For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9
Paul prayed specifically for knowledge of the will of God, to fill the believers with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Paul stressed a true knowledge of God and his will. Such knowledge must come from God since he alone clearly reveals his own mind. God takes the initiative to reveal himself (and his will) to those who seek Him. Most truths may be learned; divine truth must be revealed “through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Our response is to trust him to do His will.
Spiritual understanding includes wisdom: the acquisition of knowledge and the appropriate application of that knowledge. It gives the believer the ability to “act and think spiritually.” We must place ourselves in spiritual environments with hope and expectation that God will reveal his will regarding specific situations and matters. Paul’s point was not the difficulty of knowing God; it was the attitude required by the seeker of knowledge. God desires us to know Him; and that knowledge is readily available through Christ.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Faithfulness
You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:7-8
The gospel message advances through the world by men and women who are called by Christ, and faithfully,communicate Gospel message of grace. Paul spoke of Epaphras, and his faithfulness. This is all we know about him, yet, there is no higher attribute than faithfulness. What is the one thing that you and I will be noted for?
The gospel message advances through the world by men and women who are called by Christ, and faithfully,communicate Gospel message of grace. Paul spoke of Epaphras, and his faithfulness. This is all we know about him, yet, there is no higher attribute than faithfulness. What is the one thing that you and I will be noted for?
Friday, September 17, 2010
Gospel of Christ
“…that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” Colossians 1:6
The Gospel will always bear fruit and grow! The growth is both reproductive (“bearing fruit”) and maturing (“increasing”); together the gospel accomplishes the work God intends. Paul uses the same term in verse 10 in his prayer for the Colossian Christians for their growth in the knowledge of God’s will; that they would please God by, “bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
The Gospel must be solely focused on the person and work of Christ; there must be no other message preached. The advance of the gospel is the advance of the work of God in changing the lives of those who hear and believe the message.
The Gospel will always bear fruit and grow! The growth is both reproductive (“bearing fruit”) and maturing (“increasing”); together the gospel accomplishes the work God intends. Paul uses the same term in verse 10 in his prayer for the Colossian Christians for their growth in the knowledge of God’s will; that they would please God by, “bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
The Gospel must be solely focused on the person and work of Christ; there must be no other message preached. The advance of the gospel is the advance of the work of God in changing the lives of those who hear and believe the message.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Hope
“…the 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.” Colossians 1:5
Hope, subjectively, is an attitude or feeling that things will turn out okay. However, Paul used “hope” here in an objective sense; “that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel.” Hope inspires us and gives assurance and peace, even in life’s most difficult situations. Hope produces spiritual fruit (love and faith).
The Gospel of Christ gives us hope. The literal translation reads, “the truth, which is the gospel which came to you.” We have no need to seek some new teaching; the gospel is the word of truth.
Hope, subjectively, is an attitude or feeling that things will turn out okay. However, Paul used “hope” here in an objective sense; “that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel.” Hope inspires us and gives assurance and peace, even in life’s most difficult situations. Hope produces spiritual fruit (love and faith).
The Gospel of Christ gives us hope. The literal translation reads, “the truth, which is the gospel which came to you.” We have no need to seek some new teaching; the gospel is the word of truth.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Practicing faith
“…because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints.” Colossians 1:4
Paul had never visited the church at Colosse, however, he knew of its faithfulness. The wording, “faith in Christ Jesus,” suggests a 'practicing of faith,' rather than simply a statement of faith. Faith is the basis of our relationship with Christ. Paul refers to the writing of Habakkuk in Romans (1:17), “just as it is written, ‘the righteous will live by faith.” In fact, without faith (Hebrews 11:6), "it is impossible to please God."
The second evidence of the Colossian Christians’ growth was the presence of love. Love within the Christian community is indiscriminate, “love you have for all the saints.” Jesus said that love is the basis for unity in the Christian community (John 17:20–26). Such love fulfills two divine objectives: It represents Jesus to the world and it perfects the body of Christ.
Paul had never visited the church at Colosse, however, he knew of its faithfulness. The wording, “faith in Christ Jesus,” suggests a 'practicing of faith,' rather than simply a statement of faith. Faith is the basis of our relationship with Christ. Paul refers to the writing of Habakkuk in Romans (1:17), “just as it is written, ‘the righteous will live by faith.” In fact, without faith (Hebrews 11:6), "it is impossible to please God."
