Message 2 - 1.9-14 -
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:10-12
Text: Colossians 1:9-14
Introduction: In recent weeks I have heard many reports of evangelical pastors not using the word of God in their messages. I heard of one pastor who I know personally who on Sunday evening reads a verse or two of Scripture and then tells stories for the rest of the hour. Now I expect this kind of teaching in those groups that have sold themselves out to the secular world, but not from evangelical pulpits. This kind of teaching sets the stage for Christians to try to walk in a worthy manner, but never have been given the feet to walk with. The Word of God takes center stage this morning we seek to understand Paul’s prayer for the Colossians.
Central Idea: If you are a Christian, Christ has given you everything you need to act like one.
Main Transition: Today, we finish the first portion of the book of Colossians. Paul is dealing with some personal business as he prepares to enter the doctrine of the sufficiency of Christ, which we will begin to discuss next week. As he does so he tells the Colossians how he has been praying for them. He also directs them as to why he has prayed that on their behalf. We often say, we are praying for you… But Paul says, ‘I’m praying for you, that you grow, that you become strong, and that you refuse to allow lazy ambitions drive a wedge between you and God, giving a foothold for the heresy of the community to enter in. So Paul begins with the prayer for knowledge, he then petitions for results, and finally Paul preached the power of redemption which will lead right into His overall doctrine of the book.
I. Paul’s prayer for knowledge (9-10a)
A. Paul devotes time to prayer
1. As we looked last week at the report that Epaphras gives to Paul we know that this report was favorable. Paul then spring boards off of this report and continues to spur the Colossians to godliness.
Illustration: This morning we prayed mostly for those that are hurting, physically, emotionally, spiritually. We seldom pray for those that are doing well, and this is exactly what Paul prays for. Paul knows and displays that the knowledge that others are doing well and progressing in the faith should never lead us to stop praying for them. Rather, it should encourage prayer for greater progress.
2. There are two aspects of Paul’s prayer that effects the way the we should pray.
a. First, in order to pray unceasingly, it demands an attitude of God-consciousness. This does not mean to be in verbal prayer all the time. It does mean that everything in life is viewed in relationship to God. When Paul considered all that was around Him it prompted him to pray to God in some way, If some one was hurting He prayed that God would intercede, if he meat someone he considered their standing before God and prayed for them.
b. Secondly, in order to pray unceasingly, it demands an attitude of people-consciousness. We cannot effectively pray for people unless we are aware of their needs.
c. These two aspects of prayer without ceasing came together in Paul’s prayer life.
B. Paul’s concern for Knowledge
1. Paul now turns his prayer into a practical tool for those he is praying for.
2. Paul prays that they would be filled with knowledge, this means that they would be completely controlled or driven by their knowledge.
3. Knowledge is a major theme in Paul’s writings (1 Cor. 1:5; Eph 1:17; Phil. 1:9; Col. 2:3; 3:10). These verses indicate that true biblical knowledge is not speculative but issues in obedience.
Application: Remember the world Paul is writing to, they are relative in their thinking, removing absolutes as their go about their daily lives. Sounds like our world, but for the Christian the authoritative Word of God provides absolutes. Knowledge of those absolutes is the basis for correct behavior and ultimate judgment. Don’t be fooled ignorance is not bliss, and neither can anyone please God on the basis of absolutes that they do not accept or know. So Paul urges believers to gain the true authoritative knowledge found in the Word of God.
C. Paul’s desire for the Colossians to gain understanding (10a)
1. Knowledge of God’s Word will lead to Paul’s next desire, all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
2. Both wisdom and understanding deal with the spiritual sense with the Holy Spirit as their source.
3. Paul desire is that we be able to collect the knowledge of God, organize it and them us it in our own spiritual lives. This progression will then result in godly character and application.
Transition: In one verse Paul packs a huge amount of practical understanding for us to consider. Paul’s prayer is one that should impact our very souls, as we consider his charge to us. Knowledge is vital to the Christian, the true authoritative Word of God is essential in our world of relativism and it’s denial of absolutes. Of this we are certain, God is true and His Word is Authoritative and absolutely true. We must then learn it and learn to apply it to our lives. Now we must explore five results of godly knowledge, we will see them as Paul petitions for results.
II. Paul’s petitions for results (10b-11)
A. Our need to walk in a worthy manner
1. Walk means our daily pattern of living, a mind that has submitted to absolute knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, produces a walk worthy of the Lord.
2. This seems impossible, but Paul gave the same instruction to the Ephesians, the Philippians, and the Thessalonians
3. But this is not all up to us (Eph. 3:16-17) if we try to walk in our own strength we have already denied the absolute truth of the Word of God, therefore, we do not walk in wisdom and understanding and we are doomed to failure.
