We are taught when writing to avoid superlatives. People who use extreme adjectives like “fabulous,” “magnificent,” and “splendid” are usually exaggerating the situation. However, when the writers of the Bible spoke of the blessings of God upon His children, they used the strongest of terms they knew; here are a few examples:
—His love “surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:19)
—His gift of salvation is “indescribable” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
—His life is “to the full” (John 10:10)
—His grace is “sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Paul, writing to the discouraged Corinthians, said that through God we are “made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (II Corinthians 9:11).
Are you feeling down? Do you wish you had more of the riches of this world? Remember the superlatives of God!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Learn to love dandelions
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4
“There are times when you cannot understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings the blank space, see that you do not fill it in, but wait. The blank space may come in order to teach you what sanctification means; or it may come after sanctification to teach you what service means. Never run before God’s guidance. If there is the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding. Whenever there is doubt—don’t.” Oswald Chambers
Oftentimes we go through blank or dark spaces or as I refer to it as a funk. During these times, I want to do anything and everything I can to move out of these periods as quickly as possible. I want to feel good about me and my life. Iam often like the man who tried to rid his yard of dandelions. He tried everything he knew to stop them from going in his otherwise beautiful lawn. Finally, out of desperation he wrote the Department of Agriculture and begged for a solution. He so wanted that perfect lawn, green, smooth and flawless. He was not pleased with the answer he received, “We suggest you learn to love dandelions.”
Life is full of dark places or funks (dandelions). Rather than trying to rid our lives of them, perhaps we need to learn that God places such things in our lives to move us closer to him (or further away from other things). His ultimate goal for us is not enjoyment, but fulfillment and being made in the likeness of His Son. Flaws make us see what we are not, but His love and grace, show us what we can become (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
“There are times when you cannot understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings the blank space, see that you do not fill it in, but wait. The blank space may come in order to teach you what sanctification means; or it may come after sanctification to teach you what service means. Never run before God’s guidance. If there is the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding. Whenever there is doubt—don’t.” Oswald Chambers
Oftentimes we go through blank or dark spaces or as I refer to it as a funk. During these times, I want to do anything and everything I can to move out of these periods as quickly as possible. I want to feel good about me and my life. Iam often like the man who tried to rid his yard of dandelions. He tried everything he knew to stop them from going in his otherwise beautiful lawn. Finally, out of desperation he wrote the Department of Agriculture and begged for a solution. He so wanted that perfect lawn, green, smooth and flawless. He was not pleased with the answer he received, “We suggest you learn to love dandelions.”
Life is full of dark places or funks (dandelions). Rather than trying to rid our lives of them, perhaps we need to learn that God places such things in our lives to move us closer to him (or further away from other things). His ultimate goal for us is not enjoyment, but fulfillment and being made in the likeness of His Son. Flaws make us see what we are not, but His love and grace, show us what we can become (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Be careful of false teaching
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8
There are many various philosophies and teachings; it is difficult to sort out what is true. Paul’s warning is direct: See to it that no one takes you captive. Captive means “to carry away” or “kidnap.” Here it refers to someone being carried away from the truth into the slavery of error. Scripture teaches that anything is false if it lures us away from an unswerving devotion to the absolute supremacy of Christ.
This is not a blanket indictment against all philosophy. The reference here is to the particular philosophy, as seen in Paul’s description that follows, being promoted by the false teachers. This philosophy is hollow and deceptive, literally, an empty deception which stands in stark contrast to the fullness in Christ. The hollow and deceptive philosophy of the false teachers promises much but delivers nothing.
There are many various philosophies and teachings; it is difficult to sort out what is true. Paul’s warning is direct: See to it that no one takes you captive. Captive means “to carry away” or “kidnap.” Here it refers to someone being carried away from the truth into the slavery of error. Scripture teaches that anything is false if it lures us away from an unswerving devotion to the absolute supremacy of Christ.
This is not a blanket indictment against all philosophy. The reference here is to the particular philosophy, as seen in Paul’s description that follows, being promoted by the false teachers. This philosophy is hollow and deceptive, literally, an empty deception which stands in stark contrast to the fullness in Christ. The hollow and deceptive philosophy of the false teachers promises much but delivers nothing.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Rooted and Strengthened
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7
When we stop going forward, we stall; when we stall, we can fall. We received Christ Jesus as Lord; now we are to continue to live with him as our Lord. We should conduct every area of our lives in conscious submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Plants without roots become tumbleweeds. It is the same for Christians that are not rooted in Christ; they are blown about by every wind of doctrine or any new appealing idea that comes along. Roots don’t exist for themselves: they exist to give the plant strength and help the plant get its necessary nutrients. The plant grows naturally when it is living in the right environment (rooted and strengthened). We grow naturally in Christ as live a faithful life, relying on his grace (just as we were taught).
One of the natural outcomes of a growing spiritual life is thankfulness. A thankful believer is not easily led away from Christ. A discontented, grumbling, whiny believer, however, will be easy prey for false teachers who are more than willing to offer “just what you’ve been missing.”
When we stop going forward, we stall; when we stall, we can fall. We received Christ Jesus as Lord; now we are to continue to live with him as our Lord. We should conduct every area of our lives in conscious submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Plants without roots become tumbleweeds. It is the same for Christians that are not rooted in Christ; they are blown about by every wind of doctrine or any new appealing idea that comes along. Roots don’t exist for themselves: they exist to give the plant strength and help the plant get its necessary nutrients. The plant grows naturally when it is living in the right environment (rooted and strengthened). We grow naturally in Christ as live a faithful life, relying on his grace (just as we were taught).
One of the natural outcomes of a growing spiritual life is thankfulness. A thankful believer is not easily led away from Christ. A discontented, grumbling, whiny believer, however, will be easy prey for false teachers who are more than willing to offer “just what you’ve been missing.”
Friday, November 12, 2010
Paul's message
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:28-29
I love the saying, “For God so loved the world that he didn’t send a committee.” The gospel is not a system, hierarchy, or set of regulations; it is the person and work of Jesus. Paul’s purpose was “to present everyone perfect in Christ.” And, he was willing to work and suffer to relay that message.
Paul used the term “struggling,” which occurs here and in the next verse (2:1), was used of athletes who painfully pursued athletic glory. Paul claimed, however, that his struggle was accompanied by God’s energy which energized him. We work hard, but Christ is at work in us; we are willing to suffer, but Christ gives us the strength and protection not to be burdened beyond what we, through His strength, can bear.
I love the saying, “For God so loved the world that he didn’t send a committee.” The gospel is not a system, hierarchy, or set of regulations; it is the person and work of Jesus. Paul’s purpose was “to present everyone perfect in Christ.” And, he was willing to work and suffer to relay that message.
Paul used the term “struggling,” which occurs here and in the next verse (2:1), was used of athletes who painfully pursued athletic glory. Paul claimed, however, that his struggle was accompanied by God’s energy which energized him. We work hard, but Christ is at work in us; we are willing to suffer, but Christ gives us the strength and protection not to be burdened beyond what we, through His strength, can bear.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Rejoice in Suffering?
Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness. Colossians 1:24-25
The world today is all about pleasure and happiness. We go out of our way to make sure that our lives are filled with happiness and to avoid suffering at all costs. Paul reminds us in this passage that life includes suffering. The good news for the believer is that God uses suffering to make us more like Jesus and to mold and mature our character.
Paul knew suffering “up close and personal.” This letter to the church at Colosse was written from prison. He certainly wasn’t in prison by his own choice, however, he used his sufferings on behalf of others and because it allowed him to identify with Jesus Christ. When Paul says he is filling up what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, he isn’t saying that Jesus’ suffering on the cross was insufficient. On the contrary, Paul’s attitude is Jesus took the punishment for him; and that suffering brings about an identification with the Savior that nothing else can.
Philippians 3:10-11, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
The world today is all about pleasure and happiness. We go out of our way to make sure that our lives are filled with happiness and to avoid suffering at all costs. Paul reminds us in this passage that life includes suffering. The good news for the believer is that God uses suffering to make us more like Jesus and to mold and mature our character.
Paul knew suffering “up close and personal.” This letter to the church at Colosse was written from prison. He certainly wasn’t in prison by his own choice, however, he used his sufferings on behalf of others and because it allowed him to identify with Jesus Christ. When Paul says he is filling up what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, he isn’t saying that Jesus’ suffering on the cross was insufficient. On the contrary, Paul’s attitude is Jesus took the punishment for him; and that suffering brings about an identification with the Savior that nothing else can.
Philippians 3:10-11, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Established and firm in the faith
“…if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” Colossian 1:23
Paul is worried whether the Colossians will remain faithful, as he later states that he is confident they have understood what it means to be reconciled they will remain faithful to the gospel that reconciled them (Col. 2:5). He writes this as an expression both of confidence and as a warning to avoid the religious fads of the false teachers. It is obvious that Paul is also concerned about the sin of neglect; we simply stop paying attention and being drawn not toward God looking at faith, but rather ourselves.
God grant us a steadfast heart; one that is focused solely on you and the wonderful provisions you have made for our reconciliation. Let nothing, including ourselves, be allowed to move us away from the center of your will.
Paul is worried whether the Colossians will remain faithful, as he later states that he is confident they have understood what it means to be reconciled they will remain faithful to the gospel that reconciled them (Col. 2:5). He writes this as an expression both of confidence and as a warning to avoid the religious fads of the false teachers. It is obvious that Paul is also concerned about the sin of neglect; we simply stop paying attention and being drawn not toward God looking at faith, but rather ourselves.
God grant us a steadfast heart; one that is focused solely on you and the wonderful provisions you have made for our reconciliation. Let nothing, including ourselves, be allowed to move us away from the center of your will.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Made right with God
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. Colossians 1:21-22
Before reconciliation everyone was and is at odds with God. All of us were alienated and separated from God. See Ephesians 2:11–12 for another perspective on our position before reconciliation.
We were enemies in our minds. Our thoughts and our attitudes were hostile to God. Before we trusted Christ, our entire way of thinking was contrary to God’s. For us, and for those who have yet to be reconciled, the problem was and is simple; we refused to accept God’s evaluation of us as being sinners. We would also not accept God’s remedy for the situation, which is total dependence on Christ.
We were also enemies in our behavior. It’s not just that we thought wrong; we also acted wrong. Despite our opposition to God, he reconciled us through the death of Jesus.
The outcome of this reconciliation is peace and a future of hope. Our slate of sin has been wiped clean, and we look forward to the day we will stand before God holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
Before reconciliation everyone was and is at odds with God. All of us were alienated and separated from God. See Ephesians 2:11–12 for another perspective on our position before reconciliation.
We were enemies in our minds. Our thoughts and our attitudes were hostile to God. Before we trusted Christ, our entire way of thinking was contrary to God’s. For us, and for those who have yet to be reconciled, the problem was and is simple; we refused to accept God’s evaluation of us as being sinners. We would also not accept God’s remedy for the situation, which is total dependence on Christ.
We were also enemies in our behavior. It’s not just that we thought wrong; we also acted wrong. Despite our opposition to God, he reconciled us through the death of Jesus.
The outcome of this reconciliation is peace and a future of hope. Our slate of sin has been wiped clean, and we look forward to the day we will stand before God holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Reconciliation
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20
Jesus was not just a good man or teacher; he is much more than that. Jesus is the full embodiment of God’s attributes and saving grace. It is only through Jesus that God is able to reconcile to himself to you and me. Reconciliation is the taking away of hostility and the reinstating friendly relations to parties who have been at war. God has reconciled us by making peace through Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross; therefore moving us toward restored harmony with him.
Jesus was not just a good man or teacher; he is much more than that. Jesus is the full embodiment of God’s attributes and saving grace. It is only through Jesus that God is able to reconcile to himself to you and me. Reconciliation is the taking away of hostility and the reinstating friendly relations to parties who have been at war. God has reconciled us by making peace through Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross; therefore moving us toward restored harmony with him.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Christ is supreme
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:18
Jesus is sovereign over creation; and he is sovereign over the church. Jesus began his church, and he is its source of life and strength. The church takes its direction from Jesus and is under his authority. Our allegiance, as members of his chrch, is to Jesus.
Firstborn here has nothing to do with time. Others preceded Jesus in rising from the dead; Lazarus is one example (John 11:38–44). Jesus is first in rank. Others were raised only to die again. Jesus was the first person to rise, never to die again. He conquered death! (Now that is good news!) We have hope because of his death and resurrection (Philippians 3:10). Because of his resurrection, we are assured of our own resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20–23).
Jesus is sovereign over creation; and he is sovereign over the church. Jesus began his church, and he is its source of life and strength. The church takes its direction from Jesus and is under his authority. Our allegiance, as members of his chrch, is to Jesus.
Firstborn here has nothing to do with time. Others preceded Jesus in rising from the dead; Lazarus is one example (John 11:38–44). Jesus is first in rank. Others were raised only to die again. Jesus was the first person to rise, never to die again. He conquered death! (Now that is good news!) We have hope because of his death and resurrection (Philippians 3:10). Because of his resurrection, we are assured of our own resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20–23).
Thursday, October 21, 2010
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17
Jesus is eternal, which is an attribute that can only be true of God; scripture states “he is before all things.” Jesus is also the powerful sustainer of the universe. The work of creation includes continually sustaining what was created. His power guarantees that the universe is under control and not chaotic, regardless of what things appear.
God does not create something, and then abandon it. No, he sees things through until completion. That includes the world he created, but also his work in us. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians (vs. 6), “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” And, as the old Sunday School song says,
What a great God!
God does not create something, and then abandon it. No, he sees things through until completion. That includes the world he created, but also his work in us. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians (vs. 6), “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” And, as the old Sunday School song says,
He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.
What a great God!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
He is Lord!
“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” Colossians 1:16
There is a simple reason why Jesus holds the highest rank in creation; because he is the Creator of all things. There is nothing in the created order that Jesus did not create (John 1:3). Because he is the Creator, Jesus has absolute supremacy over all creation, including anything that is worshipped by those who choose not to follow him. Since only God can be the Creator, this means that Jesus, the perfect “photograph” of God, is even more than that; Jesus is God!
There is a simple reason why Jesus holds the highest rank in creation; because he is the Creator of all things. There is nothing in the created order that Jesus did not create (John 1:3). Because he is the Creator, Jesus has absolute supremacy over all creation, including anything that is worshipped by those who choose not to follow him. Since only God can be the Creator, this means that Jesus, the perfect “photograph” of God, is even more than that; Jesus is God!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15
Most people think Jesus was a good person and teacher; they have no problem at all with Jesus until you say, “no one comes to the Father, except through him” (John 14:6). According to false teachers in Paul’s day, Jesus got equal billing with a vast number of spirits flowing out of God. They said Jesus could be prominent, but he certainly wasn’t preeminent. Paul boldly tells the truth about Jesus.
Jesus is the image of God. The word Paul used here for image is the closest in ancient Greek to our word for photograph. Jesus is the perfect representation of God. This verse and others (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 1:17) tell us that God is invisible. The Phillips translation states (vs. 15), “Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.”
Not only is Jesus the perfect picture of God, but he also holds the highest rank in the universe. Jesus is the firstborn over all creation. Firstborn is a term of rank more than it is a word of time (Ps. 89:27). The right of the firstborn was the right of privilege and priority. It was the honored position in the family. Jesus is the firstborn—the highest rank—in all of creation.
Jesus is the image of God. The word Paul used here for image is the closest in ancient Greek to our word for photograph. Jesus is the perfect representation of God. This verse and others (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 1:17) tell us that God is invisible. The Phillips translation states (vs. 15), “Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.”
Not only is Jesus the perfect picture of God, but he also holds the highest rank in the universe. Jesus is the firstborn over all creation. Firstborn is a term of rank more than it is a word of time (Ps. 89:27). The right of the firstborn was the right of privilege and priority. It was the honored position in the family. Jesus is the firstborn—the highest rank—in all of creation.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Redeemed and Forgiven
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14
The good news of the Gospel is God Himself has rescued us from the dominion of darkness; therefore, delivering us from the ruling power of sin. The good news doesn’t end there; God has brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. God has transferred us; he has moved us from one place to another. He has taken us from Satan’s dark realm and placed us into the bright light of Jesus’ kingdom.
God’s work of salvation includes redemption and forgiveness. To redeem someone means “to buy them back and set them free.” Jesus’ death was the price paid to buy us back and set us free from sin. Because of Christ’s death, we are set free from both the penalty and the power of sin. He has forgiven us, which is the canceling of the debt of our sin; something we could never repay. Thanks to God we are redeemed and forgiven.
The good news of the Gospel is God Himself has rescued us from the dominion of darkness; therefore, delivering us from the ruling power of sin. The good news doesn’t end there; God has brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. God has transferred us; he has moved us from one place to another. He has taken us from Satan’s dark realm and placed us into the bright light of Jesus’ kingdom.
God’s work of salvation includes redemption and forgiveness. To redeem someone means “to buy them back and set them free.” Jesus’ death was the price paid to buy us back and set us free from sin. Because of Christ’s death, we are set free from both the penalty and the power of sin. He has forgiven us, which is the canceling of the debt of our sin; something we could never repay. Thanks to God we are redeemed and forgiven.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Inheritance of righteousness
“…who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:12b
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14. This alone is a strong statement, however, taken in view of Isaiah 64:6, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags,” it goes into the realm of impossible. Left to our own devices, we are truly lost.
