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[b] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
Paul’s prayer for believers provides concrete instruction on how we are to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. He uses. 4 phrases to illustrate this truth. (1) “bearing fruit,” (v. 10), “growing”, (v. 10), “being strengthened”, (v. 11), and “giving thanks” (v. 12). These are practical steps in the process of fulfilling God’s will for our lives.
We Are Called to Good Works (Col. 1:10). The phrase “bearing fruit” speaks to the work of spreading the gospel throughout the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). Genuine faith produces good works (James 2:14-26). As Paul tells Titus in Titus 2:14-15, we are redeemed to be a people who are zealous for good work.
We Are Called to Go Deep (Col. 1:10). Fulfilling what the Lord desires for us includes “growing in the grace and knowledge of God.” Believers must seek to develop a deepening knowledge of God and His Word. Some ways that we grow in the knowledge of Him include spending time in prayer, personal bible study, and faithful obedience. Jesus said, “if you love Me, Keep My commandments.” We can never work to be saved, but rather, we work because we are saved.
We Are Called to Grow Strong (Col. 1:11). We must realize that we cannot accomplish all that God wants for us by our own actions, apart from the Lord’s help. We must always depend and lean on His strength. Paul talks about endurance and patience, attributes that many of us are lacking in. But he also uses the word “joy” in this passage. We must realize that that it is only by the lord’s might and strength that we can accomplish this goal. Praise God that He is always with us. He is with us on the mountaintop and in the valley of despair. He reminds us that we are not immune from the afflictions of this life (John 16:33; 2 Tim 3:12). The words of James in James 5:7-8, “ Be patient, therefore, brothers,[a] until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” will help us achieve this goal.
We Are Called to Give Thanks (Col. 1:12). Christians should always be a thankful people. This passage concludes the introductory section of prayers for the Colossian Christians. “Giving thanks” epitomizes the joyful and grateful hearts that Christians should have as we seek to live devoted lives to the Lord of Glory! Being a thankful people is an essential attribute of being a Christian. Let’s always be found each day living as thankful people and exhibiting that in our day-to-day pilgrimage For the Lord Jesus!