Wisdom Wednesday: Paul’s Teaching on Wisdom
Part 6 – Wisdom for the church at Ephesus
Submitted by Debbie’s Dad
“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9–10) NASB 95
As we continue to study the development of the wisdom theme in Paul’s teaching, we look at the epistle to the church at Phillipi. Following his three missionary journeys, he was arrested and tried in Jerusalem and then travelled to Rome, where he was under house arrest (Acts 28:16-30). In these years, he wrote the pastoral epistles, including Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians.
Today, we look at the epistle to the church, mostly comprised of Gentiles, in the city of Colosse. Paul wrote to encourage (Chapter 1), warn of errors and false teachings (Chapter 2), and teach Christian living (Chapters 3 and 4). Throughout the book, Paul emphasizes four aspects of wisdom:
True Wisdom is found in Christ to Know God and His will
Paul reiterates his theme that true wisdom is to gain an understanding of God’s plan revealed in the Gospel. This wisdom reveals the mystery (Rom 16:25, Eph 3:3, Col 1:26, 2:2, and 4:3) that God would send His Son to pay the sin penalty, to redeem sinners. And receiving this wisdom, believers may know the will of God.
“…that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:2-3)
“ For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col 1:9)
Beware of false wisdom
In chapter 2, Paul warned of “philosophy and empty deception” (2:8) of the world’s wisdom rather than the wisdom in Christ. Paul enumerates the outward religious behaviors (2:16-22) that they were being judged by – observing holy days, food, self-abasement, angel-worship, visions, and commandments of men.
“These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” (Col 2:23)
Wise Living is Genuine Living before God – a Witness to the Unsaved
Finally, Paul showed that understanding God’s wisdom to live genuinely before God, not men, will lead to a spiritually fruitful, complete and joyous life. And this kind of life will give opportunities to share the Gospel message with those outside the faith.
“We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.” (Col 1:28)
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Col 3:16)
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.” (Col 4:5)
God’s Wisdom enables a Godly Walk
Consistent with his wisdom theme, Paul used the expression to “walk” (or live, or conduct yourselves as in 4:5, above) consistent with the wisdom God has provided. Throughout his epistles, he associates the daily walk with a life of wisdom:
“… so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” Col 1:10
“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” Col 2:6
Paul encouraged the believers at Colosse to grow in God’s wisdom and to walk daily to please Him. Just as they accepted the gospel message in faith, trusting in the forgiveness of sins through Christ, we must walk daily with the wisdom He provides.