Rooted: Colossians - Week 2
“What to pray for one another”
1) Windy conditions culturally require deep roots spiritually.
2) We are called to live deep and wide.
3) True grace is grace in truth.
Colossians 1:9-14
"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; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Knowledge of God's will. (v.9)
A) Spiritual Wisdom
1. Source and Foundation
Spiritual Wisdom
- Rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10)
- Revealed by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12–14)
Worldly Wisdom
- Rooted in self, pride, and human reasoning (1 Corinthians 1:20–21)
- Driven by desires and ambition (James 3:14–15)
2. Focus and Center
Spiritual Wisdom
- Christ-centered (Colossians 2:2–3)
- Embraces the cross as true wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18–25)
Worldly Wisdom
- Self-centered (Romans 1:22) ”Claiming to be wise, they became fools,”
3. Fruit and Behavior
Spiritual Wisdom
- Produces good fruit (James 3:17)
Worldly Wisdom
- Produces disorder and division (James 3:14–16)
4. Outcome and End Result
Spiritual Wisdom
- Eternal perspective (Colossians 3:1–2)
Worldly Wisdom
- Short-sighted and temporary (1 Corinthians 3:19)
B) Understanding
1. Wisdom Shows You the Path — Understanding Helps You Walk It
Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) – “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
2. Understanding Guards and Grounds Your Spiritual Wisdom
Proverbs 2:2–6 (ESV) – “…making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;”
The outcome of the knowledge of God’s will (v.10)
Strengthened by the power of God (v.11)
- For all endurance.
- Patience with Joy.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
1. Why Pray Like Paul?
Read Colossians 1:9–10.
Paul prayed for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.
Q: Why do you think Paul starts his prayer there? What does that say about the kind of prayers we should pray for each other?
2. Spiritual Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom
Review the chart comparing the two.
Q: Where do you see worldly wisdom subtly influencing your life or decisions? What helps you pursue spiritual wisdom instead?
3. Understanding: Wisdom Applied
Read Proverbs 4:7 & Proverbs 2:2–6.
Q: How do wisdom and understanding work together in your life? Can you think of a recent time when understanding helped you live out something God had already shown you?
4. Walking Worthy
Colossians 1:10 says that the goal is to walk “in a manner worthy of the Lord.”
Q: What does a life “worthy of the Lord” look like practically? How do you see that kind of life bearing fruit and growing in knowledge?
5. Strengthened with Joy
Colossians 1:11–12 speaks of endurance, patience, and joy.
Q: How has God strengthened you in a season that required endurance or patience? How did joy or thanksgiving play a role in that season?
3-DAY DEVOTIONAL
DAY 1: “Pray for the Right Things”
Read: Colossians 1:9–10
Reflect: Paul doesn’t pray for health, wealth, or comfort—he prays for wisdom, understanding, and the knowledge of God's will.
Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me to see what You are doing in what I’m going through. Give me wisdom and understanding to walk in a way that honors You.”
DAY 2: “The Difference Between Knowing and Understanding”
Read: Proverbs 4:7 & Proverbs 2:2–6
Reflect: Wisdom knows truth, understanding applies it. Understanding helps us live out the truth in the real complexities of life.
Prayer Prompt: “God, don’t let me stop at just knowing facts about You. Give me spiritual insight to understand how to live it out in my everyday choices.”
DAY 3: “Strength for the Journey”
Read: Colossians 1:11–12
Reflect: Paul prays for strength not to escape hard things, but to endure them with joy.
Prayer Prompt: “Father, I need Your strength today. Help me endure with patience and joy—and may that endurance lead me to a grateful and thankful heart.”