Colossians: Alive In Christ Sample

In 1:3 we’re told that Paul prays for the Colossians, and here in these verses we’re told how and what Paul actually prays for them. Firstly, he has confidence when he prays for them because of all that he has heard about them (v.9) – the gospel’s power has already been working in them to produce faith, hope and love. Notice how Paul prays for them not because they’re not bearing fruit, but because they are bearing fruit. That spurs him on in confident praying!  

Secondly, we can learn a lot here for our prayer lives from what Paul prioritises in his prayers for the believers in Colossae. His continual prayer has been full of requests that they might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will (v. 9; see also 2:9–10). We might be tempted to think that this is about prayer for their guidance in specific situations of life, but actually it’s bigger than that. It’s about grasping how central Jesus Christ is in God’s plan (look ahead to 1:15–20; 2:2–3 and Eph. 1:9–10). Wisdom and understanding here are really about knowing God’s plan for the world – which is, in essence, to put everything under Jesus Christ. Here’s a new priority for our prayer lives: to get a good understanding of God’s plans to exalt Christ over the whole world!

The result of this knowledge of Christ is a changed life (v. 10). Knowing Christ always brings practical changes to how we live. The changed life is described in a number of ways as a worthy life, pleasing Christ, bearing fruit (cf. 1:6) and increasing in the knowledge of God. This is what we’re moving towards as a result of knowing Christ. So, if you want to see your life changed, keep asking God to show you how important Jesus Christ is. As we get a bigger grasp of who he is, changes will inevitably result in our day-to-day living. 

Reflection

1. What are the things you really long for and desire at the moment? What has been filling your prayers?

2. How would you summarise God's purpose through Christ (Eph. 1:9-10)?