FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL

The first part of this prayer was in the form of thanksgiving; now the Apostle makes specific intercession for these saints. So, he prays that they might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. This should be a prime consideration in our lives. The knowledge of God’s will as revealed in God’s word is to be applied with spiritual wisdom and discernment in every thing we do.

The life that is lived in this way, is a life that is worthy of the Lord. Surely, the supreme objective in this scene is to seek to please Him.

Again, the Apostle would have these believers to be fruitful in every good work. Fruit bearing is external evidence of an internal work of grace. While we are not saved by good works, we should certainly not forget that we are saved for good works. As we are occupied with the will of God, the word of God, and the work of God, we will surely enter into a greater knowledge of God.

Now Paul prays that they might be strengthened with all might, for we cannot live for God in our own strength. This God-given strength he prays for is not that they may perform spectacular feats or great miracles, but that it may result in endurance and long-suffering with joy.

Knowing God’s will, v. 9; walking worthily of Him, v. 10; bearing fruit for Him, v. 10; finding strength in Him, v. 11; should be the concern of all, finding expression in our personal prayers.

The Apostle now prays that they may give thanks to the Father from whom comes every good and perfect gift, Jas. 1. 17. When God saves us, He makes us fit for heaven, ‘hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light’. In doing so He also delivers us from darkness and translates us into the kingdom of His dear Son.

Let us ever be thankful to our kinsman Redeemer, who by His rights, readiness, and riches, paid the ransom price by His own precious blood, v. 14.