“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossian 1:9-12)

When we first read Paul’s encouragement to the church at Thessalonica, we wonder how can we “pray continually”? (1 Thessalonians 5:17) In the model prayer, Jesus tells us to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10) Too often we use this model prayer, not as a guide but as Jesus warned us against, “vain repetitions.” (Matthew 5:7 KJV) The prayer focuses on the reality of our prayers being continually on the Kingdom of God and God’s work in all of us individually and corporately. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14)

When Paul writes to the church in Colosse, he tells them he has not stopped praying for them. The focus of Paul’s prayer is the Kingdom of God. The prayer begins with Paul asking for both knowledge and wisdom which God provides through the Holy Spirit. In Proverbs it says, “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:1-6) This type of knowledge and wisdom comes to us through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul said, “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3)

Knowledge and wisdom is to be developed in our lives in order for us to live worthy of the new life we have in Jesus Christ, which will be pleasing to our Lord.  When Paul saw this happening in the church at Thessalonica, he said to them, “we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1)

Paul would address three ways that the church could view their growth and continue to ask God to mature them in the faith. They would be bearing fruit. Jesus has said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5 ESV) The fruit growing in the lives of believers shows itself through their “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

They were to be growing in their knowledge of God. Growing in our knowledge of God begins as we are renewed from our old ways of life. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. . .. put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:2-5, 10) Peter would conclude his second letter by saying, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

They would be filled with thanksgiving. Their lives would be expressions of their gratitude to God. Knowing what God has done to bring and to offer life through Jesus Christ, the wonder of His love filled their lives.  As He moves in their hearts, there is a filling of gratitude. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

When we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and are a part of the Kingdom of God, we know why we are called to “pray continually.” It is because the work of the Kingdom in our lives is through our actions, attitudes, and relationships. When we pray, God answers and He is able to express to the world “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block