Colossians 1:10
Verse
Context
Thanksgiving and Prayer
9For 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 in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,10so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,11being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord - Suitably to your Christian profession, exemplifying its holy doctrines by a holy and useful life. See the notes on Eph 4:1; and on Phi 1:27 (note). Unto all pleasing - Doing every thing in the best manner, in the most proper time, and in a becoming spirit. Even a good work may be marred and rendered fruitless by being done improperly, out of season, or in a temper of mind that grieves the Holy Spirit. Being fruitful in every good work - See on Col 1:6 (note). St. Paul exhorts the Christians at Colosse, 1. To walk - to be active in their Christian calling. 2. To walk worthily - suitably to the dignity of that calling, and to the purity of that God who had called them into this state of salvation. 3. To do every thing unto all pleasing; that God might be pleased with the manner, the time, the motive, disposition, design, and object of every act. 4. That they should be fruitful; mere harmlessness would not be sufficient; as God had sown good seed, he expected good fruit. 5. That every work should be good; they must not be fruitful in some works and fruitless in others. 6. That they should increase in religious knowledge as time rolled on, knowing, by genuine Christian experience, more of God, of his love, and of his peace, day by day.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "So as to walk"; so that ye may walk. True knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it. worthy of the Lord-- (Eph 4:1). unto--so as in every way to be well-pleasing to God. pleasing--literally, "desire of pleasing." being fruitful--Greek, "bearing fruit." This is the first manifestation of their "walking worthy of the Lord." The second is, "increasing (growing) in the knowledge of God (or as the oldest manuscripts read, 'growing BY the full knowledge of God')"; thus, as the Gospel word (Col 1:6) was said to "bring forth fruit," and to "grow" in all the world, even as it did in the Colossians, ever since the day they knew the grace of God, so here it is Paul's prayer that they might continue to "bring forth fruit," and "grow" more and more by the full knowledge of God, the more that "knowledge" (Col 1:9) was imparted to them. The full knowledge of God is the real instrument of enlargement in soul and life of the believer [ALFORD]. The third manifestation of their walk is (Col 1:11), "Being strengthened with all might," &c. The fourth is (Col 1:12), "Giving thanks unto the Father," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord,.... The Vulgate Latin version reads, "of God"; to which the Ethiopic version agrees; but rather the Lord Jesus Christ seems to be designed: and to "walk worthy" of him, is to walk by faith in him; to walk after his Spirit, and according to his word, and in his ordinances; to have the conversation as becomes his Gospel, and worthy of that calling wherewith the saints are called by grace to the obtaining of his kingdom and glory. The apostle prays that their knowledge might issue in practice; for knowledge, without practice, is of no avail: he first asks for knowledge, and then practice, for how should men act according to the will of God, or Christ, unless they know it? and when they know it, they should not rest in their knowledge, but put it in practice: unto all pleasing. The Syriac reads it, "that ye may please God in all good works": an unregenerate man cannot please God in anything; without faith in Christ it is impossible to please him by anything man can do; Christ only could, and did always the things that pleased his Father; there are many things done by believers which are displeasing to God; nor is there anything they can do that is pleasing to God but through Christ, in whom their persons and, services are accepted; good works being done in faith, and from a principle of love, and with a view to the glory of God, are acceptable unto him through Christ; and therefore are to be carefully maintained, and studiously performed by all those that have a spiritual understanding of the will of God, and believe in Christ their Lord and Redeemer: being fruitful in every good work; saints are trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord; good works are the fruit, which, under the influence of divine grace, they bring forth; and this is not of one sort only, as trees usually do, but of every kind; being ingrafted into Christ the true vine, and deriving life, sap, and nourishment from him, they are filled with the fruits of righteousness by him, which they bring forth and bear, to the glory of his heavenly Father; and being such, they are pleasant plants to him, as fruit bearing trees are to the owner of them: wherefore, in order to the saints walking in their lives and conversations unto all pleasing, or pleasing in all things, the apostle prays they might be fruitful in good works, and that in everyone, in every kind of good works: and increasing in the knowledge of God; not barely of his nature and perfections, as they are displayed in the works of creation; but of his mind, and will, and the mysteries of his grace, as they are revealed in the Gospel; of the knowledge of him in Christ, as the God of all grace, and as a covenant God and Father. The apostle had before prayed for an increase of the knowledge of the will of God, previous to his request, for the putting of it in practice; and now suggests, that an increase of the knowledge of God himself may be expected in a practical use of means, an attendance on the ordinances of Christ, and a diligent performance of good works: from the whole of these petitions, it may be observed by the apostle's asking for them, that all our knowledge, and the increase of it, and all our fruitfulness in good works, are all from the Lord; and therefore we have no reason to boast of our knowledge, nor depend upon our works, but frankly to own, that notwithstanding all we know, and do, we are but unprofitable servants.
