Colossians 1:10 “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
Paul’s prayer for the Church at Colosse continues, he prays that they “might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing … increasing in the knowledge of God”. The “knowledge of God” continues to increase with experience as we labor to “walk worthy of the Lord”. As a disciple (student) of our Lord, we increase “in the knowledge of God” as we prayerfully read and study His Holy Word, as we attend His worship services and actively listen to the Preached Word, and as we apply ourselves to living according to His Word. Craftsmen become more proficient and increase in “knowledge” as they use their talents. In like manner, the Children of God become more and more knowledgeable and proficient as they “deny” themselves “and take up” their “cross, and follow” the Lord (Matthew 16:24). The Lord calls His ministers to be “pastors and teachers” and they are charged to pastor and teach and preach the Word of God “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-16). That is, as we grow in “the knowledge of the Son of God”, we are less likely to become confused and deceived and led astray by false teachers. As we “grow up into him”, we become stronger and stronger in “the faith” (Acts 16:5) and thus more confident in our Lord’s deliverance from the perils of this life and in the anticipation of our Eternal Home with Him. And, we soon learn that life is much more pleasant as we learn our Lord’s way of life and trust His Word, even over our own natural feelings and judgments. Furthermore, the more we increase “in the knowledge of God”, the more contented and happier we are in this present life!