Colossians 1:9
Verse
Context
Thanksgiving and Prayer
8and who also informed us of your love in the Spirit.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,
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For this cause - See on Eph 1:15-16 (note), where the same sentiment occurs. That ye might be filled - Nothing could satisfy the apostle, either for himself or his hearers, but the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace. The Colossians had knowledge, but they must have more; it is their privilege to be filled with it. As the bright shining of the sun in the firmament of heaven fills the whole world with light and heat, so the light of the Sun of righteousness is to illuminate their whole souls, and fill them with Divine splendor, so that they might know the will of God, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; in a word, that they might have such a knowledge of Divine things as the Spirit of truth can teach to the soul of man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
we also--on our part. heard it-- (Col 1:4). pray--Here he states what in particular he prays for; as in Col 1:3 he stated generally the fact of his praying for them. to desire--"to make request." might be filled--rather, "may be filled"; a verb, often found in this Epistle (Col 4:12, Col 4:17). knowledge--Greek, "full and accurate knowledge." Akin to the Greek for "knew" (see on Col 1:6). of his will--as to how ye ought to walk (Eph 5:17); as well as chiefly that "mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself; that in the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ" (Eph 1:9-10); God's "will," whereby He eternally purposed to reconcile to Himself, and save men by Christ, not by angels, as the false teachers in some degree taught (Col 2:18) [ESTIUS]. There seems to have been a want of knowledge among the Colossians; notwithstanding their general excellencies; hence he so often dwells on this subject (Col 1:28; Col 2:2-3; Col 3:10, Col 3:13; Col 4:5-6). On the contrary he less extols wisdom to the Corinthians, who were puffed up with the conceit of knowledge. wisdom--often mentioned in this Epistle, as opposed to the (false) "philosophy" and "show of wisdom" (Col 2:8, Col 2:23; compare Eph 1:8). understanding--sagacity to discern what on each occasion is suited to the place and the time; its seat is "the understanding" or intellect; wisdom is more general and has its seat in the whole compass of the faculties of the soul [BENGEL]. "Wouldst thou know that the matters in the word of Christ are real things? Then never read them for mere knowledge sake" [Quoted by GAUSSEN.] Knowledge is desirable only when seasoned by "spiritual understanding."
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle proceeds in these verses to pray for them. He heard that they were good, and he prayed that they might be better. He was constant in this prayer: We do not cease to pray for you. It may be he could hear of them but seldom, but he constantly prayed for them. - And desire that you may be filled with the knowledge, etc. Observe what it is that he begs of God for them, I. That they might be knowing intelligent Christians: filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Observe, 1. The knowledge of our duty is the best knowledge. A mere empty notion of the greatest truths is insignificant. Our knowledge of the will of God must be always practical: we must know it, in order to do it. 2. Our knowledge is then a blessing indeed when it is in wisdom, when we know how to apply our general knowledge to our particular occasions, and to suit it to all emergencies. 3. Christians should endeavour to be filled with knowledge; not only to know the will of God, but to know more of it, and to increase in the knowledge of God (as it is Col 1:10), and to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Pe2 3:18. II. That their conversation might be good. Good knowledge without a good life will not profit. Our understanding is then a spiritual understanding when we exemplify it in our way of living: That you may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing (Col 1:10), that is, as becomes the relation we stand in to him and the profession we make of him. The agreeableness of our conversation to our religion is pleasing to God as well as to good men. We walk unto all well-pleasing when we walk in all things according to the will of God. Being fruitful in every good work. This is what we should aim at. Good words will not do without good works. We must abound in good works, and in every good work: not in some only, which are more easy, and suitable, and safe, but in all, and every instance of them. There must be a regular uniform regard to all the will of God. And the more fruitful we are in good works the more we shall increase in the knowledge of God. He who doeth his will shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, Joh 7:17. III. That they might be strengthened: Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power (Col 1:11), fortified against the temptations of Satan and furnished for all their duty. It is a great comfort to us that he who undertakes to give strength to his people is a God of power and of glorious power. Where there is spiritual life there is still need of spiritual strength, strength for all the actions of the spiritual life. To be strengthened is to be furnished by the grace of God for every good work, and fortified by that grace against every evil one: it is to be enabled to do our duty, and still to hold fast our integrity. The blessed Spirit is the author of this strength; for we are strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inward man, Eph 3:16. The word of God is the means of it, by which he conveys it; and it must be fetched in by prayer. It was in answer to earnest prayer that the apostle obtained sufficient grace. In praying for spiritual strength we are not straitened in the promises, and therefore should not be straitened in our own hopes and desires. Observe, 1. He prayed that they might be strengthened with might: this seems a tautology; but he means, that they might be mightily strengthened, or strengthened with might derived from another. 2. It is with all might. It seems unreasonable that a creature should be strengthened with all might, for that is to make him almighty; but he means, with all that might which we have occasion for, to enable us to discharge our duty or preserve our innocence, that grace which is sufficient for us in all the trials of life and able to help us in time of need. 3. It is according to his glorious power. He means, according to the grace of God: but the grace of God in the hearts of believers is the power of God; and there is a glory in this power; it is an excellent and sufficient power. And the communications of strength are not according to our weakness, to whom the strength is communicated, but according to his power, from whom it is received. When God gives he gives like himself, and when he strengthens he strengthens like himself. 4. The special use of this strength was for suffering work: That you may be strengthened unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. He prays not only that they may be supported under their troubles, but strengthened for them: the reason is there is work to be done even when we are suffering. And those who are strengthened according to his glorious power are strengthened, (1.) To all patience. When patience hath its perfect work (Jam 1:4) then we are strengthened to all patience - when we not only bear our troubles patiently, but receive them as gifts from God, and are thankful for them. To you it is given to suffer, Phi 1:29. When we bear our troubles well, though ever so many, and the circumstances of them ever so aggravating, then we bear them with all patience. And the same reason for bearing one trouble will hold for bearing another, if it be a good reason. All patience includes all the kinds of it; not only bearing patience, but waiting patience. (2.) This is even unto long-suffering, that is, drawn out to a great length: not only to bear trouble awhile, but to bear it as long as God pleases to continue it. (3.) It is with joyfulness, to rejoice in tribulation, to take joyfully the spoiling of our goods, and rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for his name, to have joy as well as patience in the troubles of life. This we could never do by any strength of our own, but as we are strengthened by the grace of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:9-10 Paul prays that God would grant his readers deeper understanding of the Good News and its full expression in their lives. Spiritual growth yields a clearer and deeper comprehension of Christian truth and conduct that pleases the Lord, through which a believer will have the endurance and patience to stand firm against evil (1:11).
Colossians 1:9
Thanksgiving and Prayer
8and who also informed us of your love in the Spirit.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,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Keep Looking to Jesus
By Corrie Ten Boom15K59:32Jesus ChristJHN 15:2COL 1:9COL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of where we direct our gaze. He references a story from the book of Burgum about a man who could only look downward with a milk rake in his hand. Despite being offered a celestial crown, the man remains fixated on the straw and small sticks on the floor. The speaker warns against the enemy's tactic of constantly drawing our attention to our sins, but reminds us that as Christians, we have the answer to our sin problem through confession and the forgiveness of God. The sermon also touches on the idea of abiding in Jesus, using the analogy of a vine and its branches to illustrate the importance of remaining connected to Christ in order to bear fruit.
The Will of God for You
By Paris Reidhead5.3K37:57Will Of GodGratitudeGod's WillCOL 1:9Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of understanding and fulfilling God's will in our lives, particularly through the act of giving thanks in all circumstances. He highlights that true spiritual maturity involves being filled with the knowledge of God's will, which leads to walking worthy of the Lord and being fruitful in good works. Reidhead points out that many challenges in life stem from personality conflicts and disappointment, which can lead to discouragement and defeat if not addressed with gratitude. He stresses that giving thanks is not just a suggestion but a command from God, essential for spiritual health and victory. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, allowing Christ to live through them in every aspect of life.
