Paul’s excitement for the faith the Colossians have displayed leads him directly to prayer. Paul’s concern is not merely their hearing of the gospel, but their growth in the knowledge of God’s will, spiritual wisdom, and understanding. His hope is that their knowledge and understanding of the gospel will lead them to a transformed life.
Christ’s people are called to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord we serve. Our lives should reflect His beauty, power, wisdom, and holiness, bringing glory to His name. Because He has transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, we behave as grateful citizens of the one true King and ruler of all.
Paul explains that this walk is not merely intellectual assent to the truth about God, but bearing fruit in the good works we accomplish in His name. Every day, our actions, our decisions, and our attitudes toward our circumstances point to the faith we securely have in Christ.
And yet, this is no anti-intellectualism. We are to continue growing in the knowledge of God, never ceasing to hear His voice, never tiring of hearing His commands, never growing stale in our desire to know Him more fully.
He strengthens us to endure, not with some begrudging toughness, but with patience and joy. The Christian life embodies the truth that there is a joy deeper than happiness. A joy that endures.
We endure with thanksgiving, for God our Father has qualified us as heirs and citizens of the kingdom of His beloved Son, Christ Jesus. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness, redeeming us and forgiving our sins.
We live with joy and patience, walking in a manner worthy of so great a Savior. Not by strength that comes from within ourselves, but by strength given to us through His love and grace.
We have been brought out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Let us walk as children of that light.
-steve