Seeking God's Will: Living a Fruitful Faith
Summary
### Summary
Praise the Lord, saints. Today, we delved into Paul's prayer for the Colossians, focusing on Colossians 1:9-14. Paul is excited about the Colossians because they are living out their faith in obedience to God's truth. This excitement stems from seeing their faith in action, which should prompt us to reflect on whether our lives would elicit the same excitement from Paul.
Paul's prayer is specific: he asks that the Colossians be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. This isn't just intellectual knowledge but a deep, spiritual understanding that guides our decisions and actions. Paul emphasizes that knowing God's will is crucial for living a life that is pleasing to Him. He challenges us to ask ourselves when we last prayed earnestly for God to reveal His will to us.
Paul also speaks about the importance of making decisions from a spiritual perspective rather than a human one. He shares a personal story about buying a car to illustrate how seeking God's will can lead to better outcomes. This story underscores the importance of aligning our desires with God's will, which brings blessings and avoids unnecessary troubles.
The passage continues with Paul praying that the Colossians walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. This growth in knowledge leads to spiritual maturity, characterized by a deeper love for God's Word, stronger faith, and greater love for others. Paul highlights that this process of sanctification is ongoing and should result in us reflecting the image of Christ more and more.
Paul also speaks about the power that comes from God, which strengthens us to endure difficult times. This power is limitless and available to every believer who submits to God's Word and Spirit. He emphasizes that our spiritual strength grows even as our physical bodies may weaken with age.
Finally, Paul reminds us that we have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God's beloved Son. This redemption and forgiveness of sins are through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Paul concludes by urging unbelievers to accept Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sins and to experience eternal redemption and life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living Out Our Faith: Paul is excited about the Colossians because they live out their faith in obedience to God's truth. This should prompt us to reflect on whether our lives would elicit the same excitement from Paul. Are we living in a way that demonstrates our faith and obedience to God's Word? [02:24]
2. Seeking God's Will: Knowing God's will is crucial for living a life that is pleasing to Him. Paul challenges us to ask ourselves when we last prayed earnestly for God to reveal His will to us. Without seeking His will, we cannot be serious about our faith. [06:58]
3. Spiritual Perspective in Decision-Making: Making decisions from a spiritual perspective rather than a human one leads to better outcomes. Paul shares a personal story to illustrate how seeking God's will can bring blessings and avoid unnecessary troubles. Aligning our desires with God's will is essential. [10:45]
4. Ongoing Spiritual Growth: Paul emphasizes the importance of growing in the knowledge of God, which leads to spiritual maturity. This growth is characterized by a deeper love for God's Word, stronger faith, and greater love for others. The process of sanctification should result in us reflecting the image of Christ more and more. [23:04]
5. Redemption and Forgiveness: We have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God's beloved Son. This redemption and forgiveness of sins are through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Accepting Christ's sacrifice is essential for experiencing eternal redemption and life. [34:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:14] - Introduction to Paul's Prayer
[02:24] - Living Out Our Faith
[03:39] - Reading the Scripture Passage
[05:31] - Specificity in Paul's Prayer
[06:58] - Seeking God's Will
[08:14] - Spiritual Perspective in Decision-Making
[09:26] - Trusting God in Decisions
[10:45] - Personal Story: Buying a Car
[12:34] - God's Will in Everyday Life
[14:08] - Blessings from Obedience
[15:42] - Relationship with God's Will
[17:14] - Walking Worthy of the Lord
[23:04] - Ongoing Spiritual Growth
[25:25] - Strengthened by God's Power
[31:52] - Qualified for the Inheritance
[33:17] - Delivered from Darkness
[34:56] - Redemption and Forgiveness
[36:36] - Call to Salvation and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 1:9-14
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific things does Paul pray for the Colossians in Colossians 1:9-14?
2. According to the sermon, why is Paul excited about the Colossians? [02:24]
3. How does Paul describe the knowledge he wants the Colossians to be filled with? [05:31]
4. What personal story does the pastor share to illustrate making decisions from a spiritual perspective? [10:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of being filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding? [05:31]
2. How does seeking God's will in decision-making lead to better outcomes, according to the pastor's personal story? [10:45]
3. What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and how does this relate to bearing fruit in every good work? [17:14]
4. How does Paul describe the power that comes from God and its effect on believers? [25:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are you living in a way that would excite Paul about your faith and obedience to God's Word? Why or why not? [02:24]
2. When was the last time you prayed earnestly for God to reveal His will to you? How can you make this a regular part of your prayer life? [06:58]
3. Think of a recent decision you made. Did you seek God's will in that decision? How might the outcome have been different if you had? [10:45]
4. In what ways can you grow in the knowledge of God to achieve spiritual maturity? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [23:04]
5. How can you rely on God's power to endure difficult times? Share a recent experience where you felt strengthened by God. [25:25]
6. Reflect on the redemption and forgiveness you have received through Jesus Christ. How does this truth impact your daily life and interactions with others? [34:56]
7. Identify one area of your life where you need to align your desires with God's will. What steps will you take to seek His guidance in this area? [14:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Living Out Our Faith
Paul's excitement about the Colossians stems from their active demonstration of faith and obedience to God's truth. This should prompt us to reflect on whether our lives would elicit the same excitement from Paul. Are we living in a way that demonstrates our faith and obedience to God's Word? Living out our faith means that our actions, decisions, and interactions with others are visibly influenced by our relationship with Christ. It is not enough to merely profess faith; it must be evident in our daily lives. This reflection challenges us to examine our own lives and consider if we are truly embodying the principles of our faith in a way that would make Paul, or any spiritual mentor, proud.
