DAY 4 - THE BLESSINGS & BENEFITS OF GOD'S WILL

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DAY 4 – The Blessings & Benefits of God’s Will by Pastor Dick

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. — Colossians 1:9–12 (NIV)

Paul’s Two Prayers

Paul starts Colossians with two prayers: one thanking God for what He’s done, and another asking God to flood believers with blessings that spring from His will.

And here’s the exciting bit—those blessings are for everyone who trusts Jesus, including us!

Knowing God’s Will

Paul prays that the Colossians be “filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all wisdom and understanding the Spirit gives.”

Why? So they live lives worthy of Jesus and please Him in every way.

Here’s a big truth: We cannot know God’s will apart from an intimate relationship with Him.

God’s Will: Who We Are, Not Just What We Do

Sometimes we treat God’s will like a cosmic game show, trying to guess the right door—dream job? Perfect house? Less bumpy path?

Paul flips the script: God’s will is about who we become, not just what we do.

As Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The word for mind here, noús, means receiving God’s thoughts by faith.

When our thinking is renewed by God, we begin to understand His heart, character, and ways—all of which is His will.

Experiencing Christ Within

Knowing God’s will isn’t about checking off boxes or piling on good deeds.

It’s about knowing Him personally, experiencing Christ living in us, growing and guiding every part of our lives.

That intimate connection is the foundation of hope—the hope of glory.

The Blessings of Intimacy with God

Paul lists the blessings of knowing God deeply and walking in His will:

• Bearing fruit

• Doing good works

• Growing in knowledge

• Strengthened with power

• Endurance and patience

• Hearts full of gratitude

Seek Him first, and He adds all these gifts.

Living It Out

God’s will isn’t some secret code to crack; it’s an invitation to relationship.

As Christ becomes our center each day, He reveals His ways, and we grow to look more like Him, basking in His peace.

Reflection Questions

• Why is intimacy with God essential to knowing His will?

• How have you felt the blessings of walking closely with Jesus?

• What one or two steps can you take this week—prayer, Scripture, journaling, worship—to grow closer to Him?

• Ask yourself: Who do you want dwelling in you? A little more of yourself or all of Christ?

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New Hope Church of God

1250 Waggoners Gap Rd

Carlisle, Pa

(717) 241-5544