I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him
Ephesians 1:17 NRSV
The bible talks about two main kinds of knowledge. The knowledge that comes through learning and the knowledge that comes through experience.
Both are important for our growth and the fulfilment of our God given purpose.
The moment we stop learning and experiencing new things is the moment we stop growing. The moment we think we know it all, is the moment we know everything we’re going to know.
In the opening chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, Paul articulates his prayer for them, that God would give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they would know Jesus fully. That they might know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glorious inheritance that is ours in Christ and the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.
The Greek word that is used for to “know” is the word “epignósis” which comes from the root word “gnosis” meaning “knowledge gained through first hand relationship” or “contact knowledge, first-hand, experiential knowing.”
Paul’s prayer is not just that we would know about what Christ has done for us; but that we would know by personal, firsthand experience the depth and breadth of the finished work of Christ, and the fullness of the infilling and empowering of the Holy Spirit.
It is only then, as we know God in ever deeper and greater ways, that we can begin to truly grow.
Paul’s prayer was not just for the Ephesian church but for us also! Let’s ask God to give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in new knowledge of Him so that this year we will grow with newfound hope and faith for the future.