The good news is God alone qualifies us for anything coming to us (inheritance). God has always taken the initiative in bringing believers into his righteous presence. Perhaps Paul was thinking of Leviticus 11:44, “Be holy, because I am holy” (also 1 Pet 1:15). No one can claim holiness, apart from God’s declaration. When God qualifies us for his kingdom, he supplies righteousness, a necessary requirement for salvation. Since he declares us to be righteous by his grace, he alone qualifies us for entrance into the kingdom. Is it any wonder why this verse begins by the words, “giving thanks to the Father?”
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14. This alone is a strong statement, however, taken in view of Isaiah 64:6, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags,” it goes into the realm of impossible. Left to our own devices, we are truly lost.
The good news is God alone qualifies us for anything coming to us (inheritance). God has always taken the initiative in bringing believers into his righteous presence. Perhaps Paul was thinking of Leviticus 11:44, “Be holy, because I am holy” (also 1 Pet 1:15). No one can claim holiness, apart from God’s declaration. When God qualifies us for his kingdom, he supplies righteousness, a necessary requirement for salvation. Since he declares us to be righteous by his grace, he alone qualifies us for entrance into the kingdom. Is it any wonder why this verse begins by the words, “giving thanks to the Father?”
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thankfulness
“…giving thanks to the Father...” Colossians 1:12a
Those who walk in the will of God are to be joyful thankful. This thankfulness is a heartfelt, genuine thankfulness that grows out of the experience of our salvation. We must never forget what God has done for us, and we should allow that life-changing experience to bring daily joy. God is to be thanked because he qualified us for an inheritance (1:12); he rescued us from darkness (1:13a); and he brought us into the Son’s kingdom (1:13b). We need to be consciously aware of our salvation; and we need to continually thank God for it.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Divine power
"being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience..." Colossians 1:11
Power is shown in two ways, first it is the ability to power something, and second, it is the power to rule or control. Here the text reads, "being strengthened with all power." Paul stresses that power is available to all believers. We need power to endure circumstances of life and to positively relate to other people. Endurance is the capacity to bear up under difficult circumstances. All of us face events in life that must be endured; that power is available from Christ.
Patience is being emotionally calm in the face of provocation or misfortune without complaining or irritation. If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that aggravation usually comes from other people. However, Christ provides us with the power to endure the struggles that come our way, and to do so with patience. Neither circumstances nor people are to upset the believer who is centered in the will of God. The good news is that this power is available to all who know Christ.
Power is shown in two ways, first it is the ability to power something, and second, it is the power to rule or control. Here the text reads, "being strengthened with all power." Paul stresses that power is available to all believers. We need power to endure circumstances of life and to positively relate to other people. Endurance is the capacity to bear up under difficult circumstances. All of us face events in life that must be endured; that power is available from Christ.
Patience is being emotionally calm in the face of provocation or misfortune without complaining or irritation. If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that aggravation usually comes from other people. However, Christ provides us with the power to endure the struggles that come our way, and to do so with patience. Neither circumstances nor people are to upset the believer who is centered in the will of God. The good news is that this power is available to all who know Christ.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Pleasing God
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10
A characteristic of those in God’s will is continued spiritual growth. There are two elements of spiritual growth that come together in this verse: valuable service (fruit) and growth in knowledge of God. “Bearing fruit in every good work” refers to the reproductive aspect of the Christian’s calling. A natural product of our Christian life must be the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives. Second, there will be an increase in the knowledge of God. We, as believers, should be ever increasing in our knowledge of God, both mentally and spiritually. This should be a primary goal or motivation of our life. Paul, in his testimony to the Philippians (3:10), stating emphatically, “I want to know Christ…” Paul’s prayer is that we may live a life worthy of, and pleasing to, the Lord; to do that we are to bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.
A characteristic of those in God’s will is continued spiritual growth. There are two elements of spiritual growth that come together in this verse: valuable service (fruit) and growth in knowledge of God. “Bearing fruit in every good work” refers to the reproductive aspect of the Christian’s calling. A natural product of our Christian life must be the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives. Second, there will be an increase in the knowledge of God. We, as believers, should be ever increasing in our knowledge of God, both mentally and spiritually. This should be a primary goal or motivation of our life. Paul, in his testimony to the Philippians (3:10), stating emphatically, “I want to know Christ…” Paul’s prayer is that we may live a life worthy of, and pleasing to, the Lord; to do that we are to bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Knowing Him
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.
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.
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?
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