Colossians: Alive In Christ Paraugs

There are obviously seasons when believers and churches become dry, weary and fed up. There are times when our faith feels weak and our future spiritual state might look a bit shaky. It may be a mild comfort, then, to know that this is nothing new! Paul is praying here for the Colossian church that they might have power. Presumably, he only prays that because he knows how weak and wavering they might have become. We need this prayer as well – to be ‘strengthened with all power’ from God’s might (v. 11). Realistically, how can we survive without it? How can your church survive without it? This is how we get the endurance, patience, joy and gratitude Paul is talking about (vv. 11–12). These qualities aren’t in-built into us and they’re not easy things to keep hold of in a discouraging world. We need God’s power to be happy, grateful believers, and to get power, we have to pray!

As Paul prays in verse 12, he can’t help but look up to how God has saved us. Paul is a deeply thankful man. He knows that the only reason we can stand as one of God’s people is God’s work for us. Notice that God is the one doing everything here in these verses. He has 'qualified', 'delivered' and 'transferred' (vv. 12–13, ESV) us. In other words, you and I haven’t earned our spiritual qualifications, or delivered ourselves, or signed up for a transfer, but it’s all God's work from start to finish.

This work, though, is always done through Jesus Christ (vv. 13–14). A new kingdom life, liberation and forgiveness are yours today because God has rescued you through his much-loved Son. Christ is the magnet that Paul keeps being drawn back to because all of God’s blessings come through him. 

Reflection

1. What kind of strength or power do you need to pray for today? Are there others who are weak who need your prayers? 

2. What difference does it make to your discipleship that it’s the Father who has saved you, and not you? 

3. What does life in the kingdom of the Son look like?