The Place to Be #64

Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Yesterday, we saw Paul's opening statement in this letter, commenting on how they - He, Timothy, and other fellow-workers - had heard of their faith, obedience, and love.  He continues now to let them know their prayer list for this church: first, that they would be filled with the knowledge and wisdom they would need to live as Christ-followers.  This would bring forth spiritual fruit in their lives which would please God, and, when invested, would bring even more spiritual growth.  They were also praying for God's strength to keep them going.  When they learned to tap into and rely on him, this would bring joy and thanksgiving as they saw God working in and through them.  What Paul and his team were praying for them was nothing less than a transformation not only of their individual lives, but at atmosphere and lifestyle where it is obvious Christ is King, and sin no longer rules and reigns.