EPIGNOSIS_COMPLETE EXACT KNOWLEDGE_2015
(week 47/15)
OLUBI JOHNSON
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; (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;
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 it in the DETAILS of it.
For example, the Epignosis of God is that God is 3 Persons (Jn.17.22), each with a definite spiritual shape (Jn.5.37, Rev.1.13, Ez.8.2) and body, each Person being Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresence (Phil.2.6, Jn.1.1-3, Gen.1.1) and having the character of love (1 Jn.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:
Isaiah 8:20 KJV: To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
John 16:13 NKJV: However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
John 17:17 NKJV: Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
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:
Proverbs 11:2 NKJV: When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
Psalms 15:1-2 KJV: A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? (2) He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
Matthew 5:8 NKJV: Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall SEE (or get revelation) God.
John 7:17 KJV: If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
2. Praying as a daily habit for epignosis from Eph. 1.17-23; Col.1.9-10; Philp. 1.9-10 and 1 Thess.3.12.
3. Praying daily in the Spirit (in tongues, travail and all kinds of prayer (Eph.6.18) (1 Cor.14.2, 2.7-16).
4. Daily bible reading and meditation as and AFTER praying in the Spirit.
5. Fasting as a weekly habit and living a fasted life. (Is.58.6,8,10; Is.7.15, Lk.21.34).
In our article next week, we will look at Epignosis for love.
