PAUL'S PRAYER & DESIRE FOR CHRISTIANS

COLOSSIANS 1:9-11

Jesus said, For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Paul's heart for the lost echoed that of the Saviour's. Paul said in Romans 10, Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. But Paul's heart for the saved also echoed the heart of the Saviour for the saved. Jesus said, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. This wish for the abundant spiritual life is exactly what Paul's prayer and desire for Christians expresses.

When Paul says in verse 9 "since the day we heard it" he is referring back to verse 4, "Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus" His prayer for these Colossians had changed from "save them" to "help them mature spiritually." They didn't need another spiritual experience, they needed to grow in the one they already had.

He wanted these new believers to have three things.

I. SUPER-KNOWLEDGE [V. 9] More than just knowledge, full knowledge.

1. Of God's Will

Paul knew what God wanted him to to do. In Acts 22 he gave his testimony, And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man ...Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

In Eph. 5 he tells us, See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

2. In all wisdom (grasping spiritual truth)

How do we do that? Through the Word of God as led by the Spirit of God. I Cor. 2:6-14

Is. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

II Tm. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

3. In spiritual understanding (correct application of spiritual truth)

One might read about the Heimlech maneuver without knowing how to apply it.

II. SUPER-DEEDS [V. 10] "WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD"

1. Unto all pleasing (to God)

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? [Amos 3:3]

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [I Jn. 1]

2. Being fruitful (among others)

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. Rm. 1:13

3. Increasing in knowledge (themselves)

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. II Pet. 3:18

III. SUPER-STRENGTH [V. 11]

Strengthened with all might(dunamis, inherent power), according to his glorious power (kratos, manifested power, power that is put forth in action)

1. Unto all patience -enables us to remain steady in adverse situations

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:11

2. Long-suffering (wrath that is put away) -enables us to put up with people who give us a hard time Ex.= Joseph

3. With joyfulness (Phil. 4:4)