15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
- Colossians 1:15-20
Believing in the supremacy of Christ changes the way we pray.
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way:
- Colossians 1:9-10
Is it actually possible to live a life worthy of the Lord and to please Him in every way?
10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way:
- Colossians 1:10
We live a life worthy of the Lord when we grow.
We can grow in:
Good fruit
…bearing fruit in every good work…
- Colossians 1:10
The knowledge of God
…growing in the knowledge of God…
- Colossians 1:10
Endurance and patience (with joy)
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful…
- Colossians 1:11-12, NIV
11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy…
- Colossians 1:11, ESV
Gratitude (with joy)
12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
- Colossians 1:12
Growth is possible because Jesus gave us new life.
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
- Colossians 1:13-14
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
- Colossians 1:21-23