The Path

The Walk

Colossians 2:6–7 —Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

How do we walk in Jesus?

FAITH—as you received Him

PRAYER

Colossians 1:9–12 — 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you,

Pattern of prayer

Praying for others

What is Paul praying for?

Asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 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; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Pray this for others

Pray this for yourself

Pray for A PATH to follow

Asking that you may BE FILLED with the KNOWLEDGE of HIS will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

FILLED—filled to capacity.

Used to describe influence—sorrow, anger

KNOWLEDGE—epignosis—deep/full knowledge

God’s will—know what to do (path)

ALL spiritual wisdom and understanding

Fall Series in 2018—Discovering God’s Will

James 1:5–6 — If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

How do we hear in prayer? — training event

HEAR—ACROSTIC

HUNGER—genuine longing to know God’s will lead you to ask

EXPECT—an expectation that God will answer James 1:6 — Let him ask in faith

ACKNOWLEDGE—as God leads within, acknowledge Him

Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

RESPOND—it will require action (TRUST HIM)

HEAR

We do not ask independently of God’s Word.

Seek God’s will in prayer with your Bible open

PICTURE OF LAMP

Psalm 119:105 — Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 — All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

PATH FORWARD

PURPOSE—understand the purpose

A more comfortable life? A more profitable life?

Colossians 1:10 — 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;

WALK—Reflect Jesus in what we say and do

FRUIT—Bear spiritual fruit in what we say and do

KNOWLEDGE—Grow in our faith relationship

PURPOSE POWER

Colossians 1:11 — being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy

BEING STRENGTHENED—passive verb

ALL Power—everything that is needed

HIS glorious might—inexhaustible source

ALL endurance and patience with joy

HIS POWER—promise of His power

HIS PRESENCE

Colossians 2:6–7 —Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Path—Purpose—Power

PLAN

Begin each day by reading a chapter of Colossians. (4th)

Ask God to impress a lesson upon your heart. Ask Him also to enable you to live out what He helps you to see. Once you complete the book, start it over again. Start over once you finish—chapter 3 tomorrow

Ask God also to fill you with His wisdom and understanding concerning the people and situations you face into the day ahead. Briefly think through the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Prayerfully identify the path the Lord would have you to take and then ask His help to walk it. Choose to walk in Jesus.

Conclude your prayer by marveling over God’s work of salvation on your behalf (Colossians 1:12-14).

Colossians 1:12 —giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Identify two additional reasons to be thankful and give thanks to the Lord.

Paul prayed this for a church that was doing well.