08/16/2026
Under Grace Church (UGC) Inc., A Holy Spirit-Led Welcoming Church
Committed to your Well-being, Spiritual Health, and Personal Mission for Christ
Sunday, August 16, 2026 – Recap: Understanding the Knowledge Of God's Will –
Colossians 1:9 NIV: “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,”
Colossians 1:9–14 records Paul’s prayer on behalf of the believers in Colossae. Paul prays that believers in Colossae would continue to grow spiritually through a deeper knowledge of God, understanding of His will, and the wisdom needed to live in a way that pleases Him; they would receive strength from God to endure difficulties with patience, perseverance, and joy. It also emphasized that the believer's salvation is entirely the work of God. not rescue themselves from the power of sin; rather, God delivers them from the domain of darkness and brings them into the kingdom of His beloved Son.
Through Christ, they have redemption and the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, spiritual growth is not an attempt to earn salvation but a response to the salvation God has already provided through Jesus Christ.
Understanding the Knowledge of God’s Will: Involves recognizing the significance of human choice, moral responsibility, and obedience as illustrated in the Garden of Eden. God placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden not as a trap designed for humanity’s failure, but as a command that established a meaningful choice and demonstrated humanity’s responsibility to obey Him.
The command provided Adam and Eve with an opportunity to trust God and willingly follow His instruction. Genuine love and obedience are meaningful when expressed through a willing response rather than through mere compulsion. Their choice in the garden therefore demonstrates the importance of moral responsibility and the consequences of disobedience.
The Garden of Eden - The Significance of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
To understand the significance of the tree, we must first consider the context of God’s creation and His intentions for humanity. God created human beings in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26–27), giving them inherent dignity, responsibility, and a unique relationship with their Creator.
Humanity was created not simply to exist but to know God, fellowship with Him, care for His creation, and live according to His purposes. The Garden of Eden was therefore more than a physical location. It was a place of God’s abundant provision, fellowship, and blessing.
Adam and Eve had everything they needed and were given freedom to enjoy the garden, with one clear restriction concerning the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16–17). The tree established a meaningful boundary within humanity’s relationship with God. It provided an opportunity for Adam and Eve to demonstrate trust in God’s wisdom and authority through obedience.
Their choice would have profound consequences, revealing the seriousness of human moral responsibility and the reality that disobedience to God brings separation and death. The account of Eden points to the importance of trusting God, obeying His Word, and recognizing that human freedom carries moral responsibility.
It also establishes a foundational biblical truth: our choices have consequences, and genuine relationship with God involves trusting His wisdom rather than relying solely on our own understanding
God’s Command and Human Responsibility: Genesis 2:16–17 (NKJV): “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’”
God gave Adam a clear and specific command concerning the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam was free to eat from every other tree in the garden, but God established one boundary: he was not to eat from this particular tree. God also clearly communicated the consequence of disobedience—death.
Adam and Eve were called to trust that God’s command was for their good, even when they did not fully understand all the consequences of disobedience. God gives direction; we are called to trust His wisdom and faithfully obey His Word.
The account of Eden demonstrates that our choices have consequences and that true relationship with God involves willingly trusting Him and following His commands. It also highlights the importance of obedience, trust, and submission to God’s wisdom.
Purpose of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: The tree demonstrated humanity’s moral responsibility, the importance of obedience, and the need to trust God’s wisdom and authority.
Test of Obedience and Human Choice: God created Adam and Eve with the capacity to make choices and gave them a clear command concerning the tree. They were free to enjoy every other tree in the garden, but God instructed them not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16–17).
Their response to this command would demonstrate whether they would trust and obey God or choose their own way. Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV): “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”
Although Deuteronomy 30:19 addresses Israel in a later biblical context, the principle of moral choice and its consequences provides a helpful parallel to the situation in Eden. Scripture consistently presents human beings as morally responsible for their choices and calls them to choose obedience to God.
Trust and Relationship with God: The tree also provided an opportunity for Adam and Eve to demonstrate their trust in God. God’s command required them to accept His wisdom and authority rather than rely solely on their own understanding.
Their obedience would reflect their willingness to trust God’s character and His purposes. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. .”
What God’s Will Means: God’s will contains both His sovereign plan for creation and His moral expectations for humanity. God’s Sovereign Will refers to His ultimate purposes and plans for creation. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and His purposes cannot ultimately be thwarted.
The creation account in Genesis 1 demonstrates God’s authority, wisdom, and intentional design as He brings the world into existence according to His purposes. God’s Moral Will refers to the standards He has revealed for how people are to live. His Word provides guidance for righteous, holy, and God-honoring living.
Romans 12:2 teaches believers not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed through the renewing of their minds so that they may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. At the heart of God’s revealed will is His desire for people to turn from sin, trust in Jesus Christ, and live in faithful obedience to His Word. Jesus taught that those who do the will of God demonstrate their relationship with Him
How to Discern God’s Will: Discerning God’s will is an ongoing process of seeking Him, understanding His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts, choices, and actions. God’s guidance is not limited to major life decisions; it also involves learning to live faithfully according to His revealed will each day through
Prayer and Reflection: Philippians 4:6–7 teaches believers to present their requests to God with prayer and thanksgiving, while James 1:5 encourages those who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously.
