As we go through the letter to the Colossians, I’ve been talking about the prize Paul is striving for. In my last post we saw that he wants to see all believers’ hearts united in love.
Now the apostle shares the reason for this desire.
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3 NIV
The reason he wants us united, is because together, as the body of Christ, we can access the wealth of understanding in Christ. The concept of understanding in Scripture is very important, but most don’t realize it. The word, in Scripture, means to put together.
Understanding involves direction. It looks for the eventual outcome of a line of thinking. It tries to put together all the facts, and asks, “Where does the path I’m on take me?” This process exercises the mind to its greatest potential. It’s hard work, and sometimes brings unexpected results.
Because of this, most people will not seek understanding. Yet seeking is the only way to obtain it. And it’s only in Christ that we receive the full riches of understanding. That’s because this understanding opens up a whole new world to us.
Without this God-given understanding, we have no capability of knowing the mystery God. The fact is that Christ, Himself, is that mystery. I’m not talking about reading and studying the Bible to learn about Christ.
I’m speaking of truly knowing Christ in all of His fullness. That’s a mystery beyond our human comprehension. However, in Christ we have that ability. That’s where the riches are hidden.
This verse tells us that as we unite our hearts in love, we start to recognize and discern the wealth of the mystery of who Christ is. We start to see the glory of the Messiah working in us.
That’s where all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts. We get that from the Bible. Wisdom is the application of those facts. It makes right choices based on those facts.
But, as great as wisdom and knowledge are, they’re not enough. It’s the understanding of God that brings you to the next level.
King Solomon, the wisest man knew this.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.
Proverbs 4:7a-9 NIV
Paul wants to see this church, and us, operating at the highest level possible. That will only come through God-given understanding. He emphasizes this because the Colossians were on the verge of leaving it for human wisdom.
I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
Colossians 2:4 NIV
Don’t chase after the world’s way of thinking. Allow the Holy Spirit to impart to you the mind of Christ. It will open up a higher way of living in Christ.
Question: How have you experienced the understanding of God?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 
Usha Borde
July 11, 2026 at 10:52 AM
Hi,
The topic understanding’ is nicely propounded in this article.
This is a brief explanation about :
A) What we have to understand?
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1) We have to understand :How to depart from evil.
(Job 28:28) states :’And unto man God said, “Behold, to depart from evil is understanding.”
2) Lord’s will.
(Ephesians 5:17) says, ‘Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.’
B) A person can have no under standing, his own understanding.
or good understanding _:
The verse about no understanding :
(Deuteronomy. 32 :28 ) states :
‘God said about lsraely people,” They are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.”
The verse about own understanding.
( Proverbs 3 :5,6 ) says :’Trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him & he will make your paths straight.”’
The verse about good understanding _:
(Psalm 111:10 ) states :The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
C) How we get understanding _:
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!) We get understanding by the word of God :
(Psalm 119:130 )states :’The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.’
!!) God gives understanding.
As,
God’s understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28)
These are 7 consistent verses_:
!) (1 John 5:20) States :’And we know that the Son of God is come & hath given us an understanding.’
!!) (Proverbs 2 :6) says : ‘For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge & understanding.’
!!!) (Psalm119:34 ) states : ‘Give me understanding, that I may keep your law & observe it with my whole heart.’
!v) (2 Timothy 2:7 ) states : ‘Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.’
v) (Job 32: 8)says :’lnspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding.’
v!) (Daniel 1:17) states : “To these four young men God gave knowledge & understanding of all kinds of literature & wisdom”.
vii) (Luke 24:45 ) says: ‘Then Jesus opened disciple’ s minds to understand the Scriptures’
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