The second evidence of the Colossian Christians’ growth was the presence of love. Love within the Christian community is indiscriminate, “love you have for all the saints.” Jesus said that love is the basis for unity in the Christian community (John 17:20–26). Such love fulfills two divine objectives: It represents Jesus to the world and it perfects the body of Christ.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Thank God for others
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. Colossians 1:3
Throughout his writings, we see the importance of prayer for Paul. He could pray in times of difficulty, and he could pray in times of joy. Here he demonstrates his thanksgiving in prayer. Paul wanted the people to know that he actually remembered them in prayer, although he had never met them. He was, as we read on, thankful for their faith and growth.
Paul believed in the supremacy of Christ; all things begin with, and are held together by Christ. Therefore, it should be no surprise that Paul begins his demonstration of gratitude with prayers of thanksgiving to God. When we pray for others in brings God into the equation. When we tell others that we thank God for them in our prayers, it makes the thankfulness more powerful.
Throughout his writings, we see the importance of prayer for Paul. He could pray in times of difficulty, and he could pray in times of joy. Here he demonstrates his thanksgiving in prayer. Paul wanted the people to know that he actually remembered them in prayer, although he had never met them. He was, as we read on, thankful for their faith and growth.
Paul believed in the supremacy of Christ; all things begin with, and are held together by Christ. Therefore, it should be no surprise that Paul begins his demonstration of gratitude with prayers of thanksgiving to God. When we pray for others in brings God into the equation. When we tell others that we thank God for them in our prayers, it makes the thankfulness more powerful.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Perfect love
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
We have confidence that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Jesus. Paul’s list of ten terms moves from physical danger through the hierarchy of superhuman powers, those that now exist or ever will, powers from on high or from below, and concludes in the inclusive phrase “anything else in God’s whole world.” There is absolutely nothing that can ever separate the child of God from the love of his or her Heavenly Father. It is true that life contains its full share of hardships. But, our God is greater than any circumstance, and is at work in all things to conform His children into the likeness of his Son. Although we may be involve with some serious pruning from time to time (John 15:2), we may be sure that love is at work on our behalf. We are forever united with the one who is perfect love.
We have confidence that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Jesus. Paul’s list of ten terms moves from physical danger through the hierarchy of superhuman powers, those that now exist or ever will, powers from on high or from below, and concludes in the inclusive phrase “anything else in God’s whole world.” There is absolutely nothing that can ever separate the child of God from the love of his or her Heavenly Father. It is true that life contains its full share of hardships. But, our God is greater than any circumstance, and is at work in all things to conform His children into the likeness of his Son. Although we may be involve with some serious pruning from time to time (John 15:2), we may be sure that love is at work on our behalf. We are forever united with the one who is perfect love.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Victorious
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
Psalm 44:22 says, “Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered,” which Paul found so appropriate to his situation. The troubles that we face as Christian are nothing new; but have always been the experience of God’s people. Nevertheless in all difficult situations we are winning an overwhelming victory through the One, who has proven his love for us over and over again. It is the love of Christ that supports and enables the believer to face adversity and to conquer it. God does not want us to “grin and bear it; no, we are to be victorious through our faith in Christ, who is ever present in our trials. We are to cling to His promise to never leave nor forsake us. It is Christ's love and presence in our lives that will empower us to overcome all the obstacles of life.
Psalm 44:22 says, “Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered,” which Paul found so appropriate to his situation. The troubles that we face as Christian are nothing new; but have always been the experience of God’s people. Nevertheless in all difficult situations we are winning an overwhelming victory through the One, who has proven his love for us over and over again. It is the love of Christ that supports and enables the believer to face adversity and to conquer it. God does not want us to “grin and bear it; no, we are to be victorious through our faith in Christ, who is ever present in our trials. We are to cling to His promise to never leave nor forsake us. It is Christ's love and presence in our lives that will empower us to overcome all the obstacles of life.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Nothing can separate us from the love of God
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” Romans 8:35-36
The love of Christ is incomparable and inconceivable. Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ? Paul lists a litany of disasters, none of which can effect a separation between Christ and the believer. Actually, far from weakening the bonds of love, trouble and hardship strengthen them. Persecution drives the true believer to the arms of the one who knows suffering. Famine and nakedness are powerless to affect the love of Christ. Danger and the sword lose their terror in view of the presence of the one in whom we find safety. Few things are certain in this world; however, praise God, His love is one that is.
The love of Christ is incomparable and inconceivable. Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ? Paul lists a litany of disasters, none of which can effect a separation between Christ and the believer. Actually, far from weakening the bonds of love, trouble and hardship strengthen them. Persecution drives the true believer to the arms of the one who knows suffering. Famine and nakedness are powerless to affect the love of Christ. Danger and the sword lose their terror in view of the presence of the one in whom we find safety. Few things are certain in this world; however, praise God, His love is one that is.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34
Who is there who dares to bring an accusation against those whom God has chosen (v. 33)? No one! It is God himself who pronounces his people righteous. There is no higher court. Who is the one with the authority to condemn (v. 34)? Jesus has that authority, but said in John 12:47, “I did not come to judge the world, but to save it." Paul answers his own question: “Will Christ? No: For he is the One who died for us.” If he is for us, he certainly will not condemn us. Far from condemning us, he is right now at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. Not only does the Spirit intercede for us (8:26) but the glorified Christ as well.
Who is there who dares to bring an accusation against those whom God has chosen (v. 33)? No one! It is God himself who pronounces his people righteous. There is no higher court. Who is the one with the authority to condemn (v. 34)? Jesus has that authority, but said in John 12:47, “I did not come to judge the world, but to save it." Paul answers his own question: “Will Christ? No: For he is the One who died for us.” If he is for us, he certainly will not condemn us. Far from condemning us, he is right now at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. Not only does the Spirit intercede for us (8:26) but the glorified Christ as well.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
If God is for us, what does it matter who is against us?
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32
We believe that as children of God we have been adopted into his family (v. 15); we are co-heirs with Christ (v. 17); we have received the Spirit as the guarantee of final redemption (v. 23); our prayers to God are offered up by the Spirit (v. 26); though sinners by nature, through faith we have been pardoned (v. 30); our future glorification is so certain that God speaks of it as already having taken place (v. 30). If this is all true, then the next statement certainly is as well, “what does it matter who may be against us.” Since God did not spare his own Son but delivered him over to death for us all, will he not along with this gracious gift also lavish upon us everything else he has to give? A God who sacrificed his own Son on our behalf will certainly not withhold that which by comparison is insignificant. The immeasurable greatness of God’s love is seen in his sacrifice on our behalf.
We believe that as children of God we have been adopted into his family (v. 15); we are co-heirs with Christ (v. 17); we have received the Spirit as the guarantee of final redemption (v. 23); our prayers to God are offered up by the Spirit (v. 26); though sinners by nature, through faith we have been pardoned (v. 30); our future glorification is so certain that God speaks of it as already having taken place (v. 30). If this is all true, then the next statement certainly is as well, “what does it matter who may be against us.” Since God did not spare his own Son but delivered him over to death for us all, will he not along with this gracious gift also lavish upon us everything else he has to give? A God who sacrificed his own Son on our behalf will certainly not withhold that which by comparison is insignificant. The immeasurable greatness of God’s love is seen in his sacrifice on our behalf.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
God's desire: Our conformity to his Son
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30
God is at work for us in the circumstances of life (v. 28) because God has “destined” to “share the likeness of his Son” As Jesus “learned obedience from what he suffered” (Heb 5:8), we too should expect our share of difficulties in the process of being conformed to his image. God has foreordained that believers be brought into “moral conformity to the likeness of his Son. He wants us to bear a family resemblance to him.
Not only is God’s desire for believers to be conformed to his likeness, he also called, justified, and glorified them. Scripture teaches that glorification awaits our future resurrection (1 John 3:2). Although glorification, as we understand it, is in the future, even now we enjoy a portion of the spiritual benefits of God’s redemptive work on our behalf.
God is at work for us in the circumstances of life (v. 28) because God has “destined” to “share the likeness of his Son” As Jesus “learned obedience from what he suffered” (Heb 5:8), we too should expect our share of difficulties in the process of being conformed to his image. God has foreordained that believers be brought into “moral conformity to the likeness of his Son. He wants us to bear a family resemblance to him.
Not only is God’s desire for believers to be conformed to his likeness, he also called, justified, and glorified them. Scripture teaches that glorification awaits our future resurrection (1 John 3:2). Although glorification, as we understand it, is in the future, even now we enjoy a portion of the spiritual benefits of God’s redemptive work on our behalf.
Friday, September 03, 2010
God works all things together for our good
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Often in our times of trial we turned to Paul’s reassuring words that God has not deserted us but is at work in every circumstance of life. God uses the circumstances of life in such a way that, for those who love him, the outcome is always beneficial. The “good” of which Paul spoke is not necessarily what we think is best, but as the following verse implies, the good is conformity to the likeness of Christ, which is God’s ultimate plan for each of us. With this in mind it is easier to see how our difficulties are part of God’s total plan for changing us from what we are by nature to what he intends us to be.
Often in our times of trial we turned to Paul’s reassuring words that God has not deserted us but is at work in every circumstance of life. God uses the circumstances of life in such a way that, for those who love him, the outcome is always beneficial. The “good” of which Paul spoke is not necessarily what we think is best, but as the following verse implies, the good is conformity to the likeness of Christ, which is God’s ultimate plan for each of us. With this in mind it is easier to see how our difficulties are part of God’s total plan for changing us from what we are by nature to what he intends us to be.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
The Spirit prays for us
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27
Hope helps us through times of suffering (vv. 24–25). The Spirit comes to help us when we find ourselves struggling so much that we are unable to pray as we ought. Paul said that the Spirit “helps us in our weakness.” God is listening; we understand that. But, how many times have we wondered how to pray for a friend suffering a serious illness? Sometimes, out of desperation, we send up volumes of prayer (praying for every possible outcome…covering all our bases), but the response from heaven was not what we wanted or expected. It is in these times, the Spirit himself intercedes on our behalf.
God understands what the Spirit desires even though it is inexpressible in human terms (v. 27). God knows our heart better than we do ourselves. His knowledge of our heart is direct, not dependent upon my inability to articulate my thoughts into words. The Psalmist told us that God is a searcher of hearts; He also knows the desires of the Spirit as the Spirit intercedes for us. The Spirit comes to our aid and takes our concerns to God. Our groans (v. 23) become his (v. 26) as he intercedes on our behalf.
Hope helps us through times of suffering (vv. 24–25). The Spirit comes to help us when we find ourselves struggling so much that we are unable to pray as we ought. Paul said that the Spirit “helps us in our weakness.” God is listening; we understand that. But, how many times have we wondered how to pray for a friend suffering a serious illness? Sometimes, out of desperation, we send up volumes of prayer (praying for every possible outcome…covering all our bases), but the response from heaven was not what we wanted or expected. It is in these times, the Spirit himself intercedes on our behalf.
God understands what the Spirit desires even though it is inexpressible in human terms (v. 27). God knows our heart better than we do ourselves. His knowledge of our heart is direct, not dependent upon my inability to articulate my thoughts into words. The Psalmist told us that God is a searcher of hearts; He also knows the desires of the Spirit as the Spirit intercedes for us. The Spirit comes to our aid and takes our concerns to God. Our groans (v. 23) become his (v. 26) as he intercedes on our behalf.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Hope
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22-25
The pain of childbirth is not meaningless; it is accompanied by a hope of new life. The same for creation, as it carries with it the hope of redemption. Paul says that we too are inwardly groaning as we await the final phase of our adoption — the redemption of our bodies (Phil 3:21). In the Old Testament first fruits consisted of the initial portion of the harvest that was given in sacrifice to God. Paul used the same term in reference to the gift of the Spirit as down payment or promise of what is to come. The Spirit is evidence that at the present time we are the sons of God. Our salvation involves the hope that our mortal bodies will someday be freed from the bondage of decay (v. 24). We are not saved by hope, but our salvation is encouraged by hope. Why would we hope for that which is in plain view? So since we are hoping for something that is still unseen, we are to wait for it with patience.
The pain of childbirth is not meaningless; it is accompanied by a hope of new life. The same for creation, as it carries with it the hope of redemption. Paul says that we too are inwardly groaning as we await the final phase of our adoption — the redemption of our bodies (Phil 3:21). In the Old Testament first fruits consisted of the initial portion of the harvest that was given in sacrifice to God. Paul used the same term in reference to the gift of the Spirit as down payment or promise of what is to come. The Spirit is evidence that at the present time we are the sons of God. Our salvation involves the hope that our mortal bodies will someday be freed from the bondage of decay (v. 24). We are not saved by hope, but our salvation is encouraged by hope. Why would we hope for that which is in plain view? So since we are hoping for something that is still unseen, we are to wait for it with patience.
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