Colossians 1:10
Thanksgiving and Prayer
9For 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 in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,10so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,11being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Dominican Republic) That Dreadful Day No One Wants to Talk About
By David Wilkerson19K34:11JudgmentCOL 1:10In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of pornography and its impact on Christian leaders. He shares a conversation with a young evangelist who jokingly admits to watching pornography. The preacher emphasizes the need for repentance and turning towards God, urging the congregation to take the matter seriously. He calls for a time of prayer and worship, inviting those who feel convicted to come forward and seek forgiveness. The sermon concludes with a plea for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the listeners and bring about transformation.
Fruitbearing
By Jim Cymbala10K51:28Bearing FruitMAT 21:43COL 1:101TH 5:12HEB 13:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in the Christian life. They share a story about a woman who kept a secret and was consumed by guilt. The speaker highlights the urgency of bearing fruit and encourages listeners to be loving, helpful, and kind. They explain that God wants believers to focus on being rather than just doing, and that growth is essential for bearing fruit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that bearing fruit brings glory to God, and references a verse in Matthew where Jesus warns the Jewish leaders that the kingdom of God will be given to those who produce its fruit.
Bearing Fruit
By David Wilkerson5.6K51:34Bearing FruitMAT 6:33JHN 15:1JHN 15:6JHN 15:10PHP 1:11COL 1:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining communion with the Lord in order to glorify Him and bear fruit. He warns against filling our minds with worldly things, such as watching inappropriate movies, as it can dull our spiritual sensitivity and lead us astray. The preacher also highlights the significance of pleasing God through bearing fruit and ministering to Him. He shares a personal experience of witnessing a disturbing and demonic performance at a gathering, which prompted him to seek the Lord's guidance and run away from the evil.
(Through the Bible) Colossians 1
By Chuck Smith2.4K1:11:19MAT 24:14MRK 16:15JHN 15:16ACT 8:26EPH 4:1COL 1:10COL 1:23In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for Jesus Christ, who came to earth as the manifestation of God and dwells in the hearts of believers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the power of the Holy Spirit in being effective witnesses for the gospel. They mention that the gospel has been preached throughout the world and bears fruit. The speaker also mentions the need to trust in God's guidance and take one step at a time, using the example of Philip being directed to go to Gaza. The sermon concludes with the speaker acknowledging the significance of chapters 2 and 3 in the New Testament and expressing the intention to delve into them in the next session.
Seeking His Preeminence - Part 1
By Lehman Strauss1.4K29:09Preeminence1CO 13:13COL 1:4COL 1:101TH 4:1JAS 1:5In this sermon, Lehmann Strauss shares his personal experience of receiving a new vision and understanding of the importance of preaching and teaching the Word of God. He recounts a near-death experience and his prayer to be spared in order to care for his handicapped wife and continue his ministry. Strauss emphasizes the significance of finding, following, and finishing God's will for one's life, highlighting the potential for any Christian to fall into sin. He urges listeners to not judge those who have fallen but to recognize their own capacity for sin. The sermon is based on Paul's epistle to the Colossians and emphasizes the importance of being filled with knowledge of God's will.
The Church Today Asleep & in Bondage #6
By Milton Green9891:53:55PSA 1:3ISA 5:7LUK 13:6JHN 4:14JHN 15:5ROM 8:292CO 5:17EPH 4:22COL 1:10This sermon focuses on the concept of being a new creation in Christ, akin to a second Adam, and being conformed to the image of Jesus. It delves into the idea of bearing fruit in good works and increasing in knowledge, drawing parallels from Isaiah about being the vineyard of the Lord. The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying connected to Jesus, the true vine, and the need for spiritual renewal and strength.
