Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding
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Colossians 1:8-23 says, "As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; [8] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: [13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: [15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: [16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled [22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: [23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister"
Paul was excited when he heard from Epaphras about how the Colossian brethren were doing. They had received the Gospel with great faith and love (Col 1:4). That Gospel was bringing forth fruit through their faith and work (Colossians 1:6). Since Paul has had heard the news of the Colossians receiving the Gospel, he continually prayed that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
There are many people who read the Bible and never get to the point where they increase in their knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. In order to grow in these three things we must read, study, and most importantly apply God’s word to our lives. Paul continues in the next few verses talking about applying the word and what it will do in one’s life when properly applied.
When one has knowledge of the word, wisdom, and spiritual understanding of the word, then they will be strengthened (Colossians 1:11). Spiritual strength does not come by accident. One does not go from being a weak Christian to a strong Christian without putting forth an effort. This effort begins with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God and His word. The strength that will come will lead to patience, longsuffering, and joy.
This same knowledge, wisdom, and understanding will lead us to the inheritance that God has provided for us in Christ (Colossians 1:12). Through the truth contained in His word, we are delivered from darkness and translated into the kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:13). It is in His Son where we have redemption and remission of sins (Colossians 1:14). It is in His son that we are reconciled to Him. Our sins will separate us from God. God is all good and God will not tolerate evil in His presence. Therefore when we sin we separate ourselves from God. Yet through that knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and application of His word we can be reconciled back to God through Christ.
Yet even once we are reconciled we must be careful how we walk. This reconciliation will only be true if we continue living faithful to God. This reconciliation only continues if we are grounded and settled and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel. (Colossians 1:23). So, How do we keep from being moved away from the Gospel? Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding (Colossians 1:9). We must continually study His word AND apply it to our lives. We must seek to know God and His will for our lives. Yet knowing is not enough, we must use that knowledge with wisdom and apply it to our lives. We must change our lives to be faithful and right before God. We must continually live faithful to God and the commands He has given in His word. It is only then that we will continually be reconciled to Him.
