A note from our Pastor:

“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”

Colossians 1:11

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The thoughts in our study verse this week continue from the prior two verses. They continue as part of the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the saints at Colossae. In the prior verse, he stated a desire that they be faithful in good works. He also encouraged them to increase their knowledge of God.

The items prayed for in the prior verse were in the control of the disciples. Now, the Apostle prays for outcomes that are delivered by God but must be acted upon by the believer. First, he prays the saints would be strengthened by God. As they gain knowledge they would have perseverance to face the trials in front of them and continue to serve God.

The middle phrase of this verse is important. The Apostle says, “according to his glorious power” to indicate that what strength the disciple has to do the things of God is by the power of God. In other words, the Apostle was reinforcing the idea that a person is not able to face the trials of life by their power. No matter how faithful they are, no matter how much they learn of God, it is necessary to depend on God for strength.

To conclude the verse, the Apostle reminds the saints why they have the power of God. This power was not to rule over others. It was not to be successful in business and worldly endeavors. Those things might happen for some. But the power of God in the disciple is to face the trials and tribulations of life.

Patience in this verse can also be translated as endurance. The Apostle was praying that they would have the endurance to face the difficulties of life and still find joy in God. This is yet another item that cannot be accomplished without the Holy Spirit. The natural inclination in the face of suffering is to feel defeated and depressed. But the Apostle is praying these disciples, who will face difficulties, will turn back to the blessings of God and find joy.

These prayers were not just for the disciples at Colossae. They should be our continued prayers in every age for all of the disciples.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah