Putting Christ First: Thanksgiving & Prayer
Colossians 1:2b-12
Paul Gives Thanks (v. 2b-8)
- Paul starts with a standard greeting (v. 2b)
- Grace: Greek greeting
- Peace: Hebrew greeting
- Paul thanks God for the Church’s:
- Faith in Jesus (v. 4)
- “Faith that has Jesus Christ as its ultimate reference point” –Douglas Moo
- Love for God’s people (v. 4, 8)
- Based in the hope we have in God’s work in eternity (v. 4)
- And the Spirit at work in us now (v. 8)
- This message of hope is presented in the Gospel
- The truth about Jesus
- Which was brought to the Colossians by Epaphras
Paul’s Prayer (v. 9-12)
- He prays for the Church to have:
- Knowledge of God’s will
- So that we may live in a way that pleases God
- Doing good
- Growing to know* Him better
- Growing to rely on His strength more
- So that we may endure hardships with patience
- Being thankful
- Because of our understanding of what God has done and is doing for us through Christ
- We are now heirs with Christ
- Part of God’s family!
So What?
- Is our life defined by the truth of the Gospel?
- Are we living in a way that pleases God?
- Not through our strength
- But through a growing relationship with Jesus
Meditation Verse: Colossians 1:10