Colossians 1:9-11 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

In his prayer we see that the Apostle Paul had high expectations for the Colossians. Paul is keeping the bar raised high. He believes that God will give wisdom to and empowerment to the people to live up to these expectations. Paul’s trust is in God. He has seen God work miracles in people’s lives. God can take a person who is a mess and turn him into a messenger for God.

What are your expectations for yourself? Are you setting the bar too low? Let’s break up the verses and think about how we might allow God to work these out in our lives.

·        Knowledge

·        Wisdom

·        Spiritual understanding

·        Walking worthy

·        Pleasing

·        Fruitful

·        Increasing in the knowledge of God

·        Strengthened with all might

·        Patient

·        Longsuffering

·        Maintaining a joyful demeanor

 Wow! This is quite a list! However, these are attainable in God’s power. The Apostle Paul will give some admonitions to the Colossians that will help them to meet these expectations. One great example is Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry