Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Welcome a very humble, wise woman, our Titus II advisor, Sharon Bridwell as she shares Part 2 of a great piece of Scripture. (To get caught up on Part 1, click here.)
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“You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” ~Colossians 1:7-10
In Colossians 1:7-8, we find exciting truths about how we all need to share our faith in Christ and pray for each other. As Paul mentions the faithful work of Epaphras for the cause of Christ, I remember all those people who encouraged me to make Christ my Lord and Savior, which I did at 13. Yet, I didn’t fully understand Lordship until I was in college. Why the gap? Where was my pointed little head? Maybe I just didn’t understand my need to be daily in the Word, seeking discernment from the Holy Spirit.
By the time I was 18 or 19, something just clicked and I wanted all of God all the time, not just some of Him when it was convenient. Lots of people were praying for me back home in my little church, and I am so thankful for their faithfulness on my part.
Verse 9 of this passage stresses being filled with the knowledge of God’s will. What does “being filled with the knowledge of God’s will” look like? I visualize it this way. It starts with God revealing to me Biblical Truths in my devotional times. Then he quietly reminds me of His previous leading in my life. The Holy Spirit prods me to make decisions that parallel what has worked in the past and what I now believe God desires for me in my present circumstances.
Yes, reading and studying the Word becomes critical to affirming God’s will for my life! And we can each be continually filled “with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”
The cool bonus for me is the fact that this wisdom (insight and clarity) and understanding (Holy Spirit led reasoning) activates within me, even when I don’t conscientiously ask for it. God knows I must have this knowledge of His will to face each day, to share the Gospel, or to live the life He wants me to live.
In verse 10, we find some reasons plus benefits as to why it’s so important for us to work in consort with the Holy Spirit, rather than strike out on our own. First, is so we will live a life worthy of the Lord. Wow! Doesn’t that thought just take your breath away? Such “worthy walking” pleases God in every way. And when God is pleased, we can’t help but benefit by receiving His blessing.
Second is to bear fruit in every good work! I believe a major outcropping of my practical relationship with God is sharing the Gospel with others. In doing so, we all benefit by seeing the lost find Christ, the saved grow firm in their salvation, and believers mentored to raise up more fruitful believers.
Third is continued growth in the “first-hand, experiential knowledge” of God! We rejoice in the fact that we “get” what God desires in our lives and see the “how to” steps of Christian living. Each day we benefit by experiencing a deeper intimacy with God.
His Spirit sustains me and keeps me focused on the who, what, when, where, and how of my Christian walk. I love discovering more of Christ in His Word and in my life. I love growing by leaps and bound in my faith. My prayer is that you will join me on this great adventure.
Here are some questions for you to ponder:
- Pick one to answer:
- If you’ve known the Lord since before you left home, what did the community of Believers do to show their love for you which caused you to want more of Jesus?
- If you’ve come to salvation in Christ since leaving home, what did the community of Believers do to draw you to Christ as your Savior?
- Did (or do) you have a godly woman who mentored (or is mentoring) you in the Lord? If so, what was (or is) there about her for which you praise the Lord?
- In what ways have being in the Word AND being directed by the Holy Spirit benefited YOUR life?
- At what point in your life did you know Christ was your all-in-all and that HE alone was enough?
So friends… what are your thoughts? Join the conversation and leave a comment.
Sharon Bridwell: Retired Navy, Educator, Titus2
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
