Walking in a Manner Pleasing to the Jesus; 3 Spheres of Joy
While suffering the trial of being in prison Paul wrote a letter about the supreme authority of Christ. This, on the surface, seems like a confusing mix up. How could Paul celebrate the supreme authority of Christ while suffering under the authority of worldly government? Wouldn’t he be tempted to doubt? How can you and I rejoice in God while suffering under the trials of life? The Apostle Paul made it his aim to face trials with a similar posture as Jesus, who “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2a). In saying Paul endured his troubles, and lived his life, in a manner worthy of Jesus we are saying his displayed similar attitude of heart and trust in the Father. Paul exhorted the church in Colossae to do the same, and God continues to encourage You and I to live worthy of Jesus as we heed Paul’s instructions.
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” - Colossians 1:9–14
“bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” In verse 10b, Paul urges for the most outwardly obvious expression of a life worthy of Jesus - fruitful living. We honor Jesus by participating in the good work that he prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). The Bible is clear in its call for us to be “Salt & Light” and to pursue a continually deepening relationship with God, learning more about him and his ways through his word. The preeminent ambitious of the Christian life is closeness to God through Christ and the glory of God through fruitful living. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul said that he desired to be with Christ (to die) but if he was to continue living, his consolation was that it meant more fruitful ministry for the glory of God. We are able and willing to continue in joyous service if we, in difficulty, because, like Paul, we say “it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20).
“being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy” God strengthens us to endure the trials we will face so our inner person may also be worthy of Christ. This is because he does not desire for us to continue on begrudgingly. A stubborn mule can travel the same distance as galloping stallion. Yet, the mule does so with a reluctant attitude. God desires more than our reluctant obedience. He wants for our attitude, while we continue in service, while we suffer trials to be one of patience with joy. Patience without joy can be accomplished with stubborn determination. Patience with joy is brought about my divine empowerment. This is pleasing and worthy of Jesus.
“giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” As we live may our hearts and mind be saturated with thankfulness to God. This is pleasing to Jesus. Colossians 4 says “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” In 1 Thessalonians 5 Paul says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Philippians 4 states, “..supplication with thanksgiving.” It’s clear that however we approach the Father, however we may think about his ways of directing our lives we ought to couch our response in thanksgiving.
Each of these areas, in my mind, is connected to the other, and the connectedness flows both ways. Thankfulness produces joy, joy allows me to act outwardly and be of service to others and glorifying to God. On the other hand, my commitment to service and a deepening relationship with God produces a joy and trust in him which overflows with thanksgiving. I can not see a way of doing any of it without all of it. Each is necessary for living worthy of Jesus and trusting Jesus during times of uncertainty.
