Welcome to Hank’s Place —
I have a question for you: How can we know God better? How can we get ‘filled up’ with the fullness of God that Eph 3:19 requests? WE – CANNOT. Self-effort, even admirable self-effort like bible study, bible school, walking where Jesus walked, pilgrimages, church work, seminary — whatever — will not enable us to know God better. We may know more ABOUT Him, but we will not truly KNOW HIM.
Can anyone truly know Him? Well, there are those to whom God chooses to reveal Himself. Mat 11:27, 16:17. And who would He choose to reveal Himself these days? Thankfully, God, being rich in mercy, will FREELY REVEAL HIMSELF TO ANYONE — if they just ASK!
Ask? Yep. As in James 1:5: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, who GIVES TO ALL generously and without reproach, and IT WILL be given to him.”
Knowing God’s plans, intentions, purposes and future actions – directly from the Source – is getting to know Him!
In Colossae, bible scholars believe the early church was being influenced by mystics; people with strange philosophies, who claimed an inside track in hearing from God. Paul prays for the church. He asks God to give them wisdom, God’s wisdom. It’s recorded in Col 1:9-14. That’s a great prayer for ourselves and others. It’s like James’ word, but has more detail.
may we be FILLED with a knowledge of His will!
not a wee little bit, but FILLED – all SPIRITUAL wisdom and understanding (SPIRITUAL: this is all God’s wisdom and understanding, ditch that worldly wisdom!) in order…
that we will WALK WORTHY of the Lord – pleasing God in all things
BEARING FRUIT in all good works – increasing in the KNOWLEDGE of God
So being given God’s wisdom causes us to GROW UP, mature in Christ. Our walk, our talk, ALL that we do: becoming more and more fruitful, and like Jesus.
Paul then requests they be strengthened according to His glorious might to attain all STEADFASTNESS and PATIENCE in this life. Growing in wisdom and knowledge of His will, we may want to help God out with the results NOW! Or get out of an unpleasant situation – NOW – but TIMING is a part of God’s will, too – HIS TIMING is always perfect.
To await His timing we need steadfastness. And patience. May our God strengthen you to attain to all steadfastness my friend, and COME ALIVE!
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