“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed… it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
“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, 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.” Colossians 1:3-10
“Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
When Paul heard of the Colossians’ faith, he immediately turned to God with thanksgiving and expectancy. His heart was grateful for the encouragement of knowing that what he’d taught had taken hold and lit a fire of zealous obedience and service in the church. When they’d heard the gospel, they believed and were compelled to act, and so he beseeched the Lord that this vibrant faith would grow more and more, expressing itself in increasing knowledge, faithfulness, and spiritual fruitfulness.
Faith in Christ Jesus gives us new life lenses and motivations. Understanding God’s grace compels generous forgiveness for wrongs done to us. Knowing we’re adopted as His children engenders deep security, and love for our spiritual brothers and sisters. Gripped by His call to follow and serve inspires wholehearted devotion, excellence in work, and zealous ministry. Grasping His eternal plans opens the future with hope and excitement, honing broad and long perspective in pressing present circumstances. In all these ways we should be growing as we put expanding knowledge of His word into practice. (Matthew 4:19; Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:23)
How has the glorious gospel made its way into our impulses, daily outlook, and industry? Is our faith manifest so others can see it, are encouraged by it, and thank God for its expression? Are we increasing in patience, compassion, fortitude, kindness, self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23)
What are we doing to gain more knowledge of God’s truths and insight into His manner among men? What then do we do with that knowledge to affect the way we make decisions, speak, and treat others? Are we measurably more prayerful, more honorable, more gracious?
“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of your holy word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfil in us
All Your purposes, for Your glory.” ~Stuart Townend (2006)
Amen.
As the rain and snow 