The Church Today Asleep & in Bondage #7
By Milton Green8061:58:21PSA 51:10JHN 8:32JHN 14:62CO 10:4EPH 5:10EPH 6:12COL 1:102TI 2:15JAS 4:101PE 5:8This sermon focuses on repentance, humbling ourselves before God, submitting to the Lordship of Jesus and His Word, and seeking anointing to glorify God. It emphasizes the importance of receiving God's Word, walking in a manner worthy of Him, bearing fruit, and increasing in knowledge. The sermon also addresses how the powers of darkness pervert aspects of faith like salvation, healing, praise, gifts, and righteousness, urging believers to stand firm in truth and reject lies that undermine God's power and authority.
A Review of Israel's Rebellions
By Chuck Smith66025:05IsraelDEU 9:6DEU 9:11PSA 116:12EPH 4:15COL 1:10COL 2:202PE 1:3In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith reviews the rebellions of the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. He emphasizes the importance of walking in the ways of God and fearing Him. Pastor Chuck explains that through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are able to live according to God's commandments and will. He also highlights the significance of loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, as well as loving our neighbors as ourselves. The sermon draws parallels between the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and the Christian's journey in the life of the Spirit.
2 Peter 3:18
By John Gill1Spiritual GrowthKnowledge of ChristROM 12:22CO 9:8EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:101TH 5:16HEB 5:12JAS 1:41PE 2:22PE 3:18John Gill emphasizes the importance of growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, highlighting that spiritual growth is a gradual process akin to the growth of a seed. He explains that while believers should be thankful for their gifts, they are encouraged to seek an increase in grace through prayer, the Word, and reflection on God's promises. Gill notes that growth in grace leads to increased faith, hope, love, and humility, which are essential for preserving oneself and others from error. He concludes with a doxology, attributing glory to Christ for His divine attributes and the grace bestowed upon believers both now and forever.
Grow in Grace
By C.H. Spurgeon1Spiritual GrowthKnowledge of ChristPSA 42:1JHN 17:3ROM 5:5EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:10HEB 10:22JAS 4:101PE 2:22PE 3:18C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of growing in all aspects of grace, particularly in faith, love, and humility. He encourages believers to deepen their faith in God's promises, expand their love in practical ways, and cultivate humility by recognizing their own limitations. Spurgeon highlights the importance of knowing Jesus more intimately, asserting that true knowledge of Christ leads to eternal life and greater happiness. He warns that a lack of desire to know Christ better indicates a lack of genuine love for Him. Ultimately, he calls for a continuous pursuit of a closer relationship with Jesus, as this is essential for spiritual growth.
The Christian in Colossians
By A.B. Simpson0Christian CharacterHope in ChristCOL 1:3COL 1:10COL 1:13COL 1:21COL 2:13COL 3:3COL 3:10COL 3:17COL 3:24A.B. Simpson emphasizes the foundational Christian graces of faith, hope, and love as essential to the character of the Colossian believers. He illustrates their transformation from darkness to light, highlighting their redeemed, resurrected, and hidden life in Christ. Simpson encourages believers to embody these principles in their daily walk, speech, and interactions, while also stressing the importance of spiritual education and a joyful disposition. He concludes with a reminder of the hope laid up in heaven, urging Christians to live in readiness for Christ's return.
What Every Christian Should Know About Spiritual Growth
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual GrowthUnity in ChristROM 12:21CO 11:282CO 3:18GAL 5:22EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:102TH 1:3HEB 10:241PE 2:2David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in the life of a Christian, drawing from Paul's commendation of the Thessalonian church for their exceeding faith and love. He highlights that true growth is evident in unity, love, and a deepening relationship with Christ, which should be a natural outcome of being nourished by God's Word. Wilkerson encourages believers to examine their lives regularly, ensuring they are becoming more loving and Christ-like, as the Holy Spirit works within them to transform their hearts and minds. He asserts that spiritual growth is not just an individual endeavor but a collective experience that should be evident in the church community.
Sitting at the Table With King Jesus
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual GrowthFellowship with ChristSNG 1:12MAL 4:2MAT 5:16JHN 15:52CO 2:15GAL 5:22EPH 2:6PHP 1:11COL 1:101PE 2:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound impact of being in the presence of King Jesus, illustrating that His companionship enhances our spiritual graces, likened to a perfume that spreads its fragrance. He explains that when we sit at the table with Christ, we experience deep friendship and fellowship, which invigorates our faith and other virtues. Just as sunlight causes flowers to bloom, the presence of Christ brings our graces to life, allowing them to flourish and be fully realized.
