15 January 2012
Truly Knowing the Grace of God (pt.2)
20/01/12 20:09 Filed in: bible study, grace, faith
In verse nine of chapter one Paul says that he has not stopped praying for them and that he continually asks. Here are two key principles! The first is ‘never stop praying’. Prayer makes a difference but we must persevere in prayer. James 5:16 states that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Then it goes on to reference Elijah. When he was praying for rain to come he prayed and looked to see if there were any results from his prayer. He didn’t stop praying because he couldn’t see anything happening but kept praying until a small cloud the size of a man’s fist appeared on the horizon. Prayer requires perseverance. So keep on asking, knocking and seeking!
But there is a second key to praying. Ask but ask specifically. Paul in this prayer for the Colossians was asking that they would be filled with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding the Spirit gives. Paul knew what he was asking for. Be specific and ask. James says you have not because you ask not. So ask and keep asking until you see the fulfilment of your prayers.
When our children were growing up, I constantly asked that they would grow in wisdom, in stature and in favour with God and with man, just as Jesus did as stated in Luke 2:52. I didn’t stop asking, because I knew that God would hear and answer my pray.
What is on your heart? We serve a great God and He is attentive to the voice of His people. So ask Him and believe for the impossible to be released in your midst.
But there is a second key to praying. Ask but ask specifically. Paul in this prayer for the Colossians was asking that they would be filled with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding the Spirit gives. Paul knew what he was asking for. Be specific and ask. James says you have not because you ask not. So ask and keep asking until you see the fulfilment of your prayers.
When our children were growing up, I constantly asked that they would grow in wisdom, in stature and in favour with God and with man, just as Jesus did as stated in Luke 2:52. I didn’t stop asking, because I knew that God would hear and answer my pray.
What is on your heart? We serve a great God and He is attentive to the voice of His people. So ask Him and believe for the impossible to be released in your midst.
Truly Knowing the Grace of God
18/01/12 18:49 Filed in: bible study, grace, faith
In Colossians chapter 1 Paul is giving thanks to God for the church that is growing in strength. He makes the statement that the gospel of Jesus Christ is bearing fruit and growing throughout the world and its all due to one thing found in verse 6, they truly understood God’s grace. In fact this letter was written because there were false teachers encouraging the church to worship angels and follow special rules, regulations and ceremonies.
This teaching is not confined to Paul’s days but even today the enemy is trying to add to the gospel. The truth is there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. That is why our faith has to be in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.
Verse twelve has a powerful statement that is worth writing on the tablet of your mind: He had qualified you! There is nothing that you have to do or could ever do that will make you more fit to share in the inheritance we have with Him. Only faith in Christ Jesus and the work he did for us on the cross enables us to receive our eternal reward that is stored up for us in heaven.
Paul is saying he gives thanks to God because of this truth. That faith springs eternal in our hearts and we in turn have a love for God’s people. All that because we know that we have been saved from the dominion of darkness and our destiny is in heaven. God is the one that has qualified you, and that we receive by faith, so give thanks.
(Read chapter one and meditate on it while we share more thoughts on the chapter.)
This teaching is not confined to Paul’s days but even today the enemy is trying to add to the gospel. The truth is there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. That is why our faith has to be in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.
Verse twelve has a powerful statement that is worth writing on the tablet of your mind: He had qualified you! There is nothing that you have to do or could ever do that will make you more fit to share in the inheritance we have with Him. Only faith in Christ Jesus and the work he did for us on the cross enables us to receive our eternal reward that is stored up for us in heaven.
Paul is saying he gives thanks to God because of this truth. That faith springs eternal in our hearts and we in turn have a love for God’s people. All that because we know that we have been saved from the dominion of darkness and our destiny is in heaven. God is the one that has qualified you, and that we receive by faith, so give thanks.
(Read chapter one and meditate on it while we share more thoughts on the chapter.)