(Guidelines) Spirit of God Makes It Real
By J. Vernon McGee4.8K03:29COL 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the personal experience of knowing that the Bible is the Word of God. He prays for the listeners to have the assurance that the Spirit of God can make the Word of God real to them. The preacher dismisses the need for archeology to confirm the truth of the Bible, stating that the Spirit of God can confirm it in one's heart. He shares a personal anecdote of a young preacher who was disappointed by his lack of excitement over an archeological discovery, as the preacher already knew the Bible was the Word of God through the Spirit's revelation. The preacher concludes by expressing his own conviction that he not only believes, but knows, that the Bible is the Word of God because of the Spirit's work in his life.
Keep Looking to Jesus (Alternative)
By Corrie Ten Boom3.7K48:57Jesus ChristJHN 15:2COL 1:9COL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker, Corrigan Boone, talks about the importance of looking in the right direction and not being distracted by worldly things. He emphasizes the need to recognize our own insignificance and rely on God's grace. Boone shares the story of Moses, who had to learn to be a nobody before God could use him as somebody. He also mentions the temptation to focus on our own flaws and skin, but reminds listeners that Jesus' blood covers our sins. Overall, the sermon encourages having a sense of direction and relying on God's power rather than our own.
(Dreams & Visions of a Godly Home) a Home for God
By Denny Kenaston2.3K55:22Godly Home VisionCOL 1:9In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of young people understanding their role as the foundation of the next generation. He challenges them to not repeat the mistakes of their parents who may have neglected their spiritual growth in their youth. He encourages them to take hold of their faith and be prepared for the future. Brother Denny also shares a story about a Finnish infidel who willed his farm to the devil, illustrating the consequences of doing nothing and allowing Satan to have control.
The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K58:04Purpose Of GodCOL 1:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the vision of the wheel in the book of Ezekiel. The wheel is seen as a symbol of movement and mobility, representing God's continuous action and purpose. The wheels also have eyes all around them, symbolizing the complete and perfect intelligence of God's throne. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding these aspects of the wheel vision and how they relate to God's movement and purpose in the world.
Give Him the Pre-Eminence
By Norman Meeten1.7K1:15:29Jesus ChristCOL 1:9In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a journey up a mountain and the importance of perseverance in the Christian faith. He emphasizes the need to prioritize the spiritual over the physical, highlighting the significance of being conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ. The speaker then references Hebrews 1:3 and Hebrews 8, emphasizing Jesus as the image of God and the purger of sins. He also discusses how Jesus not only dealt with our sins but also separated us from the influence of Satan, offering deliverance from generational bondage and sin.
Prepare for Success
By Andrew Weaver1.5K1:30:09COL 1:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the crowd before being executed and shares a message about following God's voice and making choices that bring peace to our hearts. The speaker also mentions a testimony about experiencing God's satisfying love. The main focus of the message is to encourage and bless the youth, providing practical preparation for a successful life in the areas of money, marriage, and ministry. The speaker emphasizes that these principles apply to Christians of any age and encourages the audience to study the Word of God for further guidance.
Ephesians (Part 3)
By Les Wheeldon1.5K1:02:01ExpositionalISA 6:8ACT 4:322CO 9:7EPH 1:16COL 1:91TI 5:223JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the recent General Election and the impact it had on the defeated candidate. He emphasizes that in the church, power and authority should not be sought after like in the political realm. The speaker then references the third letter of John in the Bible, highlighting the importance of serving God and living a clean life. He discusses the corruptible nature of human desires and emphasizes the need for a transformation through Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to discover Christ and allow Him to change and manifest in one's spirit.
Doing Gods Will
By Erlo Stegen1.4K47:54Will Of GodPSA 48:14PSA 119:105MAT 6:33MAT 7:21MAT 7:26EPH 5:17COL 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes three important points for believers to incorporate into their lives. The first point is to seek and understand God's will for their lives, as it is crucial for spiritual growth. The second point is the need for discernment and wisdom in all aspects of life, from the way we dress to the way we interact with others. The speaker also highlights the importance of parents guiding their children in God's will. Lastly, the speaker emphasizes the need for patience and endurance, especially in relationships between men and women. The sermon encourages believers to pray for these qualities and to strive for spiritual growth and maturity.
Skyland Conference 1988 (Two Kingdoms) - Part 1
By William MacDonald1.4K40:10Kingdom Of GodMAT 6:33JHN 12:312CO 2:112CO 4:4COL 1:91JN 5:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emptiness of the world and how it fails to satisfy the human heart. He references a story about a young entertainer who had achieved fame and success but still felt empty inside. The preacher emphasizes that the world portrayed in media and entertainment is not the reality and urges young people to see beyond its allure. He also highlights biblical passages that speak about the ruler of this world being judged and the need to be aware of the devil's devices.
Preaching a Watered Down Gospel - Part 3
By Jeff Noblit1.4K08:58COL 1:9This sermon emphasizes the duty of both the preacher to faithfully deliver God's truth and the congregation to mature beyond basic teachings, diving into deeper truths of the Word. It highlights the responsibility for Christians to grow in knowledge and wisdom, being able to teach others and not remain milk-dependent. The importance of going beyond shallow understanding and embracing the deeper truths of the Bible is emphasized, urging believers to avoid shallowness and strive for spiritual maturity.
Prayer Life of Paul for the Saints
By David Smithers1.3K1:01:31COL 1:9COL 1:121TH 3:121TH 4:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Spirit of God and having the power to encourage and love others in a practical way. He highlights the need for believers to be able to affirm and uplift one another, rather than just going through the motions of small talk. The speaker also discusses the significance of growing in faith and love towards one another, as well as the importance of sanctification and living for God's glory. He encourages the audience to change, grow, and mature in order to be used by God to impact others and demonstrate the power of God's grace in their lives.
Knowing and Doing God’s Will
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K23:30God's WillROM 12:2COL 1:9In this sermon, the speaker expresses his disappointment with the state of the Protestant church, comparing it unfavorably to the Roman Catholic church. He criticizes the lack of commitment and dedication among some ministers, urging them to be more manly and not pursue the ministry if they are not fully committed. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of living a holy and sacrificial life, filled with the Holy Spirit. He shares his own personal experience of being called into the ministry and the challenges he faced. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging believers to be active in their faith and to share the gospel with others.
Get Wisdom
By John Piper1.1K29:161KI 3:16PRO 2:6PRO 4:8PRO 9:10ROM 12:2COL 1:9JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom in order to find true and lasting happiness. He acknowledges that people may pursue temporary sources of happiness such as material possessions or worldly pleasures, but these will ultimately leave them feeling empty. The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize wisdom and suggests that reading classic books, particularly those related to theology and faith, can be a valuable way to gain wisdom. He also highlights the need to seek wisdom on a daily basis and emphasizes that it is a lifelong pursuit.
Discarding Rubbish and Gaining Christ
By Zac Poonen9331:06:09LUK 16:15JHN 17:3ROM 8:16PHP 1:23PHP 3:8PHP 3:10COL 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking to know Christ deeply and fully, comparing the attitudes of minimum Christians who do the least for God and maximum Christians who seek to do the most for Him. It challenges listeners to evaluate their values, seeing everything the world offers as rubbish compared to Christ, and to live wholeheartedly for Him, like Paul did, seeking to know Him better each day.
(Colossians) Are You Qualified?
By Brian Brodersen85956:24COL 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that despite technological advancements, human nature remains unchanged. He argues that the societal issues and abominable acts we witness today are not new, but have been present throughout history. The Bible, according to the preacher, provides a sufficient message of the gospel to address these problems. He highlights the sinful nature of humanity and the power of sin and Satan, citing biblical examples such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the captivity of the Ninevites. The preacher rejects the notion that modern problems cannot be treated with biblical solutions, asserting that the only difference is technological advancement.
