#3 Paul Prays for the Colossians

As Christians, we have the pleasure of praying for one another. Wednesday nights have become something I look forward to every week as we gather together to eat, study, worship and pray for one another. It is a joy to pray for the people in this room and watch God answer prayers.

Yet as Christians we also have the ability to minister directly to the spiritual well-being of other believers without ever seeing or speaking to them. In fact, we can pray for fellow believers today that we will not meet this side of glory. We can play a role in their spiritual growth and even secure God’s blessings for them all through the amazing power of prayer.

In we see that the primary ministry of the Apostles in the early church consisted of teaching the Word and praying for the flock. In this passage, Paul shares with us his prayers to the Colossian church whom he had never met.

Lets Read

Pray

Today we will be focussing on verses 9-14, but I always like to provide the context in which the passage is set. It all too easy to isolate a verse and completely misconstrue the intended message without exploring the context of the verse.

The Petition

Paul starts with the phrase “And so, from the day we heard”. This is an obvious reference to verses 7 & 8 where Paul receives the favorable report of Colossae from Epaphrus. Since the day Paul heard the report from Epaphrus, he had been praying for the Colossians.

As I read this I was struck with a question if the church at Colossae was thriving and staying true to the faith, why pray for them? As I thought about this question I began to examine my own prayer life and found that I spend the majority of my time praying for those that are struggling, facing difficulties, fighting an illness, or fighting temptation or sin. Now it is right and proper to pray for those situations, but I rarely ever stop to consider praying for those doing well. I pray for the protection of the saints in this church, I pray for guidance for the church, I pray for the needs of our family in Othello, but I spend very little time praying for the continued spiritual growth of the members of this church. How many here do the same thing? As I studied for this passage this week, I was convicted by Paul’s example provided in how he prayed for the Colossian Church.

Paul’s petition here is that the Colossians “asking that you may be filled with knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”

The word translated as filled there is πληρωθῆτε (plērōthēte) is a form of the verb Plēroō which means to be completely filled or controlled. This is the same verb used in describing the disciple’s hearts being filled with sorrow when Jesus told them of his impending departure. It is also used in to describe how the crowd was filled with fear when Jesus healed the paralytic. It was used to describe the rage of the scribes and Pharisees after Jesus healed on the Sabbath (Like 6:11) as well as describing how the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit (). In each of these cases, the people involved were totally under control of what filled them; Fear, Anger, Sorrow, or the Holy Spirit.

Paul wants the Colossians to be totally controlled by knowledge. Ἐπίγνωσιν (epignōsin) is the word used here for knowledge. It is a combination of the normal Greek word for knowledge Gnosis, combined with the preposition epi. In Greek grammar when you add epi to a word it intensifies the meaning of the word. Paul is not asking for mere knowledge here, but a deep and thorough knowledge of Christ and the gospel.

Knowledge is often a central theme in Paul’s writing. Knowledge is talked about in where Paul says they were enriched in Christ in all speech and knowledge. In Paul prayed that the Father of glory would give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. Later in Colossians, we learn all treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge are hidden in Christ (2:3). And that our new self is being renewed to a true knowledge (3:10).

Paul is telling us in these verses, and throughout his letters, that true biblical knowledge is not speculative or subjective, but concrete rooted in the Gospel and our obedience to God’s word.

The Bible views knowledge of doctrinal absolutes as foundational to godly living. Most of Paul’s letters begin by laying a doctrinal foundation before giving practical exhortations. For example, Paul gives eleven chapters of doctrine in Romans before turning to godly living in chapter 12. are doctrinal, chapters 5 and 6 practical. The first three chapters of Ephesians detail our position in Christ, while the last three urge us to live accordingly. Philippians and Colossians also conform to the same pattern of doctrine preceding practical exhortations. Godly living is directly linked in Scripture to knowledge of doctrinal truth.

The Bible warns of the danger of a lack of knowledge. says that “it is not good for a person to be without knowledge.” tells us that lack of knowledge produces “children tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming.” Verse 18 describes unbelievers as “being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them.”

How does a person obtain knowledge?

First, he must desire it. In Jesus says, “If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself.”

