Walking in Faith: Embracing Obedience and Spiritual Growth
Summary
Today’s gathering was a celebration of new life and spiritual growth, marked by the baptism of Evie Wolfe—a beautiful reminder of how faithfulness in one generation can inspire the next. The journey of obedience, as seen in Evie and her father Justin, set the stage for reflecting on what it means to walk in the will of God. Drawing from Colossians 1:9-14, the focus was on breaking through the “prayer barrier” that so many of us experience: that sense of distance, distraction, or spiritual frustration when we try to connect with God.
Paul’s prayer for the Colossian church, a church he had never visited, is a model for us all. He prays not for specific needs, but for spiritual depth: that believers would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, with all spiritual wisdom and understanding. This is not about seeking God’s will for the distant future, but about obeying what He has already revealed in His Word today. The challenge is not ignorance, but obedience—God reveals more of Himself as we walk in what we already know.
The Christian life is described as a walk, not a one-time event. It’s a daily journey of steps, each one meant to be pleasing to the Lord. Too often, we settle for “fire insurance”—a faith that saves but does not transform. But Paul’s prayer calls us to a life that bears fruit: Christlike character, conduct, and converts. This fruitfulness is not manufactured by our own effort, but is the natural result of abiding in Christ and growing in the knowledge of God.
Yet, this walk is not easy. We need God’s power, endurance, and patience—especially in a world that often opposes the things of God. The promise is that God never calls us to something He will not empower us to do. Even in the face of difficult people and problems, our response should be marked by joy and gratitude, not bitterness or defeat. Ultimately, we are reminded of our inheritance in Christ: delivered from darkness, transferred into the kingdom of the Son, redeemed and forgiven. This is the foundation for a life of worship, gratitude, and bold prayer.
Key Takeaways
- Obedience to God’s Revealed Will Unlocks Deeper Understanding
The greatest barrier to spiritual growth is not a lack of knowledge, but a reluctance to obey what God has already shown us. As we yield to His will in the small, daily things, God entrusts us with greater wisdom and understanding. True spiritual progress is sequential—obedience today opens the door to revelation tomorrow. [40:23]
- The Christian Life Is a Walk, Not a Destination
Faith is not a static possession but a dynamic journey. Each step—every word, action, and decision—should be taken with the aim of pleasing Christ. Stagnation is a sign of spiritual drift; continual movement toward Christlikeness is the mark of genuine faith. [47:46]
- Fruitfulness Flows from Abiding, Not Striving
We are not called to manufacture spiritual fruit by our own effort, but to bear it as we abide in Christ. The more intimately we know God, the more naturally we will love, serve, and witness for Him. Start with small acts of service and let God multiply the impact. [51:09]
- God’s Power Is Sufficient for Every Challenge—Big or Small
The Christian life cannot be lived in our own strength. God provides the power, endurance, and patience needed to face both difficult circumstances and difficult people. Our witness is often most powerful in how we respond to adversity—with joy, gratitude, and steadfastness. [01:02:54]
- Gratitude and Worship Are the Foundation of Resilient Faith
No matter the trials we face, our joy and thankfulness should remain rooted in what Christ has done: delivering us from darkness, granting us an eternal inheritance, and making us children of God. This perspective transforms our prayers from desperate pleas to confident praise, knowing that God has already secured the victory. [01:04:34]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[26:30] - Baptism of Evie Wolfe
[28:47] - Announcements and Church Family Updates
[31:00] - Breaking the Prayer Barrier: The Sound Barrier Analogy
[33:30] - Paul’s Prison Prayers: Context and Introduction
[35:30] - Reading Colossians 1:9-14
[36:34] - The Importance of Praying Scripture
[38:48] - Being Controlled by the Will of God
[40:23] - Obedience and Spiritual Growth
[41:44] - Wisdom vs. Knowledge
[42:49] - Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth
[47:46] - The Christian Life as a Walk
[49:52] - The Problem of Hypocrisy and Nominal Christianity
[51:09] - Bearing Fruit and Serving Others
[01:02:54] - God’s Power, Endurance, and Patience
[01:04:34] - Gratitude, Worship, and the Invitation
[01:06:47] - New Member Welcome and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
Colossians 1:9-14 (ESV)
> 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; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 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.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-14, what are the main things he asks God to give the Colossian believers?
