Understanding God's Will

Paul's first priority, after opening his letter to the Colossians, was that of PRAYER. His only resource for help was found in God, to Whom he prayed here with one specific request - that the Colossian believers might be filled (controlled by) the knowledge of God's will. Once God's will fully pervaded their lives, Paul expected them to PRACTICE Christlikeness - they were to walk (conduct themselves) accordingly. He desired that they were always pleasing to God, and he described how that lifestyle would appear in four ways: (1) reproducing - bearing fruit internally and externally; (2) growing - increasing in the practical knowledge of God; (3) succeeding - continually being strengthened (empowered) with God's ability; and (4) appreciating - joyously giving thanks to the Father. It was all based upon God's PROVISION because He had rescued them from the tyranny of darkness and removed them into the kingdom of His beloved Son. The reign of Christ would forever be over those who had been redeemed (ransomed and pardoned).