Paul was a man of many desires, but his wishes
were more of spiritual. Most of his desires were
not for his advantage, but for the profit of
others and for the glory of God. In the first and
last chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Colossians,
there was a man mentioned by Paul named Epaphras.
He was a man of prayer; a faithful servant of the
Lord; and his ministry was beyond expectation. He
labored fervently for the believers through his
prayers. Paul and Epaphras had one thing in
common: their hearts’ desires were expressions of
their unusual care for others. What a wonderful
duo in the vineyard of the Lord. Their desires
for the Colossians revealed their selflessness
and pureness of heart. It’s very rare news today
to hear believers coming before the throne of
grace of God, praying fervently for the spiritual
prosperity of others.
The Colossians’ heresy and its poisonous
effects stirred the heart of Paul to be more
watchful and helpful to the Colossians’ spiritual
needs. He perceived their immediate needs and
prayed for them that God may give them spiritual
knowledge, understanding and wisdom; so that they
may not be spoiled through the philosophy of men,
but be firm in the principles of truth.
Many wise men in the past were deceitfully led
by the enticing appeal of the rudiments of the
world and were gradually escorted to their own
spiritual wreckage. As we study the epistle to
the Colossians, we will deeply appreciate the
importance and superiority of spiritual
knowledge, understanding and wisdom that come
from God. Without these essential things, we will
be liken to a paper boat drifting anywhere
without spiritual direction, easily led by winds
of false doctrines, and ready to sink into the
depth of spiritual destruction. Obedience to the
Word of God will save us from this shameful
tragedy.
Essential things, which are worthy to be
considered and to be prayed for:
(I) Knowledge Of God’s Will
Colossians 1:9 Ephesians 1:7-9
What an act of foolishness if we go to a
certain starting line then start running without
knowing where to go and where the finish line is.
Worst of all, if we don’t even know why we do
such thing and what we are running for.
Knowing the blessed will of God for our lives
solves our spiritual perplexities. It guides us
to the right course of our spiritual journey and
teaches us how to have a well-lived life.
Knowledge of the will of God keeps us away from
heresy and spiritual ignorance.
(II) Spiritual Understanding
Colossians 1:9 Ephesians 1:18, 19
Heaping up knowledge in our mind box without
understanding is not sound and could lead us to
deceitful pride. Pride and destruction are
inseparable tools of the devil.
(III) Spiritual Wisdom
Colossians 1:10 Ephesians 1:15-19
The Bible tells us the importance and
blessings of wisdom. In Proverbs 4:7 it is
written, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore
get wisdom: and with all thy getting get
understanding.
Wisdom is doing things carefully, properly and
brilliantly in the way of truth. This is exactly
what we need as we walk side by side in the
course of life, waiting for the glorious coming
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We must not forget to pray for one another
that we may be filled with more spiritual
knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
