Colossians 1:10
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse links bearing fruit in good works and increasing in the knowledge of God, suggesting they aren't separate activities but intertwined aspects of a life pleasing to God. It implies that as we actively do good, our understanding of God deepens, and this growing knowledge, in turn, fuels further good deeds.
Paul has just prayed for the Colossian believers to be filled with a deep knowledge of God's will. Now, he explains that this knowledge isn't meant to stay theoretical; it's intended to fuel a life that reflects Christ's character and actions. This worthy walk is then described by its outward results: producing good works and growing in our understanding of God.
What does it truly mean to 'walk worthy of the Lord'? It's more than just good behavior; it's about reflecting Christ in every aspect of life.
The call to 'walk worthy of the Lord' (Colossians 1:10) is a profound invitation to live a life that aligns with who Christ is and what He has done for us.
Living Correlated to Christ
This isn't about earning God's favor, but about responding to the incredible gift of salvation. It means our actions and attitudes should correspond to the immense love and sacrifice Christ has shown us.
The Goal: Pleasing God
The ultimate aim is 'unto all pleasing' – to honor and satisfy God in all our ways. This isn't about seeking human approval (men-pleasing), but a sincere desire to live in a manner that delights our Heavenly Father.
Practical Expression
This 'worthy walk' is demonstrated through consistent, good works and a growing, deeper understanding of God.
The Christian life isn't static; it's a dynamic process of producing good and deepening our understanding of God.
Paul outlines two key outcomes of a life lived worthy of the Lord: bearing fruit and increasing in knowledge.
Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work
This refers to actively producing good deeds and actions that reflect God's character and will. It's not just about occasional acts of kindness, but a consistent outflow of righteousness stemming from our faith.
Increasing in the Knowledge of God
This signifies a continuous growth in our understanding of God's character, His ways, and His Word. It's a deeper, more mature apprehension of who God is, moving beyond initial understanding to profound insight.
Intertwined Growth
Understand the original words
peripatēsai axiōs · Greek Verb phrase
Living in a way that matches one's identity as a child of God, reflecting the character and values of Christ in everyday conduct.
euarestos · Greek Adjective (part of phrase)
To live in such a way that one's actions, character, and priorities bring joy to God and satisfy His righteous standards.
This passage describes the 'fruit of the Spirit' as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which directly relates to bearing fruit in every good work mentioned in Colossians.
John 15:4-5Jesus' analogy of the vine and branches emphasizes that apart from Him, believers can do nothing, but by abiding in Him, they will bear much fruit, echoing the theme of fruitfulness flowing from connection with God.
2 Peter 3:18This verse directly encourages believers to 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,' mirroring the idea of increasing in the knowledge of God found in Colossians.
Philippians 1:11Paul prays that believers may be 'filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ,' highlighting the outcome of a life pleasing to God and bearing good works.
1 Thessalonians 4:1This verse urges believers to 'do more and more to please you [God],' which aligns directly with the desire to 'walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him' in Colossians.
vincentColossians 1:10: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
Walk worthy (περιπατῆσαι ἀξίως)The phrase occurs Ephesians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:12. Rev. gives the correct adverbial rendering worthily.Unto all pleasing (εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρέσκειαν)So as to please God in all ways. Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:1, Ἁρέσκεια pleasing, only here in the New Testament. In classical Greek it has a bad sense, obsequious…
gillColossians 1:10: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord,.... The Vulgate Latin version reads, "of God"; to which the Ethiopic version agrees; but rather the Lord Jesus Christ seems to be designed: and to "walk worthy" of him, is to walk by faith in him; to walk after his Spirit, and according to his word, and in his ordinances; to have the conversation as becomes…
The verse links bearing fruit in good works and increasing in the knowledge of God, suggesting they aren't separate activities but intertwined aspects of a life pleasing to God. It implies that as we actively do good, our understanding of God deepens, and this growing knowledge, in turn, fuels further good deeds.
Paul has just prayed for the Colossian believers to be filled with a deep knowledge of God's will. Now, he explains that this knowledge isn't meant to stay theoretical; it's intended to fuel a life that reflects Christ's character and actions. This worthy walk is then described by its outward results: producing good works and growing in our understanding of God.
Paul has just prayed for the Colossian believers to be filled with a deep knowledge of God's will. Now, he explains that this knowledge isn't meant to stay theoretical; it's intended to fuel a life that reflects Christ's character and actions. This worthy walk is then described by its outward results: producing good works and growing in our understanding of God.
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These two aspects are deeply connected. As we actively live out our faith through good works, our understanding of God deepens. Conversely, a growing knowledge of God fuels our desire and ability to produce more fruit.
"so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;" — The verse links bearing fruit in good works and increasing in the knowledge of God, suggesting they aren't separate activities but intertwined aspects of a life pleasing to God. It implies that as we…
