Since we have already read two of the four books that Paul wrote while in prison in Rome, why not read the other two? So, now, let us dive into Colossians. Then, we will read the final letter -- Philemon. May I remind you that I have, sadly, not been one to just read through books of the Bible in the past. I'm a big Bible study junkie, but I haven't just read the Word as it is very much. This morning, when I started reading in Colossians, I felt a wave of excitement come over me as I realized that I am going to get to read a letter that Paul wrote to the people of Colosse! What a neat heritage, and I get to read it as he wrote it to them -- straight through, like a letter. The Lord is really building an excitement in me for this. For those of you doing your Bible study in the morning for the first time, too, I pray you are still encouraged and learning new things! Okay, on to the study...
"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God..." Paul's first words are his introduction to the readers in Colosse. They didn't sign their letters at the end, but rather told who was writing the letter first. But look at heart. He knows who he is. The reason he is an apostle (messenger of the gospel) and no longer a Christian-killer is because it was the will of God. Is that not true for us? Whatever we used to be we are no longer because out of God's great love for us. He has rescued us! Thank you, Lord! May we never forget that.
It is once we realize this truth, and the entire truth of the gospel, that we can have the reputation these new Christians in Colosse have. Paul says of them, "We have heard of your faith in Christ and of the love you have for all the saints -- that faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel..." (vs 4-5). Faith and love that just spring up! It's as if they are so full of faith and love that they can't help themselves but to BE faithful and loving. It is their reputation. People are talking about them, and it made it's way to Paul's ears. Why? It is because of the hope they have in heaven. "Our God is not dead -- He's alive! He's alive!"
As Paul continues in this early section of this letter, He talks about how he has "not stopped praying for them." What perseverance. Who am I praying for non-stop these days? Have you ever prayed for someone for YEARS?
What does he pray for? Look at verses 9-11: "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 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. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.." (For the day they heard what? These early Christians are needing endurance and patience because Stephen has recently been the first recorded martyr for the gospel of Christ, and the Christians were forced to scatter. Just like we discussed yesterday, we know we are stronger in groups rather than isolation. They are truly in need of Paul's encouragement at this time.)
"asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom..." The key verb here is be filled. Spiritual wisdom and understanding come only from the Lord. We cannot choose to have them. They are gift that only God can give. Ask God for these things in your life. He gives generously to all who ask.
"to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord." Yes, I want to do that! What does it look like? "bearing fruit and increasing in the knowledge of God." Apple trees produce apples. Grape vines produce grapes. And genuine Christians produce the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (yikes, that last one always gets me). How are you doing at bearing fruit today? If we want to bear more fruit than we are today, we need to continue to "increase in the knowledge of God." What are you doing to learn more about Him? You're reading this blog, so perhaps you are also having your own quiet times with the Lord. Soak Him up! This is a choice you can make for yourself and you can increase in knowledge of Him. Then, you will also bear more fruit. That is walking in a manner worthy of the Lord.
As we increase in knowledge, we will bear fruit AND we will "be strengthened...for all endurance and patience" (vs. 11). We have got to stay connected to Him. He will give us the power, His power, which far surpasses any strength we might ever be able to muster. Ephesians 1:18-20, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead...!" That's a lot of power, my friends. Call upon His name!
And amidst all of this, to do it "with joy" (vs. 11).
May this also be our prayer to God today: (read with excitement, I've changed some pronouns for you)!
Lord, I ask that I could be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of Your Name, Lord, fully pleasing to You, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of who YOU are. Lord, may I be strengthened with all power, according to Your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to You, who has qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. You, Lord, have delivered me from the domain of darkness and transferred me to the kingdom of Your beloved Son, in whom I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.."
Amen.
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