2. In the sermon, what was the difference between “knowledge” and “wisdom” as explained by the pastor? ([41:44])
3. What does the pastor say is the biggest barrier to spiritual growth for most Christians? ([40:23])
4. How does Paul describe the Christian life in these verses? What word-picture does he use? ([47:46])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul focus on praying for spiritual depth and obedience, rather than just specific needs or problems? What does this reveal about his priorities for the church? ([36:34])
2. The pastor said, “The greatest barrier to spiritual growth is not a lack of knowledge, but a reluctance to obey what God has already shown us.” Why do you think obedience is so hard, even when we know what God wants? ([40:23])
3. The Christian life is described as a “walk” and not a one-time event. What does this mean for how we approach our faith day-to-day? ([47:46])
4. According to the sermon, how does fruitfulness in the Christian life actually happen? Is it something we manufacture, or something else? ([51:09])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor challenged us to obey what we already know from God’s Word before expecting Him to reveal more. Is there something you already know God wants you to do, but you’ve been putting it off? What’s holding you back? ([40:23])
2. Think about your daily walk with God. Are there areas where you feel stagnant or “stuck”? What is one small step you could take this week to move forward in your faith? ([47:46])
3. The sermon encouraged starting with small acts of service as a way to bear fruit. What is one simple act of service you could do for someone in your church or neighborhood this week? ([51:09])
4. The pastor said that God’s power is available for both big and small challenges. Is there a situation or relationship in your life right now where you need God’s endurance or patience? How can you ask Him for help with that specifically? ([01:02:54])
5. When facing difficult people or problems, the sermon said our response should be marked by joy and gratitude, not bitterness or defeat. Think of a recent challenge—how did you respond? How could you respond differently next time? ([01:04:34])
6. The sermon talked about keeping a gratitude journal. What are three things you can thank God for today, even if your week has been hard? ([01:04:34])
7. The pastor reminded us that our inheritance in Christ is secure—we are delivered, redeemed, and forgiven. How does remembering this truth change the way you pray or face your daily struggles? ([01:04:34])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person walk in obedience, bear fruit, and live with gratitude and joy this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Be Directed by the Will of God
To live a life that pleases God, it is essential to seek and be filled with the knowledge of His will, allowing His wisdom and understanding to guide every decision and action. When believers pursue God’s will as revealed in His Word, they find that every other area of life falls into place, and they are empowered to walk in obedience and faithfulness. The will of God is not a distant mystery but a daily calling to obey what He has already revealed, trusting that as we yield to Him, He will continue to guide and reveal more. The safest and most fulfilling place to be is within the will of God, and as we are controlled by His Spirit, we experience true spiritual growth and direction. [38:48]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you know God’s will but have hesitated to obey? What step of obedience can you take today to align yourself with His revealed will?
Day 2: Be Devoted in Your Walk with God
The Christian life is a journey, a daily walk that should reflect devotion to Christ in every step, word, and action. Rather than being stagnant or living with a “fire insurance” mentality, believers are called to live in a way that is fully pleasing to the Lord, bearing fruit and growing in their relationship with Him. Each day presents choices about which path to follow, and the world is watching to see if our walk matches our words. By focusing on pleasing Jesus above all else, we become living testimonies of His grace, encouraging others to return to Him and experience His love and restoration. [47:46]
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: Think about your daily routine—what is one habit or action you can change this week to ensure your walk is truly pleasing to Jesus and points others toward Him?
Day 3: Be Diligent in Your Work for God
God calls His people not only to know His will and walk with Him but also to serve diligently, relying on His power for endurance and patience. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in our own strength; God empowers us to face difficult problems and people with endurance and a long fuse, responding with joy and gratitude rather than bitterness. Our witness is often seen most clearly in how we handle adversity, and God’s Spirit enables us to serve with joy, even in the midst of trials. By keeping a heart of thankfulness and relying on God’s strength, we fulfill His purpose in our generation. [51:09]
Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV)
"Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."
Reflection: Write down three current challenges or difficult people in your life. How can you intentionally respond to each with endurance, patience, and gratitude through God’s power this week?
Day 4: Be Grateful in Your Worship of God
Gratitude is the natural response to understanding what God has done—He has delivered us from darkness, transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, and given us redemption and forgiveness. This inheritance is not just a future promise but a present reality, and believers are called to worship God with thankful hearts, rejoicing in His abundant grace. Even in the face of trials, remembering our identity and destiny in Christ fills us with joy and praise, breaking the barriers of fear and anxiety and anchoring us in hope. [01:02:54]
Colossians 1:12-14 (ESV)
"Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 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: Take a few moments to list three specific things God has done for you in Christ. How can you express your gratitude to Him in worship and in your interactions with others today?
Day 5: Break the Prayer Barrier and Rest in God’s Promise
Through Jesus, the ultimate barrier of sin has been broken, and believers have direct access to God in prayer, knowing He hears and answers according to His perfect will. Prayer is not just about asking for things but about becoming who God has called us to be—resting in His love, casting our cares on Him, and trusting in His victory. No matter the struggles or anxieties faced, God’s promise is that He is with us, sustaining us, and inviting us to deeper relationship and transformation. [01:04:34]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one barrier—fear, anxiety, or doubt—that has hindered your prayer life? How can you intentionally bring this to God in prayer today, trusting Him to break through and give you peace?
Quotes
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