Colossians: Kingdom of Darkness
By Mariano Di Gangi65130:14DarknessCOL 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of growing in knowledge and understanding of God's will. He prays for the listeners to be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding. The speaker shares a story about a young man seeking the secret to success, which is making good decisions, which comes from experience. The sermon highlights the transformative power of God's grace and forgiveness, and the need for both direction and empowerment from the Holy Spirit to live according to God's will.
Freedom of God
By Glenn Meldrum60841:57FreedomGEN 1:27MAT 6:33ROM 8:28COL 1:9COL 3:21TI 2:3JAS 1:17In this experimental sermon, the preacher challenges the congregation to not underestimate their intelligence and to delve into deeper spiritual truths. He emphasizes the incredible gift of God's revelation and presence in our lives, highlighting the importance of not taking it for granted. The preacher explains that God is not limited like humans are, and that He is capable of producing His desired effects. He also discusses the concept of free will and how it sets humans apart from animals, giving them the ability to choose between right and wrong. The sermon ultimately emphasizes the importance of understanding God's nature and relying on the Gospel to comprehend His desires and actions.
Effectual Prayer Empowered by the Spirit
By Don Currin57234:15ROM 11:25GAL 4:4EPH 1:16EPH 3:14EPH 4:13EPH 6:18COL 1:9This sermon delves into Paul's prayer in Ephesians chapter 3, emphasizing the essence of revival praying and the need for a visitation from God. Paul's prayer focuses on believers being strengthened by the Spirit to experience Christ dwelling in their hearts, rooted in love, comprehend the vast love of Christ, and be filled with all the fullness of God. The sermon highlights the desperate need for effectual prayer, the Spirit's enablement, and the pursuit of experimental reality in encountering God's presence and fullness.
Remember My Chains
By Carter Conlon50844:32COL 1:9COL 4:15The sermon titled 'Remember My Chains' emphasizes the importance of remembering the foundational truths of faith and the calling God has placed on our lives. It warns against being deceived by worldly philosophies and distractions, urging believers to walk wisely and finish the race set before them. The message highlights the personal cost of following Jesus and the need to prioritize Christ above all else, encouraging a life of passion, sincerity, and obedience to God's will.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 46
By Don Courville36529:44Radio Show2CO 5:17COL 1:9In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing concern for a group of men who were deceived into thinking they were studying the Word of God but were actually attending a Sanskrit class. He warns that their church is programmed by Satan for destruction. The preacher then shifts focus to the impact of parents leaving their children at daycare centers, emphasizing the importance of the message these children receive. He then delves into the concept of redemption through Christ, highlighting the need for believers to understand the spiritual warfare waged by Satan. The sermon concludes with an analogy of a father paying off his son's debt, likening it to God's forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ.
The Sin of Not Praying for Others
By J.R. Miller2Intercessory PrayerDuty of Love1SA 12:23MAT 7:7LUK 6:28EPH 6:18PHP 1:3COL 1:91TH 5:171TI 2:1HEB 4:16JAS 5:16J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical duty of praying for others, illustrating that neglecting this responsibility is a sin against God. He reflects on Samuel's commitment to intercede for the people who had wronged him, highlighting that true love and friendship require us to pray for even those who have hurt us. Miller warns against the dangers of selfishness in prayer and the temptation to cease praying due to delayed answers or perceived unworthiness of others. He encourages believers to recognize the spiritual needs of those around them and to persist in prayer, as it is through intercession that God's blessings are often bestowed. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the importance of prayer in fostering genuine love and support for one another.
