colossians would have the wisdom to make biblically-based decisions that come from understanding God’s will (1:9). Then he prays that the walk of their Christian life (how they live) would result in every good work (1:10). The result of all this is fruitfulness—a meaningful Christian life that positively impacts others. Based on our experience with Him, God produces something in our lives that is beautiful, joyful, and useful.

Most of us want to produce good fruit. The problem is that although many Christians hear about God and carry his book around, they’re not truly getting to know him or experiencing him. To bear fruit —helping develop Christ-like character in others through discipleship —we need to be connected to “the true vine” (Christ), lifted out of the dirt, setting aside our distractions, and to “remain” in Christ (John 15:1–8). 

You don’t just visit God for two hours on Sunday; you communicate with him constantly, weaving the conversation into every activity. Whether you’re walking or driving, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do” (1 Cor 10:31), stay connected. You don’t need a quick microwave moment with God; you need a slow-cooker experience. Savor his presence and influence others with the impact the Lord has on you.

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1250-1251

~Reference: John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Col 1:9.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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