Colossians 1 reminds me of the power of a sincere thank you. It is the simplest blessing we can offer. It turns our attention away from ourselves, yet we are uplifted as we lift up others. Todays lesson is about the power of praise. The apostle Paul is writing to the church in the tiny city of Colossae, a place he likely never visited. He begins, “We always thank God… when we pray for you”. And he adds the reason for his admiration. “We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all”. I am reminded that love is an action word. That means we joyfully do things for those we love without expecting reciprocation. Paul says that their devotion is inspiring. He is assured, “you have already heard the true message of the gospel”. The gospel message is that each of us are made worthy through the sacrifice of Christ. After embracing that understanding, we respond by extending mercy to others. Paul continues, “the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you”. Restoration through Christ will produce observable change in us. Paul knows there are many forces trying to undermine simple faith. For that reason, he adds, “we have not stopped praying for you. Paul prays specifically that God would fill them “with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives”. Knowledge of His will leads us to peace. Peace with God always leads to gratitude. This is my prayer for every single person struggling right now.
Paul suggests the best way to honor God is to “Live a life worthy of the Lord”. He is not suggesting that we become worthy though good works. Rather, he believes that a restored life should be “bearing fruit in every good work”. As we continue “growing in the knowledge of God” we are also “being strengthened”. Godly strength produces “endurance and patience, and… joyful thanks”. The most joyful people I know have risen out of sorrow. Paul declares, “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness”. Paul offers a ray of hope to those in pain. Through Christ “we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins”. The debt of our sin has been paid. We are set free. Spiritually God sees us as a totally new creation.
Paul offers a unique perspective to a self-centered world; “All things have been created through Him and for Him”. This is a sticking point to those that do not know God as a benevolent Father. Paul continues by exalting Christ; “He is the head of the body, the church”. The head of the church is not any man. We are too easily corrupted, so each of us must submit to a higher authority. The sacrifice of Christ is more than a symbol. It is a bridge reconciling mankind to God. Paul says, “making peace through His blood, shed on the cross”. Paul was like many of us; he was once at war with people of faith. He says of the folks in Colossae, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds”. Many are hostile to the church today. It is easy to project wrong motive onto someone’s action. Humility reminds us that Jesus willingly died in order “to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation”. Our trust is in the perfect work of Christ. Paul encourages them, “do not move from the hope held out in the gospel”. We cannot expect perfection in others, or ourselves. Paul closes with the commission God gave him “to present to you the Word of God”. Though it cost him his wealth, his health and his freedom, Paul says with joy, “God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches”. What is this thing Paul preached to the entire known world? “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. My friend, are you lacking contentment? Perhaps a sincere “thank you” to God will help remind you of the blessings in your life? There is power in praise to lift us out of despair.