Paul's Prayer
* After his thanksgiving (1:3-8), Paul states what he is praying for. Read Colossians 1:9-14.
* Paul asks God to "fill [them] with the knowledge of [God's] will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (1:9).

Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding

1. What do you think is involved in knowing God's will? How can we gain the "wisdom and understanding" referred to in this passage? What is required? How does it happen?

¶ "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…" (Proverbs 1:7)

¶ "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)

* Knowledge of God's will involves a right attitude toward God (Romans 12:1-2), and wisdom and understanding are given by the Holy Spirit (1:9; Ephesians 1:17).

2. What practical difference does this make in our seeking to know God's will? How should this affect our reading of the Bible?

3. We live in a university community where the pursuit of knowledge is highly valued. How does "academic knowledge" relate to the knowledge Paul is talking about?

Purpose of Knowledge

4. Why does Paul pray that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will? (1:10)

* The phrase "that you may live a life worthy of the Lord" (NIV) is more literally "that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" (NASB). The Bible often uses "walk" figuratively to refer to a person's whole manner of life and conduct.

¶ "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise" (Ephesians 5:15, NASB)

A Walk Worthy of the Lord

* Paul states four characteristics of a life that is worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him.

§ "bearing fruit in every good work" (1:10)
§ "growing in the knowledge of God" (1:10)
§ "being strengthened with all power" (1:11)
§ "giving thanks [with joy] to the Father" (1:11)

* The Christian's life should "bear the fruit" of good works and Christ-like character. Jesus said, we cannot bear fruit apart from him (John 15:4-5). So we must "walk in him" (Colossians 2:6).

* The Christian grows in the knowledge of God as he/she "walks" in relationship with Him. We receive further knowledge as we are obedient to the knowledge we have already received.

5. Living a life worthy of the Lord may seem too demanding and difficult. How can the Colossians do it? (1:11) How can we do it? What can we do to receive the help we need? Will this make it easy to live a life worthy of the Lord?

* The Christian's life should be a thankful life (1:11). We should give thanks "with joy" (a fruit of the Spirit). Since God is the source of all true blessing, believers should give Him thanks for every good thing, especially for His gracious gift of a "share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light" (1:12) - that is, "the hope stored up for [believers] in heaven" (1:5).

Thanksgiving
* Paul further explains why believers should be thankful. Read Colossians 1:13-14.

* The "dominion of darkness" refers to the tyranny (oppressive power) of forces opposed to God, characterized by sin, bondage and judgment. The "kingdom of the Son" refers to the righteous reign of Christ, now experienced in the hearts of those who receive the King (i.e., Christ), and is eventually experienced in its fullness after Christ returns.

* This rescue and transfer is made possible by the "redemption" we have in Christ (1:14).

Reflection/Application
† Do you desire knowledge, wisdom and understanding? Of course! However, do you desire the knowledge of God's will? Do you desire spiritual wisdom and understanding? Do you believe the Bible reveals this knowledge? If not, I encourage you to keep seeking and asking.
† As a believer, are you committed to know and do God's will? Are you committed to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord?" Identify needed changes, and live the life by God's grace.
†For believers, Paul's prayer is a good model prayer - to pray for others, and to pray for yourselves. Read his prayer this week, internalize it, and pray in a similar manner.