PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD " 1:9a For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you . . . " FOR THIS CAUSE "For this cause . . . " The "cause" to which Paul refers is the report of the Colossian's "love in the Spirit." Epaphras, Paul said, had faithfully "declared unto us your love in the Spirit." That is, they had submitted to the leading of the Spirit, not quenching or grieving Him. As a result, His love was being expressed through the saints at Colossae. DIVINE OBJECTIVES It must always be remembered that the blessing of man is NOT the ultimate purpose of God. Listening to the modern religious emphases of men, however, one would think this was the case. Various religious thrusts ranging from soul winning and congregational expansion, to acceptable interpersonal relationships and trouble-free living, are regularly bartered in the religious marketplace. Men are being led to associate their personal advantage, in this world, with the Lord's most profound desires and purposes. A HIGHER LEVEL This prayer, however, is at a higher level, calling for the personal perfection of the saints in order that they might see more of, and participate more with, the God who bought them through Jesus' blood. -- Tomorrow:
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." (Colossians 1:9-11, KJV)
Devotion 5 of 32
Here is a prayer that rises out of thanksgiving – like a fragrant odor to the Lord. It is
stimulated by understanding, and driven along by a fervent love for the people of God. For this reason, the very nature of the kingdom of God will be revealed in this prayer.
Regarding those who have been reconciled to God, the focus is not on mere doing, but upon participation with God Himself. The purpose of godly intention is not to have God identify with what men are doing, but to have men identified with what God is doing. This is fundamental to all valid work within the kingdom of God. This is why those who labor for the Lord are described as "laborers together with God" (1 Cor 3:9), or "God's fellow workers" (NIV).
Their "love in the Spirit" was not an end of itself, but was the means to an end. That is, they had not reached the ultimate goal by loving through the Spirit. Rather, they now had Divine utility, and could be used by the Lord. Their spiritual love qualified them, so to speak, for more extensive involvement with God and His purpose.
Every honest soul is suspicious that such things are not true, for they do not match well with human experience. When a person begins to walk in the Spirit and live by faith, it is not unusual to find one's foes being "those of his own house" (Matt 10:36). It may even be possible for such a soul to experience "often infirmities" like Timothy (1 Tim 5:23), or even be a "beggar full of sores," like Lazarus (Lk 16:20). Perhaps sufferings are provoked, as with the Thessalonians, or a thorn in the flesh is experienced, like that of Paul. Worldly advantages are NOT at the core of Divine purpose.
In instances like those just mentioned, the person who has embraced a subjective, or self- centered religion, thinking becomes distorted – particularly during times of hardship. Under stress or duress, these individuals are prone to think the Lord has abandoned them, or that they are surely wretched above all people. Such poor souls are the victims of a distorted theology. They are candidates for prayers – such as the one in our text. Thanksgiving is to made for all who are living by faith and possess "love in the Spirit," regardless of the circumstances in which they find themselves.
Note carefully, Paul is not being motivated to pray for the Colossians because of their adverse circumstances, but because of their "love in the Spirit." That is the condition that prompted this particular prayer.
However, let there be no doubt concerning the propriety and necessity of praying for those who are experiencing adversity! We are, for example, to "remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body" (Heb 13:3). When our brethren are subjected to the abuse of the ungodly, we are to pray God will deliver them "from unreasonable and wicked men" (2 Thess 3:2).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, grant me grace to see my life in this world as it really is – a time of preparation for the world to come.