The Father Glorified
By Andrew Murray0Bearing FruitGlorifying GodMAT 5:16JHN 15:5JHN 15:8ROM 15:62CO 9:8GAL 5:22EPH 2:10PHP 4:13COL 1:101PE 4:11Andrew Murray emphasizes that we glorify God not by adding to His glory, but by allowing His glory to shine through us by bearing much fruit. He explains that just as a vineyard owner is glorified by the fruit of his vines, the Father is glorified when we produce abundant fruit in our lives. Murray encourages believers to recognize that their ability to bear fruit comes solely from God, and that little fruit robs God of the glory He deserves. He urges Christians to abide in Christ, rely on His strength, and take on the burden of the lost, as this is how we can truly glorify the Father. The call to bear much fruit is both a challenge and a promise, as it leads to the manifestation of God's goodness and power in our lives.
I Thessalonians 4 ("How Ye Ought to Walk and to Please god.")
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Love and PurityWalking With GodGEN 5:24COL 1:101TH 4:11PE 1:22Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the importance of walking in a manner that pleases God, drawing from the teachings of the Apostle Paul in I Thessalonians 4. He illustrates that true spirituality is not merely about knowledge or religious practices, but about embodying love and purity in our relationships with others. Waldvogel challenges listeners to reflect on their love for one another, asserting that our love for God is demonstrated through our love for our brethren. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, which enables them to walk in holiness and fulfill God's will.
Practical Directions How to Grow in Grace and Make Progress in Piety
By Archibald Alexander0PRO 4:7EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:102PE 3:18Archibald Alexander preaches about the importance of growth in grace and progress in piety, emphasizing the gradual and progressive nature of spiritual growth as evidenced in Scripture. He highlights the need for believers to deepen their spiritual knowledge of Jesus Christ through diligent study of the Word and reliance on divine illumination. Alexander discusses the challenges young converts face, the insight gained into the evils of one's heart as a sign of growth, and the importance of self-denial, spiritual mindedness, and love for the brethren as evidence of progress in piety. He also addresses the hindrances to growth in grace, such as worldly influences, divided pursuits, general resolutions without specific actions, and neglect of divine knowledge.
Holiness: The Call to Enjoy God
By Mike Bickle0PSA 16:11PSA 36:7PSA 37:3PSA 63:1COL 1:10Mike Bickle preaches on the attainability of holiness through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need to draw on His strength and power. Holiness is not about achieving perfection on our own, but about enjoying God and finding satisfaction in Him. Bickle urges believers to resist the temptation of fleeting pleasures by being preoccupied with a superior fascination - a deep fascination with God that leads to a life of holiness and fruitfulness.
The Trees of Righteousness Blossoming and Bringing Forth Fruit
By Thomas Watson0PSA 1:3ISA 61:3JER 17:8JHN 15:1JHN 15:4GAL 5:22PHP 1:11COL 1:10REV 14:13Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of Christians endeavoring after fruitfulness, emphasizing the need to bring forth the fruits of righteousness to glorify God. He explains that Christians are like trees of righteousness, called to bear inward, outward, kindly, and seasonable fruit. Watson highlights the significance of bringing forth proper and genuine fruit in our relationships and the danger of unfruitfulness, evil fruit, or bringing forth good fruit for selfish reasons. He urges Christians to be fruitful, as fruitfulness adorns, pleases God, and is a distinguishing characteristic of a true Christian.
Growth
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual GrowthDiligence in FaithPSA 35:27JHN 15:2EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:101TH 4:102TH 1:3JAS 4:61PE 2:22PE 3:18J.C. Ryle emphasizes the necessity of spiritual growth in the life of a true Christian, urging believers to examine their progress in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. He highlights that growth in grace is not about increasing one's justification but rather about deepening one's faith, love, and holiness. Ryle warns against complacency and encourages believers to actively pursue growth through diligent use of private and public means of grace, self-examination, and communion with Christ. He outlines the signs of growth, such as increased humility, faith, and zeal for doing good, and stresses that neglecting growth can lead to spiritual stagnation. Ultimately, Ryle calls Christians to strive for continual growth, reminding them that their spiritual health is vital for their own joy and for the benefit of others.
