Paul’s Highest Hopes for the Church in Colossians 1:9-12
Today, we’re going to study Colossians 1:9-12. As we study this passage, both verse-by-verse and as a whole, we’ll examine:
- How Paul prayed for when he prayed for a growing church in Colossae.
- Paul’s ideas about knowing God’s will
- What Paul has to say about how to be “fully pleasing” to God.
- And the rest of his hopes for this church and its people.
What’s Good for Colossae is Good for You and Me
We all care about understanding God’s will and living in a way that pleases God, right? In Colossians 1:9-12, Paul has some very clear, finite teaching he shares about what this looks like, how it happens, and how believers can understand – and as a result, grow in – these big fundamental spaces.
At the end, we’ll zoom out and take away some clear directions on things we can pursue and pray for in our own lives to be able to live into the ideals and ideas Paul lays out for the church at Colossae.
So, let’s get into it!
The Big Ideas and Helpful Highlights
First, let’s read the passage. Colossians 1:9–12 (NRSV) (Bold mine):
9For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. 11May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
How Studying Colossians 1:9-12 Helps You Read the Bible Better
In this passage, Paul expresses his prayers and (presumably) highest hopes for the Colossians. His words reveal what Paul valued and emphasized in the pursuit of Christ in our lives. These verses show us the essence of (at least some) ideas that are key and central in our own lives of faith.
This understanding helps us reflect upon our own lives and aims; it also frames the rest of what Paul wrote to the Colossians. When we remember to consider this initial framework for the book, we will read various passages with more clarity and better understanding.
How to Learn Even More as You Read
As you read more of Colossians, use my FREE Guide, “5 Practices for Engaging Bible Study.” These flexible and simple practices will teach you new ways to engage and study as you read and study on your own. Sign up to download this valuable FREE resource below!
Watch for other exploration of the themes of Colossians in my Instagram and other social media feeds. I promise there’s more to learn! Links are below.