Ian & Jocelyn Barker

Paul continues, “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (1:10). The words “wisdom” and “understanding” of verse 9, are used by Paul to show that the knowledge of His will is to guide our Christian walk of obedience.

Richard Melick writes, “Paul’s purpose was clearly ethical rather than intellectual; it is related to character more than to abstract thoughts.” By having knowledge of His will, our walk is strengthened in order to please Him, bear fruit, and grow in our knowledge of Him. To “walk worthy of the Lord” means “to live a life that is commensurate with what the Lord has done for us and is to us. It may also suggest acting in conformity with our union with Christ and with his purpose for our lives” (Vaughn). We are to be obedient to our calling as those who are “holy and beloved” (Col. 3:12).

The imagery of walking gives the impression that our obedience is to be normal, consistent, and natural. Our walk is to be exemplified by three characteristics. First, we are to “please Him in all respects” (NAS). Every area of our life is to be under His lordship as we further understand His will for our lives. The fruit of the Light is to discover “what is acceptable to the Lord” (Eph. 5:10; cf. 1 Thess. 4:1). This discovery comes as we ask Him for understanding and commit to learning His will.

Second, he prays that they would be “fruitful in every good work” (1:10; cf. 1:6). Understanding what God has saved us out of and who He is making us into, equips us to bear fruit that remains. Paul writes, “If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward” (1 Cor. 3:14). The type of work that remains is done with an attitude of humility and love.

The third characteristic of a worthy walk is an increase “in the knowledge of God” (1:10). F. F. Bruce writes, “obedience to the knowledge of God which has already been received is a necessary and certain condition for the reception of further knowledge.” As we experience His pleasure in our obedience, we are able to learn what His will is and what pleases Him.