PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD " . . . filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding . . . " -- Tomorrow:
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." (Colossians 1:9-11, KJV)
Devotion 15 of 32
The word "spiritual" means "pertaining to the Spirit"
The Greek word from which "spiritual" is translated is also used in the following texts. All of them have to do with the result, or effects, of the Holy Spirit's work.
A SPIRITUAL PERSON. "But he that is SPIRITUAL judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man" (1 Cor 2:15). This is the person who receives the things delivered by the Holy Spirit and discerns them (1 Cor 2:13-14).
SPIRITUAL GIFTS. "Now concerning SPIRITUAL gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant" (1 Cor 12:1). These are aptitudes and ministries that are given and administered by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:4-5).
SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all SPIRITUAL blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Eph 1:3). These are blessings, or Divine benefits, that are administered to the human spirit by the Holy Spirit.
Objectively speaking, therefore, "spiritual understanding," is understanding that is acquired through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Speaking subjectively, it is understanding that reflects the "mind of the Spirit," being in strict accord with the mind of the Lord. John referred to this kind of understanding when he wrote, "But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing TEACHETH you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as It hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him" (1 John 2:27). This "teaching" has to do with the implications of the truth of God, and how to adapt it to the matter of living in this world. You might call it the "how-to" facet of understanding. Contrary to the modern religious mindset, teaching this aspect of spiritual life (the "how-to-do-it" part), has not been assigned to men, but is delivered by the Holy Spirit. This is, of course, highly destructive of many religious careers.
The purpose of such an understanding is not to produce dignity among men, but to enable one to "abide" in Christ. This abiding, which is essential to our salvation, fruitbearing, and answered prayer (John 15:4-7), is not accomplished by mere human discipline. It is the direct effect of the work of the Holy Spirit.
To be "filled" with an understanding derived from the ministry of the Holy Spirit, results in a close and productive affinity with the Son of God. The accent of our text (Col 1:9) is the productive and effective result of that understanding. It enables the individual to avoid the "wiles of the devil" and "resist" his encroachments. It produces a perception described as the day dawning and the Day Star rising in the heart (2 Pet 1:19). It enables the individual to distinguish false doctrine, and comprehend the revelation of God. This understanding is what causes men to "live by every word of God" (Lk 4:4).
There is a certain intelligence related to this understanding. It is a higher form of intelligence – a perception of, and acquaintance with, the things of God. This understanding erupts in godly usefulness. This is also what produces spiritual maturity: "but in understanding, be men" (1 Cor 14:20). It is when the understanding is "enlightened," and the things of God are more clearly seen or discerned (Eph 1:18). Elsewhere, Paul spoke of "understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph 5:17), and "the full assurance of understanding" (Col 2:2). All of this, and more, is involved in "spiritual understanding."
Where there is "spiritual understanding," there are maturity and stability. The Lord Himself is known, and there is an acquaintance with both His purpose and His ways. The Word of God is more fully comprehended, and a delight is found in Him. Keep in mind, our text does not speak of a sampling of this kind of understanding, but of being "FILLED" with it – not "filled" with some aspect of this understanding, but with "ALL wisdom and spiritual understanding."
Let it be clear, God's people are not to be noted for a lack of understanding or perception. This is to be one of their strong points. They are to be able to navigate in the truth, perceiving its magnificent scope (Eph 3:18). If these two qualities – "all wisdom and spiritual understanding" – were possessed by all professing believers, religious counselors would be put out of business. Most of them, together with sundry specialized ministries, thrive upon the spiritual ignorance and juvenility of church people. The answer to this prayer brings the resolution to many difficulties. That resolution, of course, is at the expense of any and every supposed ministry that is founded upon the wisdom of this world.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, bring a revival among Your people of a fervent quest to be filled with ALL wisdom and spiritual understanding.