Devotional: Colossians 1:9-11

Reflection

• James 1:5-7
  • (Jas 1:5 ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
  • (Jas 1:6 ESV) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
  • (Jas 1:7 ESV) For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

Discussion

Has there been a time that your prayed for something with all of your being? 

 

“God if you would do this one thing I would never ask for anything again.”

Maybe that was years ago and looking back on it you can see things differently.  I know that is true in my life.  That God has organized events and relationships according to His wisdom and not based on my short-sightedness is huge.  Thankfully, He knows what is best in all things and works those things for my benefit – and for His glory.

 

Looking at the way God works all things, we can’t help but lean into that seeking His wisdom.  Knowing that God has all things under control and knows the end from the beginning, what could possibly top His divine direction for our lives?  We, like it or not, are easily swayed.  Like a wave at sea pushed along by the wind, we can easily find ourselves driven by the wrong forces.  Knowing this, we should be always looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

Connection

What is a prayer from your life that you are now thankful was not answered?

 

Has there been a movement of God that you never expected, but now recognize as completely appropriate?

 

How can these events help to reinforce our faith in a sovereign, omniscient God?

 

Expansion

Salvation and Preservation

God saves people by their faith in Him alone according to His grace alone through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ alone, not on the basis of any human work.  All of the redeemed are immediately indwelt by the Holy Spirit and justified before God beginning the transforming sanctification of the whole person the fruit of which is shown by their attitude and conduct.  Having been saved by faith, we are justified in Christ before God, forgiven of our sins, and held eternally secure by Christ alone forever where we will one day assume a glorified condition with Him forever.  From beginning to end the salvation of people is entirely a work of God to bring glory to His name.

Acts 8:27-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, John 1:12-13, Romans 6:16-18, Romans 9:10-24, John 6:43-45, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, Ezra 18:23, Romans 10:10-21, 2 Peter 3:9, John 12:32, Romans 14:10-12