Filled With The Knowledge Of His Will

Filled with the Knowledge of His Will

“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.”

(Colossians 1:9 KJV)

Introduction: The Prayer for Fullness

The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the church at Colossae was not a casual wish.

It was a continual intercession — “we do not cease to pray for you.”

His desire was that the believers might be filled

— completely saturated — with the knowledge of God’s will.

“that ye might be filled”

The Greek word *pleroo* means “to fill to the brim,”

to pour in until nothing more can be added.

Paul’s prayer was that every believer would know and live so close to the heart of God

that there would be no empty space left for doubt, confusion, or self-will.

This is not just a prayer for information but for transformation

— that our minds, hearts, and actions would be so aligned with God’s purposes

that His will becomes the rhythm of our daily life.

I. The Depth of the Knowledge of His Will

Paul uses the word *epignosis* — a term that goes beyond general knowledge.

It means a precise, complete, and experiential understanding of God’s will.

This is not the kind of knowledge that comes from mere study;

it comes from intimacy with God.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge (epignosis) of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV)

God has already given us everything we need to live a godly life

— but we must grow in our awareness and application of it.

Through His Word, His Spirit, and our obedience,

we learn to discern His will in every circumstance.

Illustration: The Compass and the Map

— The Bible is our map,

and the Holy Spirit is our compass.

The more we yield to His direction,

the more precise our journey becomes.

II. The Wisdom to Apply What We Know

Paul adds that this fullness of knowledge is accompanied by wisdom

— the Greek word *sophia*.

Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge rightly.

It’s possible to know much about the Bible and yet live unwisely.

True wisdom applies divine truth to practical living.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” (James 1:5 KJV)

God’s wisdom is not human cleverness or experience;

it is a supernatural gift that helps us see through the fog of life

and make decisions that honor Him.

“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits.” (James 3:17 KJV)

Illustration: The Carpenter’s Eye — Like a skilled carpenter who knows how to apply what he measures, the Spirit trains us to apply truth with precision.

III. Spiritual Understanding: The Mind of Christ

The phrase “spiritual understanding” comes from the Greek *pneumatikos sunesis* — meaning “the ability to piece together spiritual truths.”

It’s discernment — the ability to see the unseen,

to connect the divine puzzle pieces of life into a picture of God’s purpose.

“He that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:15–16 KJV)

To have spiritual understanding means to think like Christ,

to see as He sees,

and to interpret life through His perspective.

“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” (2 Timothy 2:7 KJV)

Illustration: The Diamond Cutter — The Spirit shapes our hearts like a master craftsman, revealing the hidden beauty of Christ within us.

IV. The Fruit of Knowing His Will

Being filled with the knowledge of God’s will is not an end in itself

— it produces a changed life.

In verse 10, Paul continues, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

When we truly know His will:

we walk worthy,

we walk fruitfully,

and we walk progressively

— growing daily in deeper relationship with Him.

“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.” (Philippians 1:9 KJV)

V. The Pathway to Being Filled

1. Seek God Daily in Prayer and the Word

— Fullness comes through continual seeking.

The Word reveals His will, and prayer aligns us to it.

2. Surrender Your Will to His — “Not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42 KJV)