Summary: Important needs of Christians to be prayed for.

Paul was a man of many desires, but his wishes

were more of spiritual. Most of his desires were

not for his advantage, but for the profit of

others and for the glory of God. In the first and

last chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Colossians,

there was a man mentioned by Paul named Epaphras.

He was a man of prayer; a faithful servant of the

Lord; and his ministry was beyond expectation. He

labored fervently for the believers through his

prayers. Paul and Epaphras had one thing in

common: their hearts’ desires were expressions of

their unusual care for others. What a wonderful

duo in the vineyard of the Lord. Their desires

for the Colossians revealed their selflessness

and pureness of heart. It’s very rare news today

to hear believers coming before the throne of

grace of God, praying fervently for the spiritual

prosperity of others.

The Colossians’ heresy and its poisonous

effects stirred the heart of Paul to be more

watchful and helpful to the Colossians’ spiritual

needs. He perceived their immediate needs and

prayed for them that God may give them spiritual

knowledge, understanding and wisdom; so that they

may not be spoiled through the philosophy of men,

but be firm in the principles of truth.

Many wise men in the past were deceitfully led

by the enticing appeal of the rudiments of the

world and were gradually escorted to their own

spiritual wreckage. As we study the epistle to

the Colossians, we will deeply appreciate the

importance and superiority of spiritual

knowledge, understanding and wisdom that come

from God. Without these essential things, we will

be liken to a paper boat drifting anywhere

without spiritual direction, easily led by winds

of false doctrines, and ready to sink into the

depth of spiritual destruction. Obedience to the

Word of God will save us from this shameful

tragedy.

Essential things, which are worthy to be

considered and to be prayed for:

(I) Knowledge Of God’s Will

Colossians 1:9 Ephesians 1:7-9

What an act of foolishness if we go to a

certain starting line then start running without

knowing where to go and where the finish line is.

Worst of all, if we don’t even know why we do

such thing and what we are running for.

Knowing the blessed will of God for our lives

solves our spiritual perplexities. It guides us

to the right course of our spiritual journey and

teaches us how to have a well-lived life.

Knowledge of the will of God keeps us away from

heresy and spiritual ignorance.

(II) Spiritual Understanding

Colossians 1:9 Ephesians 1:18, 19

Heaping up knowledge in our mind box without

understanding is not sound and could lead us to

deceitful pride. Pride and destruction are

inseparable tools of the devil.

(III) Spiritual Wisdom

Colossians 1:10 Ephesians 1:15-19

The Bible tells us the importance and

blessings of wisdom. In Proverbs 4:7 it is

written, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore

get wisdom: and with all thy getting get

understanding.

Wisdom is doing things carefully, properly and

brilliantly in the way of truth. This is exactly

what we need as we walk side by side in the

course of life, waiting for the glorious coming

of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We must not forget to pray for one another

that we may be filled with more spiritual

knowledge, understanding and wisdom.