Second, he must depend on the Holy Spirit. It is through Him that we know the things God has revealed to us (cf. ).

Finally, he must study the Scriptures, for they make the believer “adequate, equipped for every good work” ().

Paul prays that the knowledge we have would be of His will. God’s will is not a secret; He has revealed it in His Word.

For example, it is God’s desire that a person be saved (; ).

Once a person is saved, it is God’s will that he be filled with the Spirit. says, “Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” Furthermore, sanctification is God’s will: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” ().

God also wills that the believer be submissive to the government. Peter writes, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution … for such is the will of God” (, ).

Suffering may also be God’s will for the believer: “Let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” ().

Finally, giving thanks is God’s will. Paul writes, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” ().

Having the knowledge of God’s Word control our minds is the key to righteous living. What controls your thoughts will control your behavior. Self-control is a result of mind-control, which is dependent on knowledge. Knowledge of God’s Word will lead to “all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Though the terms wisdom and understanding may be synonymous, sophia (wisdom) may be the broader of the two terms. It refers to the ability to collect and concisely organize principles from Scripture. Sunesis (understanding) could be a more specialized term, referring to the application of those principles to everyday life. Both sophia and sunesis are spiritual; they deal in the non-physical realm and have the Holy Spirit as their source.

Believing, submissive Bible study leads to the knowledge of God’s will. A mind saturated with such knowledge will also be able to comprehend general principles of godly behavior. With that wisdom will come an understanding of how to apply those principles to the situations of life. That progression will inevitably result in godly character and practice.

The Results. In verses 10-11, Paul lists five purposes that are fulfilled in such spiritual

A worthy Walk (1:10a) “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him:”

Walk is used in the Bible to refer to one’s pattern of daily conduct. A mind controlled by knowledge, wisdom, and understanding produces a life worthy of the Lord. Although it seems impossible that anyone could walk worthy of the Lord, that is the teaching of Scripture.

The New Testament describes several features of the worthy walk. We are to walk in humility (); in purity (); in contentedness (); by faith (); in good works (); different from the world (); in love (); in light (); in wisdom (); and in truth (). Such a walk will please Him in all respects.

A Fruitful Life (1:10b) “bearing fruit in every good work”

Fruitfulness also results from knowledge. Fruit is the by-product of righteousness. It is the mark of every redeemed individual. Jesus said in , “By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (cf. vv. 2, 5-6).

The Bible defines fruit in various ways. Here Paul speaks of bearing fruit in every good work. Converts are referred to as fruit. Paul spoke of the household of Stephanas as the “first fruits of Achaia” (). He also desired some fruit among the Romans (). defines praise as fruit: “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” Giving money can also be fruit (). Godly living is fruit, as indicated when the writer of Hebrews tells us that God’s discipline produces in us “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (). Finally, the holy attitudes mentioned in are referred to as “the fruit of the Spirit.”

What produces fruit in a believer’s life?

First Union with Christ. Jesus said in , “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Second, wisdom is a necessary prerequisite for bearing fruit. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy” (). Lack of fruit is directly related to lack of spiritual wisdom.

Finally, diligent effort on the Christian’s part is required, as Peter writes: “Applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ()

Growth (1:10c) “and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

A third result of knowledge is spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is progressing in the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God revealed in His Word is crucial to spiritual growth. Peter wrote, “Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (). The Holy Spirit infuses our own efforts with God’s enabling grace (), without which we could not grow.

What are the Marks of Spiritual Growth?

First a deeper love for God’s Word. “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Second, spiritual growth is reflected in a more perfect obedience. tells us “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.”

Third, spiritual growth will result in an enlarged faith. “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.”

The fourth mark of spiritual growth is a greater love. “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,”

Strength (1:11a) “being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might,”

A fourth result of knowledge is spiritual strength. God is not like a booster rocket giving believers an initial boost of power and then leaving them to fly on their own. Believers are continually strengthened with all power throughout their Christian lives.

The measure of that power is according to His glorious might. The power available to us is the limitless power of God himself.

God’s power is manifested in us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord told the disciples they would receive power after the Holy Spirit came upon them (). Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they would be “strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man” (). To the Romans he wrote, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (). That power is available to the believer who is filled with the knowledge of God’s Word.

