Paul’s prayer for the people of Colosse was that they would be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” and that they would “increase in the knowledge of God” so that they could walk worthy of the Lord and be fruitful in every good work. Colossians 1:9-11. Notice Paul did not pray for people to know more about God, but his prayer was that his readers know more OF God. That is a very big difference. We need to be in a relationship with God. Jesus has told us in the Sermon on the Mount that the basis of all judgment is simply one question – Did He know us? Did He know us intimately? Were we His sheep? Did we hear His voice and follow?
So just what does knowing more OF God do to a Christian? Why should Christians seek to increase in the knowledge OF God even though they are saved? Well, there’s so many reasons, but let me just give you two that I ask that you really think about.
First, this spiritual knowledge strengthens our faith by strengthening our understanding of who the Savior is, and just exactly what He did for us by coming to Earth to die for our sins and be raised to everlasting life. When we understand that Jesus is the Creator (John 1:3), the Sustainer (Colossians 1:17), and the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), we understand that He hods us in His powerful protection. As He said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28). Think about this – The Creator and Sustainer of the Universe – the one who has given His life for you – says “Come and Know Me.” He invites us into that relationship with Him.
Secondly, this faith, which comes through knowledge and belief, strengthens hope. Remember, the Biblical concept of hope rally talks about a confident assurance. The more we know OF God, the more assured we will be, and thus the more hopeful we will be. God is a God of true hope to His children.
So, spiritual knowledge has a purpose – it is ultimately to glorify God. The more we know Him the more we will glorify Him. The more we will truly love the reason that God made us, as He explained in Isaiah 43:7:
“Everyone who is called by My name,
Whom I have created for My glory;
I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”
I pray that sinks in. We are created for His glory, not our comfort, and certainly not our own glory. Then, when are we to glorify God? 1 Corinthians 10:31 answers that question:
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Therefore, I join in Paul’s prayer for each of you, that you would be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” and that you would “increase in the knowledge of God” so that you may know Him.
Join us at Maple Grove to know more OF God.
Bro. Parks