Colossians 1:9-12

⁹ “For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰ so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;¹¹ strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience; joyously ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Verse 9: Paul explains that he has been praying without ceasing for the believers in Colossae. His prayer is focused on asking God to fill them with the knowledge of His will, which comes through the wisdom and understanding given by the Holy Spirit. God’s will is not something mysterious or ambiguous but rather that we bear fruit in Christ. Furthermore, wisdom is also not ambiguous. Wisdom is Jesus.

Verse 10: Believers are already pleasing to God, however, we can please God with our actions and behavior in life without ever displeasing him because he has removed our sins. Paul’s desire is for the believers in Colossae to live a life that is worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him. This involves bearing fruit in every good work and continually growing in the knowledge of God.

Verse 11: Paul reminds the believers that they are strengthened with all power according to God’s glorious might. This empowerment enables them to have great endurance and patience in their journey of faith. It highlights the supernatural strength that comes from relying on God’s power.

Verse 12: Paul encourages the believers to give joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. This reminds them of their position as partakers in God’s kingdom and the gratitude they should have for His grace and provision.