Always Growing
By C.H. Spurgeon0Spiritual GrowthFaith and VisionPSA 119:18MAT 7:7JHN 1:502CO 5:7EPH 3:20PHP 1:6COL 1:10HEB 11:1JAS 1:51PE 2:2C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike faith and openness to the greater truths and experiences that God has in store for believers. He encourages listeners to keep their eyes open to spiritual realities, asserting that those willing to believe will witness greater works, deeper fellowship, and profound discoveries of God's power and love. Spurgeon warns against the dangers of false doctrine and encourages a continual growth in faith, leading to a clearer vision of God and His kingdom. He assures that as believers remain receptive, they will experience an ever-deepening relationship with the divine.
Godly Church Members
By John Newton01CO 4:20EPH 4:1PHP 1:27COL 1:101TH 3:8John Newton emphasizes the importance of a sound and faithful Gospel ministry, urging the congregation to value their privileges and truly desire to grow in their faith. He highlights that the kingdom of God is not just in words but in power, calling for a genuine transformation in the lives of believers. Newton encourages the people to pray for grace to walk worthy of the Gospel, living out their faith in all aspects of life with humility, love, and integrity. He expresses the joy of a minister whose congregation reflects the teachings of godliness in their daily actions, contrasting it with the challenges faced when believers fall into formality, worldliness, or discord.
Divine Strengthening
By H.J. Vine0JOB 38:7PSA 138:3MAT 11:25ACT 17:26EPH 3:16COL 1:10HEB 5:14REV 1:18H.J. Vine preaches about the divine strengthening provided by God according to the riches of His glory, enabling believers to be filled with power by the Holy Spirit in their inner being. The sermon emphasizes the importance of Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith and being reproduced in our lives, leading to endurance, long-suffering, joyfulness, and thanksgiving to the Father. The message highlights the surpassing greatness of God's power displayed in creation, deliverance, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, resulting in moral wealth treasured up by God for His glory.
He Pleased God
By David Wilkerson0FaithIntimacy With GodGEN 5:24PSA 25:14JHN 15:15ROM 8:12CO 5:8PHP 3:20COL 1:10HEB 11:5JAS 4:81JN 1:3David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound relationship Enoch had with God, highlighting that Enoch's faith and intimate communion with the Lord were the reasons for his translation to glory. Enoch's life exemplified a deep, pleasing connection with God, which was not marked by miracles or grand achievements but by a simple yet powerful act of walking with God for 300 years. This close fellowship was so significant that God chose to bring Enoch home, illustrating the importance of faith and intimacy in our relationship with the Lord.
Continuous Spiritual Growth
By Dougan Clark0MAL 4:2EPH 4:15COL 1:101PE 2:22PE 3:18Dougan Clark preaches about the continuous spiritual growth in the inner life of holiness, emphasizing the expansion of spiritual graces without hindrance in the sanctified heart, leading to a perpetual and eternal growth in love and maturity. He highlights the importance of removing hindrances to growth, feeding on the Word of God, and growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ to experience constant spiritual growth. Clark urges believers to seek sanctification, spiritual health, and growth in grace to thrive and serve effectively in the Kingdom of God.
