Bible Thoughts September 19, 1999
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to
pray and make request for you"(Colossians 1:9).
The apostle Paul knew the value of prayer. He was concerned about the brethren in every place and prayed for those who follow Jesus Christ. Epaphras had informed Paul of the love that was evident in the Colossian church(v. 8). From the day that Paul heard about their devotion, he did not cease to pray for them as well as the other churches of his day.
What did Paul pray? What kind of requests did he make for this congregation? Are we to pray for those things Paul requested? Is his example to be followed in our age? Please consider what Paul prayed for in regard to Colosse.
Paul prayed for them to be filled with knowledge(v. 9). His desire was for them to know the word of God. Paul knew that when one is full of God's word, that person will seek to follow the truth. Knowledge in other fields may be important, but it is imperative that Christians be filled with the knowledge of Christ's will.
Paul prayed for them to walk worthily of the Lord(v. 10). This is the result of the application of knowledge. As a disciple learns the will of Christ, the behavior of that disciple will reflect the teachings of the Son of God. They could not, nor can we, walk worthily(in a manner acceptable) of the gospel unless we study and grow in the faith. Does not wearing the name of Christ imply that one walks as Christ would have us walk? Paul prayed they would so walk and we should pray that all of us walk by that rule(Philippians 3:16).
Paul prayed for them to bear fruit in every good work(v. 10). Fruit bearing is the result of faithfulness. The fruitborne is to reflect "every good work." Paul desired they be productive in the work of the Lord. We also should pray that we be productive, other saints be productive, and the local church be productive. Fruit will be borne in due season.
Paul prayed for them to increase in the knowledge of God(v. 10). Learning and digesting the truths of God's word is a lifetime pursuit. So long as one has the mental capacity, one never reaches the point that learning cannot take place. The effort may be more difficult at certain stages of life, but all can "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"(II Peter 3:18). Each of us should pray for our own growth as well as the growth of others.
Paul prayed for them to be strengthened with all power(v. 11). As one increases in knowledge, there is an increase in power since power is knowledge. Paul was a powerful preacher, not because of his physical stature or speech, but because of his knowledge and application of the gospel. Christians are powerful today by the strength of their faith in the word of God. Paul so stated in Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." One can only be powerful when the power comes from the inspired word of God. That power will bring "patience and long-suffering with joy."
Paul prayed for them to be giving thanks unto the Father (v. 12). Paul was thankful; the Colossians should also express thanks for all of the blessings and opportunities that God granted unto them. A Christian can never be thankful enough. The many physical blessings come from the Lord; the many spiritual blessings come from the Lord. Acknowledging that all comes from Jehovah increases the trust we have in the giver of every perfect gift.
The apostle Paul knew the power of prayer. He wanted the Colossians to also recognize and use that power. He prayed for them; they could now pray for others. Let us pray for ourselves; let us pray for others. Be thankful for all spiritual blessings; be thankful for all physical blessings. Always acknowledge that all blessings do come from God and without his mercies, we would not have even a morsel of food to eat.
Paul did not cease to pray for the brethren in Colosse; let us not cease to pray for the brethren of our time.