Together in Christ: 'Thanksgiving and Assurance' — Colossians 3:9-10

Saturday, July 29, 2023

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
— Colossians 3:9-10 NLT

Key Thought

I love Paul's letter to the Colossians for several vital reasons:

  • He repeatedly exalts Jesus as the Messiah, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who created all things.
  • He had never visited Colosse and yet felt deep love and closeness to them. Plus, his words to them can also be his words for us since he has never been where we live!
  • He reminded them that their conversion rescued them from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son (Colossians 1:13). This happened because of their faith in the power of God and their participation in Jesus' death, burial, resurrection as they are baptized and raised into a new life (Colossians 2:12-13, 3:1-4).

Even though Paul had never been to Colosse, he was a great blessing to them (and to us) through his letter and his prayers for them. Our verse reminds us of the incredible power of praying for new believers and sharing that prayer with them. In his prayer, Paul gave thanks daily for them — and they needed to know that. Paul prayed to reassure them that they could grow in wisdom and understanding about Jesus as they lived to please the Lord and produce His good fruit in their lives. At the same time, Paul is also reminded them to continue to grow in their relationship with God.

Isn't this what we need to do for our newer brothers and sisters in Christ?

  • Pray.
  • Share that prayer.
  • Reassure them of their relationship with Jesus and growing in their understanding.
  • Encourage them to keep on growing in their relationship with God?

Yes, this is something we can do and something our new brothers and sisters in Christ need!

Today's Prayer

Father, we ask your forgiveness for not watching after new believers with more passion, concern, and love. We don't want the deceiver and evil one to separate one of these precious lambs in your flock from Your people. We don't want them discouraged or downhearted. So, dear Father, use me to be a loving friend to new believers as I pray for them, encourage them as they grow, and reassure them that they can and will grow in their knowledge and likeness to Jesus as they pursue Him as their Savior and Lord. Thank you for Paul's example of showing this loving concern for Your people. In Jesus' name, I pray and ask for this grace. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 1:13-14, 2:12-15, 3:1-4
  • Philippians 3:12-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Colossians 3:9-10 NLT — So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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