26
Sep '25
Staying in God’s Will
26
Sep '25
Introduction: How can we as believers STAY in GOD’S WILL? Better yet, how can we KNOW GOD’S WILL? Still further, how can we do GOD’S WILL? Have you ever wondered about these questions? Today’s devotion will discuss some of these most important topics concerning the Christian life.
1. Walking in God’s WILL! (Col. 1:9) – “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.”
The first word to analyze is “filled.” It is πληρόω, which means made full, or completed, made complete or to fully, completely fill. In other words, Paul’s inspired prayer for the believers in the Church of Colossae was that they would be “filled”—completely full. But with what? Next, he explains to both them and us today: “…..ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”
Interesting to note, the word “knowledge” is ἐπίγνωσις, which means fully know or even discernment. Keep in mind, this particular Church had gnostics who were those going around claiming they had superior knowledge to know things no one else knew. Obviously, they were false teachers. So, real knowledge and wisdom comes from the Word of God, not from those who claimed intellectual superiority. So to walk in God’s WILL would require believers to be “filled” with God’s truth.
2. Walking with God’s WISDOM! (Col. 1:10) – “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
The word “knowledge” in verses 9 and 10 is ἐπίγνωσις. It means true knowledge, heavenly insights. So to walk in wisdom is to know Who God is and to be in His Will.
3. Walking in Jesus Christ’s WORTHINESS! (Col. 1:11,12) – “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”
Being “partakers” {share} because of His Grace gives every believer in Jesus Christ an inheritance in Him. Besides that, did you notice the two words “patience” and “longsuffering”? The word “patience” (ὑπομονή) means endurance or steadfastness; whereas, the word “longsuffering“ (μακροθυμία), according to one scholar, means long-tempered, which is the opposite of short-tempered. Quite a contrast, huh? This is not only Paul’s prayer but should be ours as well.
Conclusion: So our Lord’s desire and Paul’s prayer is for the Colossians, as well as us, to know God’s Will, walk in God’s Wisdom, and be made worthy because of Jesus Christ’s Worthiness.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese