What is the first definite request Paul asks? Paul prayed that the Colossian Christians might be filled with the knowledge of God's will. This is our greatest need. Paul obviously believed that it is possible to know God's will in the fullest sense and not just to have an occasional glimpse of it in a crisis situation. The word 'knowledge' means far more than learning something with our minds. It means knowing the fact or truth in our experience day by day. Paul is praying that the Colossian Christians may have a complete, practical knowledge of the will of God every day of their lives. Knowing God's will results in some very practical issues. Notice how it will affect your: 1. Daily walk (v. 10); 2. Fruitfulness (every good work) (v. 10); 3. Ability to know God (v. 10); 4. Daily strength (v. 11); 5. Patience and joy (v. 11); 6. Thankfulness (v. 12). Stop and think about each of these results. Ask God to help you know something more of them in a growing experience with Christ. Never forget your position in Christ, accomplished through each member of the Godhead: God the Father has made us partakers or sharers in his light. God the Father has delivered us from the power of darkness. God the Son has given us redemption. God the Holy Spirit makes these truths real to us. Then Paul brings us back to Christ, his main theme in this epistle. From now on in the remainder of this chapter it will be about Christ and our relationship to him. Perhaps that is the simplest aspect of the will of God-that we should be like Christ and that we should grow more and more into his likeness day by day. A PRAYER: Lord may others see Jesus Christ in me today. |
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