Colossians 1:9-11

Paul's Prayer for the Church at Colossae

From the time Paul heard of the love of the truth which the Colossian brethren possessed, Paul prayed without undue interval, or without ceasing, that they should be filled, or fully grown, in specific understanding of God's desire for them. He also prayed that God would give them the ability to apply it to their specific circumstances. Weed says the word "understanding means the critical judgment to distinguish between truth and falsehood."

He also prayed their knowledge would be translated into a way of life which was worthy of their high calling (compare Ephesians 4:1). A Christian life will be shown by the fruit of good works (Galatians 5:22-25). We cannot produce another Christian in and of ourselves but must plant the seed of God's word, water it with the truth of the gospel and wait for God to give the increase (Luke 8:11; 1 Corinthians 3:6). The fruit of good works shows the positive impact of the gospel and readies us for judgment (1 Peter 2:12-15; Romans 2:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The more good works we perform the more we will grow in the understanding of God's will (Hebrews 5:12-14).

When one practices the good works outlined in God's word, he is strengthened by His power, as contained in the word (Romans 1:16; John 14:23). God's power is so great that one strengthened according to His power is blessed beyond man's ability of description. When we have such power on our side, we can patiently face trials and suffer long with the failings of our brethren and they with ours (Romans 5:1-5; 1 Corinthians 13:4). We can even have an attitude of joy knowing our end if we remain faithful in His good works (Colossians 1:9-11; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Acts 16:22-25).