Endurance (1:11b) “for all endurance and patience with joy”

Paul gives one last result of true spiritual knowledge: joyous endurance of trials. Knowledge of God’s promises and purposes revealed in Scripture gives the strength to endure trials and suffering.

Paul does not have in mind an endurance where we just grit our teeth and get through it. It is not an oppressive form of endurance, but rather through the strength provided by the knowledge of God’s Word believers can endure trials joyously. Knowledge of God’s truth gives us the ability to endure trials joyously, as did Paul himself in “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,”

Source of our Joy and Thanksgiving

The source of our joy and thankfulness is the work of Christ and our salvation. Paul sums up the doctrine of salvation in three great truths here: Inheritance, Deliverance and Transference.

Inheritance (1:12) “giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Father emphasizes the personal, relational aspect of our union with God. Before our salvation, God was our Judge. We stood condemned before Him for violating His holy, just laws. But when, through the grace of God, we placed our faith in Christ, God ceased being our sentencing Judge and became our gracious Father.

Not only has God adopted us as His sons, but He has also qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Qualified is from hikanoō, a word used only here and in in the New Testament. It means “to make sufficient, to empower, to authorize, to make fit.” We are not qualified through our own efforts. God has qualified us through the finished work of Christ.

Deliverance (1:13a) “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness”

A second cause for our joy and thanksgiving is our spiritual liberation. Delivered is from ruomai, which means “to draw to oneself,” or “to rescue.” God drew us out of Satan’s kingdom to Himself. That event was the new birth. We are not gradually, progressively delivered from Satan’s power. When we placed our faith in Christ, we were instantly delivered.

Those who receive the Lord Jesus Christ have been rescued from the domain of darkness. Exousias (domain) could be translated “power,” “jurisdiction,” or “authority.” Our Lord used the phrase domain of darkness (exousias tou skotous) to refer to the supernatural forces of Satan marshalled against Him at His arrest (). The triumph of the domain of darkness was short-lived, however. A few hours later, Jesus forever shattered Satan’s power by His death on the cross. You need not fear that power, for “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (). Through His death, Jesus crushed Satan and delivered us from his dark kingdom.

Transference (1:13b-14) “and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Paul completes his discussion of the source of our Joy and Thanksgiving by describing the our new domain.

Methistēmi (transferred) means to remove or change. It is used in to speak of God’s removing Saul from being king. The verb speaks here of our total removal from the domain of satanic darkness to the glorious light of the kingdom of Christ.

Kingdom refers to more than the future millennial kingdom, when Jesus will reign on earth for a thousand years. Nor does it speak merely of the general rule of God over His creation. The kingdom is a spiritual reality right now. Paul gives us a definition of it in : “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The kingdom is the special relationship men in this age have with God through Jesus Christ. Christians have acknowledged Christ as their King and are subjects in His kingdom. They have been transferred … to the kingdom of His beloved Son. The Greek text literally reads, “the Son of His love.” The Father gives the kingdom to the Son He loves, then to everyone who loves the Son ().

Although Christ does not yet rule on earth, He is no less a king. He reigns in eternity, rules now over His church, and one day will return to rule the earth as King of kings.

Before we could be fit subjects for Christ’s kingdom we needed redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Redemption means “to deliver by payment of a ransom,” and was used to speak of freeing slaves from bondage. In English our closest word to the sentiment of Redemption in the Greek is Emancipation. Redemption is used in several places in the New Testament to speak of Christ’s freeing or emancipating us from slavery to sin.

Redemption results in the forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness refers to pardon, or remission of penalty. Because Christ redeemed us, God has sent away our sins; they will never be found again. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” ().

So Christ’s death on our behalf paid the price to redeem us. On that basis, God forgave our sins, granted us an inheritance, delivered us from the power of darkness, and made us subjects of Christ’s kingdom. Those wonderful truths should cause us to give thanks to God continually, as did Paul in his prayer. And when we contemplate all He has done for us, how can we do any less than pray to be filled with the knowledge of His will?

Let’s Pray