2ND APRIL, 2024
PASTOR OLUBI JOHNSON
EPIGNOSIS – COMPLETE EXACT KNOWLEDGE
Colossians 1:9-10 KJV
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Here, Paul prays for the Colossian church that they might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
The Greek word translated knowledge here is “ epignosis ”, and it means complete, exact, or precise knowledge. This is in contrast with the Greek word “ gnosis ”, which simply means ordinary knowledge, from which we get the English word science, and is quoted in:-
1Corinthians 8:1 KJV
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Paradoxically, Paul in verse 10 prays for them to increase in this epignosis. If epignosis is complete, exact knowledge how can you increase in it?
Epignosis is complete, exact knowledge in principle, but you can, and should, increase in the details of it.
For example, the epignosis of God is that God is three Persons (Jn. 17:21-22), each with a definite spiritual shape (Jn. 5:37) and body; each Person being Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent (Jn. 1:1-3; Gen. 1:1) and having the character of love (1Jn. 4:8,16), righteousness and justice (Jer. 9:24).
Observe that this complete knowledge of God in principle does not mean we know in detail everything about God and what He does. We will increase in this detailed knowledge of God as we fellowship with Him.
Furthermore, this complete knowledge of God has come by revelation of the Holy Spirit, through the written Word. We can only know God by revelation through, and in agreement with, the written Word (Isa. 8:20; Jn. 16:13).
So as we increase in epignosis, our understanding and wisdom of God increases in clarity and detail!
How do we get and increase in epignosis?
1 . By maintaining an honest and humble heart and a pure motive to do the will of God (Prov. 11:2; Psa. 15:1-2; Matt. 5:8).
2 . Praying as a daily habit for epignosis from Eph. 1:17-23; Col. 1:9-10; Philp. 1:9-10 and 1Thess. 3:12.
3 . Praying daily in the Spirit (in tongues, travail and all kinds of prayer (Eph. 6:18; 1Cor. 14:2; 2:7-16).
4 . Daily bible reading and meditation during and after praying in the Spirit.
5 . Fasting as a weekly habit and living a fasted life. (Isa. 58:6,8,10; Lk. 21:34).
For more on today’s study visit:
https://tinyurl.com/3p2nnx35
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