Colossians 1:9

NASB	NLT	VOICE
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.	9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.	9 Since the day we got this good news about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We ask: Father, may they clearly know Your will and achieve the height and depth of spiritual wisdom and understanding.

The Hopes of Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding

The “reason” that Paul is referring to here is the church’s faith and love that is shown to the world, which motivate Paul to continue praying for their continued spiritual growth. Paul never got to visit Colossae, but through a fellow servant – Paul heard about their faith. Paul’s commitment to continuous prayer for them shows how important intercessory prayer (prayer interceding on behalf of those around us) is in the Christian life. It’s a great example of how spiritual leaders can be deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of their congregations. The request for God to “fill/give” the Colossians shows that they want them to be completely invested in divine knowledge and wisdom. Understanding God’s will guides our decisions and actions. It’s not just being intellectually knowledgeable about God, but it means to have a deep, experiential understanding about God’s purposes. Spiritual wisdom and understanding are gifts of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to apply God’s will in different practical ways.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: When it comes to studying Scripture, do you find it hard to understand how to apply it to your daily life?

Applying God’s Wisdom to Life

Our spiritual journey involves a continuous search of deeper knowledge of God. I have learned this with some of the series re-dos I have done that my understandings of certain texts and topics have matured, changed, and evolved in the 5 almost six years of writing Bible study and devotional content. I find that I have gained more knowledge about these texts and how to apply them to our everyday lives. “Jacob’s Family Tree” took that role last year. “Who Am I?” evolved to “Who I Am” which evolved to “Who Am I Again?” seeing different seasons for each time these affirmations are needed. The more we dive into and studying God’s word and how they implemented His teachings into their lives, the more we can see how we can apply it to our lives. God’s word is made to transform our lives into a lifestyle that applies for His purposes. The cultural and historical times may have changed, but the lessons, principles, commands, and teachings remain the same. The problems of life are not unique to the world we live in. They just may look a little different.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What is one thing you’re dealing with that you’ve been able to cope with through God’s teachings?

PRAY Action

Praise God for the Word that He has given us through the apostles, disciples, and Jesus Himself, and how that word can be communicated through our local Pastors, small group leaders, and more.

Read Philippians 1:9-11

Ask God how you can gain more insight into His word. See if there any acts that we’re committing that we need to stop, so we can be more involved with God and His will for us.

You are made for a time like this. When the world feels like it’s too much, remember that you are loved by our Heavenly Father that’s greater than all of our struggles.

Next slice of manna: Using Freedom Wisely || 1 Peter 2:15-16 || Manna for the Mind #299