Colossians 1:9-14

I was glad to see Meredith’s post from last week was on prayer –she shared with us many scriptures which encourage us to pray and assure us of God’s hearing of our prayers. In my last posting I looked at Colossians 1:1-14, and I will be taking the time now to specifically look at the prayer in this section. I would like to look at at what scripture has to say about each of the things Paul includes in his prayer for the Colossians.

vs. 9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may…

As I have already shared, Paul here shows us his commitment to prayer. Since the time he hears of a group of saints he prays for them. He encourages the subjects of his prayer by sharing with them what he is praying for, and remembers them long after he first hears of them.

vs. 9 …be filled with the knowledge of His will…

To know God’s will is of the uttermost importance. It is vain to try to serve God without knowing what He desires of us.

Romans 12

2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Acts 22

10"And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.'

This knowledge of God’s will is not a mystical knowledge, Paul clearly speaks against this in chapter 2. Nor is it simply intellectual, for the unbeliever, nominal Christian and Satan for that manner can believe many true things about God which do not result in salvation. The knowledge Paul points to is powerful in the believer’s life to produce the fruits given in verse 10. ‘It results from fellowship with God and leads to deeper fellowship. Hence, this clear knowledge is heart-transforming and life-renewing’ (W. Hendriksen on Colossians).

Proverbs 1

7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;

Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

vs. 9… in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…

The knowledge of God’s will must be in spiritual wisdom and understanding. ‘Such wisdom is the ability to use the best means to reach the highest goal, a life to God’s glory. It amounts to understanding that is at once spiritual and practical’ (W. Hendriksen on Colossians).

A beautiful description of this wisdom is found in James.

James 3

17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

vs. 10 …so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects …

This phrase ‘walk in a manner worthy of the Lord’ appears several times in the New Testament. Each time it is accompanied by some of the attributes which the author believes are fitting this worthy life.

Ephesians 4

1Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,

3being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Philippians 1

27Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28in no way alarmed by your opponents--which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.

1 Thessalonians 2

10You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers;

11just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children,

12so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

These scriptures give us an excellent model for the godly Christian life. May we strive to accomplish these things in our own lives by God’s grace.

‘That this God-glorifying conduct will actually be the result of being filled with clear knowledge of His will is easy to see, for the more God’s children know Him, the more they will also love Him; and the more they love Him, the more they will also wish to obey Him in though, word and deed’ (W. Hendriksen on Colossians).

1 Corinthians 10

31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

vs. 10 …bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…

The gospel was said to be ‘constantly bearing fruit and increasing’ in Colossians 1:6 in the Colossian believers and in all the world. How does this fruit in good works come about?

Ephesians 2

8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

The starting point and the result of a God-pleasing life is knowledge of God.

Proverbs 4

8But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,

That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

vs. 11 …strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might…

To know God strengthens a believer in whatever circumstances he may find himself.

Philippians 4

11Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

12I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

13I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

As I shared last time, this image of power and might is given more detail in Ephesians.

Ephesians 1

19and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might

20which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

22And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,

23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

vs. 11 … for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience…

Steadfastness and patience are here referred to as the by-products of the strength and power which God gives His children, as well as growing in the knowledge of Him. I know that I need the God to grow me in this area of my life! How do we respond to affliction, suffering, persecution, setbacks? Do we respond in anger, passion, with a quick tongue? We should not be characterized by these things. Thankfully this steadfastness and patience is God-given.

Romans 15

5Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,

Galatians 5

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Let us eagerly pursue these things!

vs. 11-14 …joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

‘Due to strength imparted by God, believers are able, even in the midst of tribulation, to give thanks with joy and to rejoice with thanksgiving. It is to the Father that this thanks is given, for it was He who through His beloved Son freely gives us all things’ (W. Hendriksen on Colossians).

God has done great things.

When we look at Paul’s prayer we see what is possible in the life of a believer. We see the glorious riches which are available to all who call on the name of the Lord. I hope that you can reflect on your own life in light of this example of a God-honouring believer. I know that I fall short in every area, but praise God that He can work these things in me. Let us seek to become more like this example, for we will be becoming more like Christ.

When we look at this as an example of prayer it shows us how high we can aim when we lift our fellow believers to the Lord in prayer. We can ask for these things, because God’s might is indeed glorious and can accomplish these things. Let us give thanks to the Father for what He has done and what He can do!

God bless, Taliah.

Thoughts on Prayer

I feel that prayer is among the most neglected areas of my spiritual walk so I have been eager to study about the purpose of communication with God through prayer so I may have a better understanding of the importance of this spiritual practice. I pray when I need wisdom, direction, and guidance and I pray when I have a specific request to bring before the Lord, (whether it is relating to me personally or a friend or family member), but I have much room for improvement in regard to a daily, even hourly dialogue with the Lord. Since I certainly don't have much wisdom to share in this area, this study is primarily a collection of the thoughts, scriptures, and quotes I have accumulated through my research on this subject.

