When I’m filled with godly wisdom, the fruit is godly living.

Godly wisdom is different from regular, earthly wisdom. Godly wisdom is given by the Holy Spirit. Godly wisdom is given so that we can walk worthy of the Lord (vs. 10). Godly wisdom helps us to do the things that God wants us to do. Godly wisdom is doing life God’s way. When we have the wisdom that God gives, and understand His will for our lives, the fruit of that is that we live in such a way that brings glory to God. Paul calls this living lives that are worthy of the Lord (vs.10a).

Paul could say in verse 9 that he was asking that they be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and understanding because scripture tells us that when we ask God for His wisdom, He will give it to us. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

1. Paul tells his audience in vs.9 that he consistently prays a specific prayer for them (vs.9-14). What is one prayer that you pray consistently over your life? Over your family?
2. Paul complimented the Colossians in vs.3-8 for their love, hope, and faith. He then prayed that they would grow even more (vs.9-14). How often do you pray for people who are doing well in their relationship with God?

Paul’s desire is that Christ-followers would lead a life of worth, pleasing the Lord in everything. What does that look like? Good news: Paul tells us. Paul wrote in ancient Greek, and in Greek he gives four participial phrases in vs. 10-14 that flesh out how God helps us live a life that is pleasing to him! Think about these as four “results'' for the life that is committed to living with God and for God. We put these four participles in an acronym to make them memorable... so here you go! If we walk worthy of the Lord, we will G.R.O.W.

Grow in intimacy with God.

Colossians 1:10 (CSB) ...growing in the knowledge of God…

Any time we spend more time with someone our relationship becomes more intimate. We get to know someone better and we get a sense of what they want from us and for us, without them having to explicitly say what that is. The more we grow in the knowledge of God, the more we have a clearer understanding of what He wants us to do to bring glory to Him.

1. How can you say you have grown closer to God this year? What has He revealed to you about Himself in that time?
2. How do you grow in your knowledge of God? (Scripture, worship, prayer, meditating on Him)

Realize our impact in our world.

Colossians 1:10 (CSB) ...bearing fruit in every good work…

Even those who don’t know Christ can do good things in the world. But the good that they do doesn’t bear the fruit of God. The things that they do don’t last for eternity. God is actively working in our lives to bear fruit. He wants us to look more and more like Him.

1. What is something positive that you may have done for others before you were saved that you now do after salvation? Can you see a difference in your heart, or in the staying power of those around you after you came to faith?
2. What is one area of your life that you need God’s help to grow more fruit? How often to you pray for this?

Operate in God’s strength.

Colossians 1:11 (CSB) being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience…

God does not send us to do His will without giving us what we need to accomplish His will. Just as He provided Moses with the strength he needed to lead God’s people, God will give us the strength and power we need to accomplish all of the good works He prepared in advance for us to do. Paul also highlights the reason for God’s strength: endurance and patience.

Endurance is the ability to bear under a heavy load. Patience is the ability to remain calm even when provoked. We need God’s strength to endure hardships in life as they come and also remain calm and self-controlled when we are pushed by others. What a tremendous prayer to pray and a gift to receive from God.

1. What is something that you felt God was calling you to do, but you felt wholly unequipped to do? How did He provide you with the necessary strength and power to accomplish His plan?
2. Have you ever experienced the strength of God holding you up when life seemed too heavy to endure? When is the last time you shared that story with someone who needed encouragement?

Worship with a Grateful Heart

Colossians 1:11-14 (CSB) ...joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.14 In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Paul ends this section with an encouragement to worship and give thanks to God for all the incredible things He has done in our lives. When we reflect on the amazing gift of salvation in our lives, it should bring us to a place of constant praise and thankfulness. G.K. Chesterton says, “When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” To have a powerful godly faith and life it’s imperative that we give thanks continually, not just for what God has already done, but for what He’s currently doing and for what He will continue to do in our lives.

1. How often are you thanking God for what you believe He will accomplish in and through you for those around you and for His kingdom?

Final Questions for Group Discussion or Personal Reflection

1. What can you do to begin more of your prayers with thanksgiving, even when you are in anguish of spirit? How do you think this would help you view God more accurately?
2. When you ask God for wisdom, do you really believe that He will give it to you? What would help you have even more belief in this area?
3. What kind of eternal impact do you want your life to have? How can you begin praying for that today? Ask God to give you a clear vision of what He wants you to do for Him and for those around you.