Ignorant People
By Thomas Brooks0Knowledge Of GodIgnorancePRO 1:7ISA 5:13HOS 4:6MAT 22:29JHN 8:32ROM 10:21CO 15:34EPH 4:18COL 1:92PE 3:18Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of ignorance in his sermon 'Ignorant People,' arguing that while some may believe ignorance fosters devotion, the Bible clearly states it leads to destruction. He cites Hosea 4:6 to illustrate that lack of knowledge results in ruin, and Matthew 22:29 to highlight that error stems from not knowing the Scriptures. Brooks warns that ignorance enslaves individuals to sin and makes them vulnerable to Satan's traps, ultimately leading to a life devoid of understanding and filled with misery. He concludes that ignorance not only breeds sin but also makes individuals indifferent to their actions against God and their own souls.
(Finding God's Will) 1. God's Plan for Your Life
By Zac Poonen0Guidance in Life DecisionsGod's WillGEN 5:22MAT 7:21MAT 11:28MAT 12:50EPH 2:10EPH 5:17COL 1:9COL 4:121PE 4:11JN 2:17Zac Poonen emphasizes that the greatest honor for believers is to do God's will, as taught by Jesus and the apostles. He warns against the folly of pursuing our own paths without seeking God's guidance, especially when making significant life decisions. Poonen highlights that many miss God's perfect will due to disobedience and compromise, urging believers to earnestly seek God's plan for their lives. He illustrates this with biblical examples, including David and the Israelites, and encourages a life dedicated to fulfilling God's will. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to walk in God's appointed path, assuring that it leads to true fulfillment and purpose.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For this cause - See on Eph 1:15-16 (note), where the same sentiment occurs. That ye might be filled - Nothing could satisfy the apostle, either for himself or his hearers, but the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace. The Colossians had knowledge, but they must have more; it is their privilege to be filled with it. As the bright shining of the sun in the firmament of heaven fills the whole world with light and heat, so the light of the Sun of righteousness is to illuminate their whole souls, and fill them with Divine splendor, so that they might know the will of God, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; in a word, that they might have such a knowledge of Divine things as the Spirit of truth can teach to the soul of man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
we also--on our part. heard it-- (Col 1:4). pray--Here he states what in particular he prays for; as in Col 1:3 he stated generally the fact of his praying for them. to desire--"to make request." might be filled--rather, "may be filled"; a verb, often found in this Epistle (Col 4:12, Col 4:17). knowledge--Greek, "full and accurate knowledge." Akin to the Greek for "knew" (see on Col 1:6). of his will--as to how ye ought to walk (Eph 5:17); as well as chiefly that "mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself; that in the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ" (Eph 1:9-10); God's "will," whereby He eternally purposed to reconcile to Himself, and save men by Christ, not by angels, as the false teachers in some degree taught (Col 2:18) [ESTIUS]. There seems to have been a want of knowledge among the Colossians; notwithstanding their general excellencies; hence he so often dwells on this subject (Col 1:28; Col 2:2-3; Col 3:10, Col 3:13; Col 4:5-6). On the contrary he less extols wisdom to the Corinthians, who were puffed up with the conceit of knowledge. wisdom--often mentioned in this Epistle, as opposed to the (false) "philosophy" and "show of wisdom" (Col 2:8, Col 2:23; compare Eph 1:8). understanding--sagacity to discern what on each occasion is suited to the place and the time; its seat is "the understanding" or intellect; wisdom is more general and has its seat in the whole compass of the faculties of the soul [BENGEL]. "Wouldst thou know that the matters in the word of Christ are real things? Then never read them for mere knowledge sake" [Quoted by GAUSSEN.] Knowledge is desirable only when seasoned by "spiritual understanding."