God has called us into a relationship with Himself. Relationships require communication. Prayer is communication between a holy God and a beloved you and me. Throughout God's Word we're taught the significance and role of prayer. Stories about the impact of prayer will inspire you to pray more. "In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me in earnest, you will find Me when you seek Me” (Jeremiah 29:12,13).

God wants to be in relationship with us. And He knows we need what He can give. Through prayer, we experience life-transforming, life-renewing intimacy with the Creator of the universe. God reveals Himself to us through prayer. "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing" (Psalm 143:10). We learn more and more about His character and how His perfect will is working itself out in our own life. Deepening our understanding of God also deepens our faith and desire to worship.

God invites us to bring our burdens and needs to Him in prayer. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
We have a Heavenly Father who is more than able to bring victory to any challenge we face. God is a spiritual and physical healer. Like any healthy relationship, we must keep a line of communication open.

God responds to the prayers of His people. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16). It is through prayer, that His work is accomplished on earth. The apostle Paul continually asked for prayer in his missionary endeavors and saw prayer as vital to his success.

God imparts wisdom and understanding through prayer. “If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking” (James 1:5). As we become increasingly aware of our limitations, we can rest in the knowledge that our God is omniscient. Availing ourselves of God’s counsel is a blessing of prayer.

God exercises His authority and ability to do the impossible through the prayers of His people. “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22). Our hearts pound with great confidence as we take mighty tasks to our exceedingly mighty Lord.

God extends His power to us through prayer so that we may resist temptation. “Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41) With prayer, you always have a proven shield of protection available. Just say the word.

-Excerpts from "Why We Pray" at wycliffe.org

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." 1 John 5:14

"The Lord emboldens us to come to God in all circumstances. Through Him our petitions are accepted of God. The matter of our prayer must be agreeable to the declared will of God." - Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 John 5:14

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"As a remedy against perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for prayer, but in every thing by prayer. We must join thanksgivings with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received. God needs not to be told our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our dependence on him. The peace of God, the comfortable sense of being reconciled to God, and having a part in his favour, and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, are a greater good than can be fully expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and with inward satisfaction." -Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 4:6-7

"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." Romans 8:26

I am challenged by these verses and thoughts and hope to implement what I have gleaned from this study.

"Always be Fabulous" - Communication in Proverbs

Hello Everyone… This is going to be short because I am having problems with my back and can’t sit for long :-)

Last week’s post by Laura resonated quite strongly with me (I, too, have been guilty of speaking too hastily!), so I am hoping that the following slideshow with more communication verses from Proverbs may benefit us all as a reminder of what we have read many times before. I composed this PowerPoint some time ago for a women’s talk, and there’s even a picture of Laura with a younger Joshua in there – aptly placed in… you’ll see. Enjoy and take to heart!

Communication in Proverbs

View more presentations from Dr Margaret Lepke.

Words spoken in Haste

Proverbs 29:20, "Seest thou a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than him." (KJV)

I realize that I did previously say that I was going to look at the virtuous woman passage of Proverbs 31 yet I have decided to change my mind at the last minute (not something terribly unusual for me) and write about something else. This issue has been impressed upon me heart for the last month - words spoken in haste.

What does it mean to speak in haste?
The Hebrew word that is translated hasty in Proverbs 29:20 is a verb meaning “to press or urge”. Furthermore hasty in words means to speak pressingly or with urgency. I can say that there have been times in my life when I have spoken too hastily; I have said “I love you” before I should; I have given advice based on feelings; and I have lashed out in anger, frustration and hurt. In my life the following words of Spurgeon ring only too true:

"Hasty words are but for a moment on the tongue, but they often lie for years on the conscience."

Why do we, Christians, speak in haste?
I believe that it primarily has to do with the flesh - we are saved by God through Jesus and are therefore positionally “seated with Him in Heavenly places, in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6) yet conditionally we still sin. God sees us positionally righteous (praise the Lord!) yet while on this earth we must contend with the flesh. Hasty words are an expression of the flesh and should be hateful to us.

Galatians 5:16-18 says "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would. But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law." (RSV)

So, how do we stop speaking in haste?
There are two things, the second which builds upon the first:
First is to be walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). George Müller learned the secret of walking by the Spirit: meditate on the precious truths of the Word of God until your heart is happy in God, resting in his promises.
Secondly, James 1:19 says, "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." Being “slow to speak” is the exact opposite to speaking pressingly or with urgency. Practically speaking I believe its all about getting into the habit. Wait before you speak and consider the effects of what you are going to say. Then, if you don’t have anything to say that is constructive or edifying, don’t say anything at all!

Is this hard? Of course it is! Its war! We are warring against the flesh! Will you fail? Yes, you will fail, but don't loose heart, we have a faithful Lord who will not leave us or forsake us.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6)

The most important thing is to keep your heart with all diligence... read the Word, delight and rest in His promises, pray that God would do the work, have the glory and impart to us the strength to be a James 1:19 Christian.

Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life."