A Study of Colossians 1:10-14

A Study of Colossians 1:10-14. This study addresses the results of a Godly lifestyle, how you’re strengthened and qualified by God, and you’re delivered, redeemed, and forgiven.

A Study of Colossians 1:10-14. The results of a Godly lifestyle

Christ-followers are not perfect because we still sin. And yet, the life of a Christ-follower should be distinctly separate from the culture. Paul prayed in V.9 for the Colossian church to know God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And he explains why in V.10.

V.10 So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord…

The Greek word for “walk” is pĕripatĕō and literally means to walk around. But it’s used figuratively here to mean personal conduct. In other words, living a Godly lifestyle. And it starts by seeking to know and understand God’s will.

Paul lists three results of knowing and understanding God’s will.

Fully pleasing to him
Bearing fruit in every good work
Increasing in the knowledge of God

The desire to please God is our motive for Godly living. And bearing fruit in good works is not to earn God’s favor, but express our devotion to him. Also, notice that Paul talks about knowing God’s will in V.9 and increasing in the knowledge of God in V.10. The Greek word for “increasing” is auxanō, and is also translated “growing.” It’s used in present tense which suggests a continual growth process.

REFLECT & RECORD:

How well are you pleasing God? Write down both your successes and failures.
Has your knowledge of God increased? If so, describe how. If not, how might knowing God better impact your life?
How does pleasing God, bearing fruit, and increased knowledge of God work together to foster spiritual growth?

A Study of Colossians 1:10-14 Strengthened and qualified by God

V.11 Strengthened with all power according to his glorious might…

The Greek word for “strengthened” is dunamŏō, and is the same word Paul uses in Philippians 4:13.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

We can’t live a Godly lifestyle in our own strength, but must lean on God’s strength. Studying God’s word, prayer, and accountability with other believers play an important role in this. And God doesn’t dispense strength in small doses to cover each need, but gives generously from his great supply. Jesus calls us to an abundant life (John 10:10) and God provides abundant resources.

For all endurance and patience with joy…

The Christian life doesn’t exclude suffering, but it’s something we endure with joy. This is described in James 1:2-3.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Of course, James does not say to welcome or celebrate suffering. But that joy sustains us because of our confident hope in a future where all suffering ends. And that hope helps us endure it, not deliver us from it.

Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

The Greek word for “qualified” is hikanŏo and means to enable as in to make competent or sufficient. The word tense suggests it’s an immediate event. So when a person commits their life to Jesus, they immediately become a saint and qualified to share in an eternal inheritance.

A Study of Colossians 1:10-14 Delivered, redeemed and forgiven

V.12 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son…

Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage is a major theme in the Old Testament. And darkness and light a common theme in the New Testament. In other words, there is both physical and spiritual bondage.

Jesus claimed to be the light in John 8:12 and called people to follow him.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Paul assures the Colossian church that since they’re following Jesus, they’re no longer in the domain of darkness but the kingdom of light.

In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The same is true for us. Through the power of Jesus Christ we are delivered from spiritual bondage, redeemed, and forgiven. No extra teaching improves this Gospel message. And no other qualifications or conditions are required.

REFLECT & RECORD

Describe how God strengthened you in a particular situation. Where else do you need his strength today?
Even believers can suffer physical or spiritual bondage. Is there an area where you’re currently struggling? Pray to Jesus for guidance on where to find deliverance.
If you’ve given your life to Christ then you’re redeemed and forgiven. Take a moment to thank and praise him.

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.