Scripture Study: Psalm 119:105 describes God’s Word as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches that Scripture equips believers for righteous living and prepares them for every good work.
Renewing the Mind: Romans 12:2 teaches that believers are transformed through the renewing of their minds so that they can discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect according to God’s will.
Obedience and Faith: Psalm 143:10 expresses a desire to be taught God’s will and guided by His Spirit. Obedience in the areas God has already made clear strengthens our ability to recognize and follow His direction. Faith means trusting God enough to act on His Word, even when we cannot see the entire outcome.
Listening and Stillness: Psalm 46:10 calls us to “Be still, and know that I am God,” while John 10:27 reminds us that Christ’s sheep hear His voice and follow Him. Stillness does not mean waiting passively for a mysterious message; rather, it creates space to listen prayerfully and evaluate what we hear in light of Scripture.
Summary of the Lesson
Today’s lesson focused on discerning God’s will and trusting Him for wisdom, direction, and guidance. We learned that discerning God’s will requires prayer, studying His Word, seeking spiritual wisdom, and being willing to obey His direction even when we do not fully understand what lies ahead.
Colossians 1:9–14 reminds us that spiritual growth involves developing a deeper knowledge of God, understanding His will, living in a way that pleases Him, and relying on His strength during difficult circumstances. Our salvation is not something we earn through our own efforts; it is a gift from God through Jesus Christ. Therefore, our obedience and spiritual growth are responses to what God has already done for us.
🎶 Musical Selections and Colossians 1:9–14
The musical selections “Every Blessing” and “A Great Work (Reprise)” by Brian Courtney Wilson, along with “I Am” and “Jesus Revealed” by Jason Nelson, beautifully connect with Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9–14.
These songs remind believers to recognize God as the source of every blessing and to keep their focus on the great work He is doing in their lives through Jesus Christ.
In Colossians 1:9, Paul explains that he continually prays for believers to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through spiritual wisdom and understanding.
His desire is that they would grow spiritually, live in a way that pleases God, bear good fruit, and receive strength to endure difficulties with patience, perseverance, and joy. This encourages us not only to pray for our own spiritual growth but also to encourage and pray for one another as we continue our walk with Christ.
Colossians also reminds us that salvation is entirely the work of God. We did not rescue ourselves from sin or deliver ourselves from darkness. God delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son.
Through Jesus Christ, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, spiritual growth is not an attempt to earn salvation; rather, it is our grateful response to the salvation God has already provided through Jesus Christ.
The songs “Every Blessing” and “A Great Work (Reprise)” reinforce the truth that we should recognize God’s blessings and trust Him to continue the work He has begun in us. “I Am” and “Jesus Revealed” point our attention back to the identity, character, and supremacy of Jesus. He is not simply part of our faith—He is the center of it.
Colossians 1 further teaches that all things were created through Christ, by Christ, and for Christ, and that He holds all things together. Jesus is the source and foundation of our salvation. Because our salvation rests on Christ’s finished work rather than on human effort, believers can have confidence, hope, and assurance regarding their eternal destiny.
Lesson Connection: As we listen to these musical selections, we are reminded to give thanks for every blessing, trust God to continue His work in us, seek His wisdom and will, and encourage one another through prayer. Our growth in faith should always keep our eyes firmly fixed on the supremacy, sufficiency, and saving work of Jesus Christ.
This verse connects closely with today's lesson on discerning God's will. When we are uncertain about decisions, concerned about the future, or overwhelmed by life's circumstances, God invites us to bring our worries and concerns to Him. We do not have to carry our burdens alone. Through prayer, we can surrender our anxieties to God and trust His wisdom, timing, and direction.
Casting our anxieties on God demonstrates faith and dependence on Him. Rather than allowing fear or uncertainty to control our decisions, we can seek God through prayer, study His Word, listen for His guidance, and move forward in obedience. His care for us gives us confidence that we can trust Him even when we do not understand what lies ahead.
This lesson also connects with Paul's prayer in Colossians 1:9, where believers are encouraged to seek God's will through spiritual wisdom and understanding. As we pray and place our concerns in God's hands, we become more open to receiving His guidance and responding to His direction with faith and obedience.
Ultimately, 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us that discerning God's will begins with trusting the God who cares for us. When we surrender our worries to Him, we create space to seek His wisdom with a peaceful and willing heart, knowing that His guidance is always grounded in His love and care for His people.
Reflection: As we continue to grow in our relationship with Christ, may we remember to cast our anxieties on the Lord, seek His wisdom through prayer and His Word, and trust that He will faithfully guide us according to His perfect will.
“BECAUSE IF IT MATTERS TO YOU, IT MATTERS TO HIM”
