Dec 31 2024 26 mins
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe delves into Paul's prayer for the Colossian church, found in Colossians 1:9-14. He sets the context by explaining the challenges faced by the Colossians, including the pervasive influence of Rome and the temptation of syncretism. Karl emphasizes the power of prayer, noting how Paul, despite being imprisoned, could still impact the church through his prayers and letters.
The core of the message focuses on Paul's specific prayer for the Colossians, which Karl adopts as his prayer for the church in the coming year. This prayer centers on being filled with the knowledge of God's will through the wisdom and understanding given by the Holy Spirit. The desired outcomes of this spiritual filling include bearing fruit in good works, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with God's power for endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father.
Karl stresses that this spiritual filling leads to a transformation in how we live, enabling us to see God at work in the world and respond with gratitude and hope, even in challenging circumstances. He concludes by reminding the congregation that God has already qualified them for His kingdom through Christ's redemptive work.
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