Knowing God

Since 1995, Oxford University Press has been publishing a series of books called A Very Short Introduction. The purpose of this series is to provide readers with an overview of an entire complex subject in a very short book. The series has been quite successful with over 600 titles, ranging from introductions to animal behavior to the philosophy of Aristotle.

In a sense, today’s passage contains Paul’s very short introduction to the Christian life. Paul here begins with a prayer for the Colossians that runs through verse 14. In the opening of this prayer, he describes a pattern of life that he prays is true for his readers. This pattern has three elements to it. First, he asks that God would “fill you with the knowledge of his will” (v. 9). This “knowledge” is not a special knowledge for direction in one’s personal life but a deep understanding of who Christ is and what He has done.

Second, this knowledge should be paired with wisdom, the skill to apply knowledge to life (v. 9). Knowledge and wisdom lead to a changed life that pleases the Lord and bears fruit (v. 10). Finally, the obedient, fruit-bearing life enables us to continue “growing in the knowledge of God” (v. 10).

This is a bit of a paradox. Paul had prayed that the church would grow in the knowledge of God, so that they could lead a changed life, so that they could grow in the knowledge of God. In the words of one commentator, “Understanding will fuel holiness; holiness will deepen understanding.” Knowing God more deeply enables us to live faithfully, and living faithfully helps us to know God more deeply. This kind of life produces “endurance and patience” (v. 11). These God-given virtues enable a believer to persevere even in difficult circumstances or with difficult people.

Pray with Us

Would you pray for Dr. Heather Shalley who serves as interim VP of Student Enrollment Services? Ask the Lord to guide and encourage her in her new role at Moody, as she builds her team and helps students with a vision for ministry find their place at MBI.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.