-Four Important Human Needs
Paul knew the situation of believers at Colosse and prayed regularly for their needs (Col. 1:9-14). We share these four needs as well – for spiritual insight, for a worthy life, for the power to endure, and for a thankful spirit – because they are common to all humanity.
1. Spiritual Insight
First, Paul asked that God would fill the Colossian believers with “the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9). He wanted them to know God’s will both individually and as a church. This knowledge is not that of the sinful nature, but is spiritual wisdom and understanding. Sinful wisdom focuses on material well-being. Godly wisdom focuses on heavenly treasures. It is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. It leads to “a harvest of righteousness” (Jas. 3:17-18).
We can know God’s will by submitting to Him (Jas. 4:7-8). Christ is the perfect example; He came to do the Father’s will. Likewise, our objective should be to know God’s will, and do it for the glory of God.
2. A Worthy Life
Paul prayed for their spiritual insight because it helps people to “live a life worthy of the Lord” and helps them to “please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work” (Col. 1:10). God wants us to please Him in all we say and do. When we follow our own will we become like the horse or the mule (Ps. 32:8-10). We either tend to want to move too quickly like the horse, or we are too stubborn to move at all like the mule. Either way we need a bit and bridle to guide us.
If we do not have certainty regarding God’s will, we will become discouraged as soon as difficulties arise. But if we are acting based on our knowing God’s will, we overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. The Power To Endure
Paul’s third request was that they be “strengthened with all power” according to God’s glorious might so that they could have great endurance and patience (Col. 1:11). The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual understanding and we are strengthened through the knowledge that the Lord’s glorious power is limitless. It is the power that enables the believer to endure trials with joy (Jas. 1:2-5,12). There is a motivation for endurance in addition to the crown of life.
Trials test our faith; the more our faith is exercised the more mature and Christ-like we become. As we submit to God’s purposes in times of testing, we discover a joy which the Holy Spirit gives.
4. A Thankful Spirit
Finally, Paul prayed that they may be thankful to God the Father for rescuing them from eternal judgment and for forgiving their sins (Col. 1:12-14). Christians should always be thankful; it is an important component in lives that are pleasing to God (Eph. 5:4,20; Phil. 4:6; Col. 2:7; 3:15-17; 4:2). May we never fail to express our gratitude to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the eternal kingdom of light.
While we share these four human needs with the Colossians and all humanity, the Bible teaches us that they are only truly met in Christ.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Scott Pattison is a research scientist involved in the search for a cure for cancer. He and his family are involved in a local church in Sydney, Australia.
With permission to publish by: Sam Hadley, Grace & Truth, 210 Chestnut St., Danville, IL., USA. Website: www.gtpress.org
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