Tuesday, September 1, 2015

A Hope and A Future

Colossians 1:4-6 - ...since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth...

Paul had been thanking God for these brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae previous to this. He knew what they had received. 

If one have receives Christ as Lord and Savior one has received the hope that is spoken of. And someone has also thanked God for what that person has received. They have heard and comprehended the very truth Paul is speaking of. Perhaps these persons are even sharing that truth...being fruitful and growing His kingdom through it all. 

Paul goes on to say he and other believers continued to pray: For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (Colossians‬ ‭1:9-12)

We need a daily filling of His knowledge for that spiritual wisdom and understanding that we may abide in and live in accordance with His will. It must be God's wisdom we receive. No one else can provide that wisdom and excellent hope. That comes from His Word. 

Finally Paul gives thanks for the strength only God gives to endure the life of joyful obedience and patience in Christ. He has given us this great inheritance, one that far exceeds what we have in this natural world. Here come the confirming words again from Ecclesiastes: All is vanity, a grasping for the wind. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter [of life]: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. (Ecclesiastes12:13)

He truly is an amazing God. Nothing is impossible with Him. What we absolutely can not imagine, He already knows. What trials we have might just be drawing us closer to Him because He knows the thoughts He has for us...for peace, not evil, for a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Paul reminded the Colossians that:

Colossians 1:13-14 - He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

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