Praying through Colossians | Colossians 1 and 2

Summary

After a short season away, TA shared several ways the Lord met him while praying through Colossians this summer. Rather than picking back up in the book of Acts, he invited us into what God had been shaping in his own heart. This message centered on finding our identity and purpose in Jesus, remaining rooted in the gospel, and pursuing an everyday relationship with Christ that is marked by gratitude, dependence, and prayer.

Key Takeaways

• Remember who you are by the will of God. Paul begins Colossians by reminding his readers of who he is by God's will (Colossians 1:1). Taking time to remember who we are in Christ cultivates gratitude instead of comparison, discouragement, or resentment.
• Thank God for the work he is already doing in others. Like Paul in Colossians 1:2-5, we should thank God for the faith and love we see in fellow followers of Jesus. It's easy to focus on what still needs to change, but gratitude helps us recognize God's ongoing work in his people.
• Jesus is the point of everything. Colossians 1:15-20 reminds us that all things were created through Jesus and for Jesus. Every part of life finds its meaning in him, and he deserves first place in every area of our lives.
• Keep returning to the gospel. When Paul reminds believers that they have been reconciled through Christ (Colossians 1:21-23), he also calls them to remain stable and steadfast in the gospel. We never outgrow our need to preach the gospel to ourselves. It is the source of our peace, confidence, and security in Christ.
• Hold fast to Jesus, not spiritual performance. The false teachers in Colossae suggested believers needed more than Jesus. We can easily believe intimacy with God depends on getting our spiritual routines "right." Colossians 2 reminds us that growth comes from holding fast to Christ, not from adding requirements he never gave us.
• Enjoy daily fellowship with Jesus. Jesus invites us to walk with him throughout the day, not only during extended quiet times (Matthew 11:28-30). A healthy rhythm with the Lord includes seeking his presence through Scripture, praying, and remaining attentive to his leading wherever the day takes us.

Here is one helpful way to structure your quiet time with the Lord:

• Seek his presence: Begin by sitting quietly and making yourself aware that God is with you and in you.
• Seek his face and forgiveness: Worship him for who he is and ask him to reveal any sin you need to confess and repent of.
• Seek his voice: Read Scripture slowly and listen for what God wants to show you through his Word.
• Seek his heart: Pray through what you've read, asking God to align your heart with his.
• Seek his hand: Ask God for his favor on behalf of your family, friends, church, and unbelievers.
• Seek his whisper: Listen and ask the Holy Spirit if there is anything else he wants you to know or do.

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• When you think about who you are by the will of God, what fills you with gratitude? Where are you tempted toward comparison, discouragement, or resentment?
• TA shared that he realized he wasn't thanking God enough for the people around him. Who has God used in your life recently that you can thank him for this week?
• Colossians says everything was created through Jesus and for Jesus. What part of your life most needs to be recentered around him right now?
• How would you describe your time with Jesus these days? Is it marked more by joy or obligation?
• What is one practical step you can take this week to enjoy his presence throughout your day?
• Paul calls us to be "watchful" in prayer. Who or what has God placed on your heart to pray for intentionally this week?