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle proceeds in these verses to pray for them. He heard that they were good, and he prayed that they might be better. He was constant in this prayer: We do not cease to pray for you. It may be he could hear of them but seldom, but he constantly prayed for them. - And desire that you may be filled with the knowledge, etc. Observe what it is that he begs of God for them, I. That they might be knowing intelligent Christians: filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Observe, 1. The knowledge of our duty is the best knowledge. A mere empty notion of the greatest truths is insignificant. Our knowledge of the will of God must be always practical: we must know it, in order to do it. 2. Our knowledge is then a blessing indeed when it is in wisdom, when we know how to apply our general knowledge to our particular occasions, and to suit it to all emergencies. 3. Christians should endeavour to be filled with knowledge; not only to know the will of God, but to know more of it, and to increase in the knowledge of God (as it is Col 1:10), and to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Pe2 3:18. II. That their conversation might be good. Good knowledge without a good life will not profit. Our understanding is then a spiritual understanding when we exemplify it in our way of living: That you may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing (Col 1:10), that is, as becomes the relation we stand in to him and the profession we make of him. The agreeableness of our conversation to our religion is pleasing to God as well as to good men. We walk unto all well-pleasing when we walk in all things according to the will of God. Being fruitful in every good work. This is what we should aim at. Good words will not do without good works. We must abound in good works, and in every good work: not in some only, which are more easy, and suitable, and safe, but in all, and every instance of them. There must be a regular uniform regard to all the will of God. And the more fruitful we are in good works the more we shall increase in the knowledge of God. He who doeth his will shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, Joh 7:17. III. That they might be strengthened: Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power (Col 1:11), fortified against the temptations of Satan and furnished for all their duty. It is a great comfort to us that he who undertakes to give strength to his people is a God of power and of glorious power. Where there is spiritual life there is still need of spiritual strength, strength for all the actions of the spiritual life. To be strengthened is to be furnished by the grace of God for every good work, and fortified by that grace against every evil one: it is to be enabled to do our duty, and still to hold fast our integrity. The blessed Spirit is the author of this strength; for we are strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inward man, Eph 3:16. The word of God is the means of it, by which he conveys it; and it must be fetched in by prayer. It was in answer to earnest prayer that the apostle obtained sufficient grace. In praying for spiritual strength we are not straitened in the promises, and therefore should not be straitened in our own hopes and desires. Observe, 1. He prayed that they might be strengthened with might: this seems a tautology; but he means, that they might be mightily strengthened, or strengthened with might derived from another. 2. It is with all might. It seems unreasonable that a creature should be strengthened with all might, for that is to make him almighty; but he means, with all that might which we have occasion for, to enable us to discharge our duty or preserve our innocence, that grace which is sufficient for us in all the trials of life and able to help us in time of need. 3. It is according to his glorious power. He means, according to the grace of God: but the grace of God in the hearts of believers is the power of God; and there is a glory in this power; it is an excellent and sufficient power. And the communications of strength are not according to our weakness, to whom the strength is communicated, but according to his power, from whom it is received. When God gives he gives like himself, and when he strengthens he strengthens like himself. 4. The special use of this strength was for suffering work: That you may be strengthened unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. He prays not only that they may be supported under their troubles, but strengthened for them: the reason is there is work to be done even when we are suffering. And those who are strengthened according to his glorious power are strengthened, (1.) To all patience. When patience hath its perfect work (Jam 1:4) then we are strengthened to all patience - when we not only bear our troubles patiently, but receive them as gifts from God, and are thankful for them. To you it is given to suffer, Phi 1:29. When we bear our troubles well, though ever so many, and the circumstances of them ever so aggravating, then we bear them with all patience. And the same reason for bearing one trouble will hold for bearing another, if it be a good reason. All patience includes all the kinds of it; not only bearing patience, but waiting patience. (2.) This is even unto long-suffering, that is, drawn out to a great length: not only to bear trouble awhile, but to bear it as long as God pleases to continue it. (3.) It is with joyfulness, to rejoice in tribulation, to take joyfully the spoiling of our goods, and rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for his name, to have joy as well as patience in the troubles of life. This we could never do by any strength of our own, but as we are strengthened by the grace of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:9-10 Paul prays that God would grant his readers deeper understanding of the Good News and its full expression in their lives. Spiritual growth yields a clearer and deeper comprehension of Christian truth and conduct that pleases the Lord, through which a believer will have the endurance and patience to stand firm against evil (1:11).