Col 1:1-23

Here’s that thankful man again – Paul is giving thanks for the churches he is writing to in Colossae. He is the most thankful writer in all antiquity, so there’s our first challenge. Be thankful! God is good.

Paul thanks God for their:

• Faith in Jesus;
• Love for the saints, i.e. each other;
• Hope stored up in heaven.

Why not make a list of all that you are thankful for in your household; your life group; the church, and the rest of your life.

Then Paul turns to what he is praying for them:

1. Knowledge of God’s will – specifically that they would have the wisdom of the Spirit and understanding. The purpose of that knowledge and wisdom is that they can live out what God has done in their lives – live a life worthy of the Lord – and bear fruit in good works and knowing  God.
2. Strengthened with power – according to God’s might – the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and created the heavens and the earth. He wants them strengthened with power to endure, to have patience with joy and to be thankful!

We can be thankful that we have been qualified by Jesus to receive a wonderful inheritance, v.12, and that we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son, Jesus. Praise God! Thank you Lord! More!

Andy Moyle