Bible Study July 17, 2025
Colossians 1:9 – 11 (ESV)
“Spiritual Growth”
9 “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.”
Where do we get the knowledge of God’ will? It is not a feeling but a deep conviction of the heart that comes from His Word. In other words it is revealed to us as spiritual wisdom with understanding on how it is applied to our daily lives.
We can only attain this wisdom if we are to “walk worthy” which means we walk in the footsteps of the One who offered freedom in the first place. When we do this we will produce spiritual fruit which is mentioned often in the scriptures.
John MacArthur says it this way. “Spiritual fruit is the by-product of a righteous life. The Bible identifies spiritual fruit as leading people to Christ (1 Cor. 16:15, praising God (Heb. 13:16), giving money (Rom. 15:26 – 28), living a godly life (Heb. 12:11), and displaying holy attitudes (Gal. 5:22 -23).”
Spiritual growth cannot occur apart from knowledge.
MacArthur goes on to say, the evidences of spiritual growth include a deeper love for God’s Word (Ps. 119:97), a more perfect obedience (1 John 2:3 -5), a strong doctrinal foundation (1 John 2:12 -14), an expanding faith (2 Thess. 1:3), and a greater love for others (Phil. 1:90).
Lot’s to decipher. God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 