Personal Creed in Development
By A.W. Tozer0The Importance of DoctrineWorship in Spirit and TruthPRO 1:7JHN 4:24ROM 10:17EPH 4:13PHP 1:9COL 1:101TI 2:42TI 3:16HEB 11:62PE 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes that preaching Christ transcends mere emotional expressions of love; it requires an informed and intelligent understanding of faith. He argues that while creeds can be recited without conviction, true worship necessitates a foundational knowledge of God, which forms an implicit creed. Tozer insists that worship must be rooted in both spirit and truth, highlighting that knowledge of God is essential for meaningful worship. He warns against the notion that mystical experiences alone can suffice without doctrinal understanding. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a balance between heartfelt devotion and intellectual engagement in our faith.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord - Suitably to your Christian profession, exemplifying its holy doctrines by a holy and useful life. See the notes on Eph 4:1; and on Phi 1:27 (note). Unto all pleasing - Doing every thing in the best manner, in the most proper time, and in a becoming spirit. Even a good work may be marred and rendered fruitless by being done improperly, out of season, or in a temper of mind that grieves the Holy Spirit. Being fruitful in every good work - See on Col 1:6 (note). St. Paul exhorts the Christians at Colosse, 1. To walk - to be active in their Christian calling. 2. To walk worthily - suitably to the dignity of that calling, and to the purity of that God who had called them into this state of salvation. 3. To do every thing unto all pleasing; that God might be pleased with the manner, the time, the motive, disposition, design, and object of every act. 4. That they should be fruitful; mere harmlessness would not be sufficient; as God had sown good seed, he expected good fruit. 5. That every work should be good; they must not be fruitful in some works and fruitless in others. 6. That they should increase in religious knowledge as time rolled on, knowing, by genuine Christian experience, more of God, of his love, and of his peace, day by day.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "So as to walk"; so that ye may walk. True knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it. worthy of the Lord-- (Eph 4:1). unto--so as in every way to be well-pleasing to God. pleasing--literally, "desire of pleasing." being fruitful--Greek, "bearing fruit." This is the first manifestation of their "walking worthy of the Lord." The second is, "increasing (growing) in the knowledge of God (or as the oldest manuscripts read, 'growing BY the full knowledge of God')"; thus, as the Gospel word (Col 1:6) was said to "bring forth fruit," and to "grow" in all the world, even as it did in the Colossians, ever since the day they knew the grace of God, so here it is Paul's prayer that they might continue to "bring forth fruit," and "grow" more and more by the full knowledge of God, the more that "knowledge" (Col 1:9) was imparted to them. The full knowledge of God is the real instrument of enlargement in soul and life of the believer [ALFORD]. The third manifestation of their walk is (Col 1:11), "Being strengthened with all might," &c. The fourth is (Col 1:12), "Giving thanks unto the Father," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord,.... The Vulgate Latin version reads, "of God"; to which the Ethiopic version agrees; but rather the Lord Jesus Christ seems to be designed: and to "walk worthy" of him, is to walk by faith in him; to walk after his Spirit, and according to his word, and in his ordinances; to have the conversation as becomes his Gospel, and worthy of that calling wherewith the saints are called by grace to the obtaining of his kingdom and glory. The apostle prays that their knowledge might issue in practice; for knowledge, without practice, is of no avail: he first asks for knowledge, and then practice, for how should men act according to the will of God, or Christ, unless they know it? and when they know it, they should not rest in their knowledge, but put it in practice: unto all pleasing. The Syriac reads it, "that ye may please God in all good works": an unregenerate man cannot please God in anything; without faith in Christ it is impossible to please him by anything man can do; Christ only could, and did always the things that pleased his Father; there are many things done by believers which are displeasing to God; nor is there anything they can do that is pleasing to God but through Christ, in whom their persons and, services are accepted; good works being done in faith, and from a principle of love, and with a view to the glory of God, are acceptable unto him through Christ; and therefore are to be carefully maintained, and studiously performed by all those that have a spiritual understanding of the will of God, and believe in Christ their Lord and Redeemer: being fruitful in every good work; saints are trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord; good works are the fruit, which, under the influence of divine grace, they bring forth; and this is not of one sort only, as trees usually do, but of every kind; being ingrafted into Christ the true vine, and deriving life, sap, and nourishment from him, they are filled with the fruits of righteousness by him, which they bring forth and bear, to the glory of his heavenly Father; and being such, they are pleasant plants to him, as fruit bearing trees are to the owner of them: wherefore, in order to the saints walking in their lives and conversations unto all pleasing, or pleasing in all things, the apostle prays they might be fruitful in good works, and that in everyone, in every kind of good works: and increasing in the knowledge of God; not barely of his nature and perfections, as they are displayed in the works of creation; but of his mind, and will, and the mysteries of his grace, as they are revealed in the Gospel; of the knowledge of him in Christ, as the God of all grace, and as a covenant God and Father. The apostle had before prayed for an increase of the knowledge of the will of God, previous to his request, for the putting of it in practice; and now suggests, that an increase of the knowledge of God himself may be expected in a practical use of means, an attendance on the ordinances of Christ, and a diligent performance of good works: from the whole of these petitions, it may be observed by the apostle's asking for them, that all our knowledge, and the increase of it, and all our fruitfulness in good works, are all from the Lord; and therefore we have no reason to boast of our knowledge, nor depend upon our works, but frankly to own, that notwithstanding all we know, and do, we are but unprofitable servants.