Spiritual Wisdom and Spiritual Understanding

Colossians 1:9-14

1. Filled with the knowledge of His Will
   
   

NLT – ‘To give you complete knowledge’….

Knowledge – epignosis = precise and correct knowledge. Knowledge of things ethical and spiritual.

• The Colossians had knowledge, but they must have more; it is their privilege to be filled with it.

Difference between ‘understanding’ and ‘wisdom.’

Understanding – comes from the Greek – epistemon which focuses on intellect and factual knowledge.

Wisdom – Sophos – more related to the practical, real-life use of moral reasoning.

• With worldly wisdom, we may become educated, street-smart, and have “common sense” that enables us to play the world’s game successfully.
  
  
• With godly wisdom, we trade earthly values for biblical values

(1 John 2:15–16). Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world– the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life– is not of the Father but is of the world. (1John 2:15-16 NKJ)

• Having godly wisdom means we strive to see life from God’s perspective and act accordingly.
  

In all Wisdom – Sophia = broad and full of intelligence; spiritual acuteness and experience.

Application: Book of Proverbs

‘Spiritual Understanding’ – a ‘flowing together with ‘

Application: 2 +2 = 4. 4+4 = 8. 8+8 = 16!

‘Spiritual Understanding’ – a ‘flowing together with

Verse 10,

• ‘Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and
  
  
• ‘your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better’. (NLT)

Transition: Question? What other colossal truths do we find here in Chapter 1?

Pray that you might be:

1. Strength – with/by His glorious power.

‘And that you have all’

2. Endurance –

3. Patience

Resulting In:

1. Joyous / joyfulness – gladness
   
   
2. Gratitude

Application/Question: Have you ever said, ‘Lord thank you, for your ways, wisdom, correction and direction which turned out to be the better/right way.’