B. We need to bear fruit
1. In order to bear fruit we first must be in union with Christ, but we also must have wisdom
2. The fruit that Paul describes here is that of good works, notice that this only takes place after Salvation and after we are growing in knowledge. No good fruit can come from a rotten tree, and before Christ you are a rotten tree.
3. Fruit in other places in scripture is converts, giving money, godly living, holy attitudes are all fruit mentioned in God’s Word.
C. We need to grow in knowledge and strength
1. The third result of knowledge is Spiritual growth
a. Turn to 1 Peter 2:2
b. We have a responsibility with the help of the Holy Spirit to grow up. We should not stay where we are at and the first step towards growing is by learning and gaining the knowledge of God
Illustration: As a dad it is fun to watch my kids grow up. It astounds me how observant and eager to learn they are even as little tiny babies. This is the desire we should have as believers, desiring to grow and learn and study the Word of God. Again remember that this is not possible before Salvation, but with the help of the Holy Spirit we are able to grow up.
2. The fourth result of knowledge is strength
a. The strength that we receive first is as a result of God’s glorious might.
Illustration: In my home town every year they would host an air show at the air port. One year they had the “Blue Angels” set to perform and along with the fighter Jets they brought a huge cargo plane that was all painted up to look the rest of the fleet. As the “Blue Angels” performed in the sky the cargo plane headed for the run way and the announcer came on and told us to brace ourselves for a spectacular sight. We all laughed as we watched this cumbersome plane enter the run way. As it revived the massive engines it lumbered forward for about 50 yards, then some jet engines specially installed on the side of plane fired up and the plane left the ground and in less than 3 seconds was at 12,000 feet. Then the rockets had burned up and the plane continued like its normal self.
b. This is not the kind of strength that we receive from the Lord, We do not bust off the run way only to be our cumbersome selves in 3 seconds. God’s strength is limitless and is given as a result of God’s glorious might.
3. The fifth result of knowledge is that of endurance
a. Once we have gained strength from the limitless source of God’s might we may continue on in steadfastness.
b. This is not the endurance that is teeth gritting and grueling. It is knowing the God’s word gives to believers the ability to endure trails joyously as Paul has done even as he writes this letter.
Transition: Paul’s five results are motivation for us to continue to grow. We realize that we cannot do this on our own, but as believers we are God’s possession and we can endure trials with joy and sing praises to God as we establish strength and wisdom as we study the Word of God. Paul now focuses his attention on one area of transition as he prepares for the doctrine portion of his letter.
III. Paul preaches the power of redemption (12-14)
A. Giving thanks to God (12)
1. All of these results that we have studied so far should lead us to giving thanks to God.
2. Usually this comes in to second place in our lives, God answers our prayers so much that we take for granted that everything we receive from Him is only by His grace.
3. Paul gives three important reasons in these few verses why we as believers should give thanks, first we receive an inheritance, then deliverance, and finally a transfer.
B. Reasons to give thanks (12a-14)
1. Inheritance – Not only have we been adopted by God as believers, but we have been made to qualify for an inheritance. We could not have done this through our own efforts. But Christ signed the authorization for us to be able to receive an inheritance through His death on the cross. This inheritance we know from Ephesians is partly the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which is as an engagement ring sealing us up for future glory.
2. Deliverance – We have been delivered from the power of darkness, we should give thanks to God because our spiritual liberation. We should change our mindset from we need deliverance from sin and Satan to we need to act as those who have been delivered from sin and Satan. We are no longer under its authority and power. Let’s act like we have been freed.
3. Transfer – We are now removed from this spiritual struggle to enter the kingdom of His beloved Son – but this kingdom is not just the future millennium state. It is also now, the definition is given in Romans 14:17 – The kingdom spoken of here, not every time you see the word kingdom, but this time refers to a special relationship the we have as people of this age with God through Jesus Christ. We have acknowledged that Christ is our King and are now subject in His kingdom.
a. It is through Him that we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.
b. As if this was not a weighty enough, this is only the transition into an incredible truth of Christ, that He truly is sufficiently Supreme.
Conclusion: This morning we have dealt with some weighty issues. But as we study the Word of God we gain knowledge. Not subjective knowledge, but absolute truth. In gaining this knowledge we grow, we become strong, we gain wisdom and understanding, we walk in a manner worthy of our calling, we will bear fruit, and we will gain endurance with joy. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians should challenge our prayer lives as well as our actions in our Christian lives. I think we can boil everything that Paul has instructed down to a simple phrase, if you are a Christian, Christ has given you everything you need to act like one. And this is only the beginning of the instruction that Paul has on the sufficiency of Christ.