Paul's prayer for the Colossians is a reminder that our faith should be active and visible. It is a call to self-examination and a challenge to live in a manner that reflects our commitment to Christ. Are we living in a way that others can see our faith in action? Are we obedient to God's truth in our daily lives? These are questions we must ask ourselves regularly to ensure that our faith is not just a private belief but a public testimony. [02:24]
Colossians 1:10 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Are there specific areas in your life where your actions do not align with your professed faith? How can you begin to change that today?
Day 2: Seeking God's Will
Knowing God's will is crucial for living a life that is pleasing to Him. Paul challenges us to ask ourselves when we last prayed earnestly for God to reveal His will to us. Without seeking His will, we cannot be serious about our faith. Seeking God's will involves more than just asking for guidance in major life decisions; it means continually seeking His direction in our daily lives. It requires a heart that is open to His leading and a willingness to submit our desires to His plans.
Paul's prayer for the Colossians emphasizes the importance of being filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. This deep, spiritual understanding should guide our decisions and actions. When we earnestly seek God's will, we align our lives with His purposes, leading to a life that is pleasing to Him. This process requires regular prayer, meditation on His Word, and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading. [06:58]
Ephesians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
Reflection: When was the last time you earnestly prayed for God to reveal His will to you? How can you make seeking His will a regular part of your daily routine?
Day 3: Spiritual Perspective in Decision-Making
Making decisions from a spiritual perspective rather than a human one leads to better outcomes. Paul shares a personal story to illustrate how seeking God's will can bring blessings and avoid unnecessary troubles. Aligning our desires with God's will is essential. When we make decisions based on our own understanding, we often miss out on God's best for us. However, when we seek His guidance and align our desires with His will, we experience His blessings and avoid unnecessary troubles.
Paul's personal story about buying a car illustrates the importance of seeking God's will in our decisions. By aligning our desires with God's will, we can make choices that lead to better outcomes and avoid unnecessary difficulties. This principle applies to all areas of our lives, from major life decisions to everyday choices. Seeking God's perspective helps us to see beyond our limited understanding and trust in His perfect plan for our lives. [10:45]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. Did you seek God's will in that decision? How might the outcome have been different if you had?
Day 4: Ongoing Spiritual Growth
Paul emphasizes the importance of growing in the knowledge of God, which leads to spiritual maturity. This growth is characterized by a deeper love for God's Word, stronger faith, and greater love for others. The process of sanctification should result in us reflecting the image of Christ more and more. Spiritual growth is an ongoing process that requires intentional effort and commitment. It involves regular study of God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
As we grow in our knowledge of God, we become more like Christ in our character and actions. This growth leads to spiritual maturity, which is evidenced by a deeper love for God's Word, stronger faith, and greater love for others. Paul encourages us to continually seek to grow in our relationship with God, allowing His Spirit to transform us into the image of Christ. This process of sanctification is ongoing and requires our active participation. [23:04]
2 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to grow in your knowledge of God and become more like Christ in your daily life?
Day 5: Redemption and Forgiveness
We have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God's beloved Son. This redemption and forgiveness of sins are through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Accepting Christ's sacrifice is essential for experiencing eternal redemption and life. Redemption and forgiveness are central to the Christian faith. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are delivered from the power of sin and darkness and brought into the kingdom of God.
Paul reminds us of the incredible gift of redemption and forgiveness that we have received through Christ. This gift is not something we can earn; it is freely given through the atoning blood of Jesus. Accepting Christ's sacrifice is essential for experiencing eternal redemption and life. This truth should fill us with gratitude and motivate us to share the message of salvation with others. [34:56]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: Have you fully accepted the redemption and forgiveness offered through Christ? How can you share this message of salvation with someone in your life today?
Quotes
1. "As saints, these are things that we ought to be praising God for and thanking him for every single day. And you'll find that throughout today's message, how that should be our focus. And that was the focus of Paul's message to the people at Colossae. We're in week two of the series titled Jesus Plus Nothing. And it's from the book of Colossians. And the sermon title is Paul's Prayer. For Colossae. And we're in Colossians 1, verses 9 through 14." [01:14] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If Paul were to look at your life study your behavior, paying attention to your works and your deeds, would he be excited by that? And that's a question we should all ask ourselves. Would he be pleased that that message that he taught, the message that he took to the nations, is that message alive and functioning mightily in your life? Or would he be confused? Why? It's not. It's not producing what it should." [02:24] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When was the last time that you prayed diligently and fervently and earnestly that God revealed to you his will? That you said to him, tell me this day what you want me to do. How can I serve you? What is it that I can do? Being led by your spirit. To honor you. bring you glory. To live a life that is praiseworthy. When was the last time we asked ourselves that?" [06:58] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Whenever we're left to ourselves. Regardless of whether it's the area of business, personal relationships, marriage, raising children, buying a house, buying a car, whatever. Whatever it may be. If we make our decision based upon a human standpoint. It will most always be. The wrong decision. If we make our decisions from a human standpoint rather than by godly wisdom. How can we possibly make the best decisions? We're not all knowing. We're not infinitely wise. We don't know the future." [09:26] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Therefore. Our decisions, no matter what area of life it connects to, we need to make them from a spiritual point of view. And that's only possible when we have spiritual understanding. I can recall a time 12 years ago I had to get a new car and I kept telling myself I had this car in mind that I wanted to get. I was probably going through a midlife crisis at 30. Some of you caught that." [10:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Understand this that there's a relationship to this to to being committed to the will of God and having spiritual understanding if the will of God doesn't interest you and you're not thinking about it you're not thinking about it you're not thinking about it you're not thinking about obeying him and seeking his purposes and his plans you will not have spiritual perspective and spiritual understanding but if we're going to live a life that's going to have true joy in it that is going to be praiseworthy and pleasing to God and be of substance and be of significance and of meaning that we must be committed to the will of God amen amen amen" [15:42] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. 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