A Life Worthy of the Cross

 (1) A Life Worthy of the Cross
(Colossians 1:1-14)
Rev. Sara Pyon

 I. Introduction  

 II. Why Paul Was Thankful for the Believers in Colossae (vv. 3-6)
For their faith in Christ Jesus
For their love for all the saints
For their hope stored up in heaven, which is the Gospel

 III. How Paul Prayed for the Believers in Colossae (v. 9)
To be filled with knowledge of God’s will
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
To live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him  (v. 10)
Bear fruit in every good work
Grow in the knowledge of God
Be strengthened with Christ’s power (v. 11)
for great endurance and patience
To give thanks to God the Father (vv. 12-14)
Who qualified us to partake in kingdom inheritance
Who has delivered us from darkness into the kingdom of His Son
Who has redeemed us through the blood of His Son

 IV. Reflection
Paul thanked God for the Colossian believers’ faith and love, which spring from their hope in the gospel.  Then in 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul wrote, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love.”  Do you agree? Which of the three virtues do you think is most needed in your life right now?  Why? 
Besides yourself, who do you pray for the most?  What do you pray about/for?  Who should you pray for more?  Who is praying for you on a regular basis?
Describe in your own words how you can begin to live a life worthy of the redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ and the kingdom inheritance.