Filled With the Knowledge of His Will—Colossians 1:9
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9)
The most dangerous thing in the world is to know your God-given calling. Because in it, you live in a sweet spot of purpose. Paul knew it, which is why he opened most of his letters with this declaration, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…” (Colossians 1:1; see also Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; I Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:1). He knew who he was, what he was set apart for, who he was doing it for, why he was doing it and who he was called to reach. So in this, his life had purpose and meaning. This is the reason he continually labored for the Church (Colossians 1:29).
Filled With Precise & Correct Understanding
It is no coincidence that as soon as he hears about the church in Colosse, he begins to pray that God will fill them “with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Why? Because having a spiritual revelation of God’s special and specific calling will make the difference when it comes to walking in the grace they were called to in Christ Jesus.
Paul prays for two things. First, he prays that they will be filled with the knowledge of God's will. In other words, he prays that they will be filled to the top and given the full measure so that nothing is in want when it comes to a precise and correct understanding of God and His specific and individual calling.
Secondly, Paul prays that they will be filled with all spiritual wisdom and understanding when it comes to that unique calling. Here is a breakdown of what these words mean.
All — each, every, any, the whole, the highest degree or the maximum of what is referred to.
Spiritual — (an after-Pentecost word)the ideas of invisibility and of power; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.
Wisdom — broad and full intelligence; supreme intelligence, such as belongs to God; insight into the true nature of things.
Understanding — a running together, a flowing together with knowledge.
Not only does Paul pray that they will be given the full measure of correct and precise understanding of God’s specific calling for them, but he also prays that they will understand it to the maximum degree possible. Having insight into the true nature of things, so they will be able to express and live it out.
This is a bold prayer! However, it is in this sweet spot of revelation where you are truly enabled to live in the life-changing grace you were called to.
You Also Are Called & Set Apart!
These words written by the apostle Paul, were not only written to the church in Colosse, but written for us as well. We too are called, set apart and designed with a specific and unique calling in life. Once we understand this, once we know who we are in Him, who we are doing it for and who we are called to reach, we find the sweet spot of grace which enables us to walk in our calling and change history.
So today, I pray that you become aware that you too have been called and set apart by God’s will for a specific purpose in life. I pray that you obtain spiritual insight into this calling and this understanding empowers you to be singular with your mission. May His grace fill you with purpose and may your life reflect His goodness. May His Kingdom intersect with your heart and may your life and the world around you change for the better!