Living Faithfully to the Gospel

  

 

 

The Preeminence of Christ- 2

 

Title: “Living Faithfully to the Gospel”

Text: Colossians 1:9–14

Theme: Paul prays that the Colossians would live lives faithful to the gospel — growing in understanding, walking in obedience, enduring by God’s power, and giving thanks for His saving grace.

Task: Gospel faithfulness means living in the power and pattern of the good news we have received.

Teach: There is a story told about a bamboo grove in Asia. When a powerful storm sweeps through the valley, the tall trees, proud and stiff, are the first to snap. But the Bamboo, though slender, bends low under the wind. It almost touches the ground. To some, it looks weak -defeated even. But when the storm passes, the bamboo stands straight again, stronger than before, its roots deeper because it learned to bend.

 

In the same way, the faithful believer may bend under trials, persecution, or temptation, but they do not break. Faithfulness to the gospel doesn’t mean standing rigid in our own strength; it means staying rooted in Christ and flexible in obedience to the Spirit. When the wind of the world blows hardest, the faithful don’t fall away -they bend in surrender and rise again in grace.

 

Truth: The gospel is not only the message by which we are saved — it is the truth by which we live. Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9 -14 shows what a life shaped by the gospel looks like. Gospel faithfulness is not measured by emotional zeal or outward success but by a steady life rooted in God’s truth, strengthened by His power, and overflowing with gratitude for His grace.

 

I. Faithful to the Gospel in Understanding (v. 9). Shaped by gospel truth.

Explanation: “We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Here in verse 9, Paul emphasizes that he has not stopped praying for the Colossian believers. His specific prayer is that they may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. This prayer highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and insight in the Christian life.

 

The knowledge of God's will refers to understanding and aligning oneself with God's purposes and plans. It involves seeking to know and obey God's revealed will through Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. G.K. Beale, in his excellent commentary on Colossians, wrote, “The word ‘be filled with the knowledge of His will’ is [pleroo] which does not mean some kind of spatial filling, but it figuratively indicates that by which one is characterized” (G.K.Beale, Colossians and Philemon BECNT, pg. 54). Thus, Paul prays that they be characterized by knowing and doing God’s will.

 

Knowledge is a central theme in Paul’s writings. For example, in 1 Corinthians 1:5, he wrote, “In everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge.” The Bible views knowledge of doctrinal absolutes as foundational to godly living. Most of Paul’s writings address doctrinal issues before he discusses practical living. Furthermore, the Bible warns of the dangers of a lack of knowledge. Proverbs 19:2 says that “it is not good for a person to be without knowledge.” God also said of His people, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).

 

John MacArthur offers some helpful tips on how to obtain knowledge. First, he must desire it. Second, he must depend on the Holy Spirit. Finally, he must study the Scriptures, for they prepare the Christian for every good work. (MacArthur, Colossians and Philemon, pg. 29) Only when the Word of God controls your mind will your actions align. What controls your thoughts will control your behavior.

 

Knowledge of God’s Word will lead to all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Sophia -wisdom refers to the ability to collect and concisely organize principles from Scripture. Sunesis -understanding referring to the application of those principles in everyday life. MacArthur further stated, “Believing, submissive Bible study leads to the knowledge of God’s will. A mind saturated with such knowledge will also be able to comprehend general principles of godly behavior. With that, wisdom will come understanding of how to apply those principles to the situations of life. That progression will inevitably result in godly character and practice.” (MacArthur, pg. 30). 

 

Illustration: Imagine an artist working on a masterpiece painting. The artist carefully selects each brushstroke, blending colors with precision and intention. In the same way, our understanding of God's will and spiritual wisdom is like a masterpiece being painted by the hand of God. Just as the artist seeks to create a beautiful and harmonious composition, God desires to fill us with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. As we surrender to His guidance and allow Him to work in our lives, we become like a canvas on which God paints His divine purpose and plan.

           

Gospel Truth: Faithfulness begins with believing and knowing the truth of Christ. To remain faithful to the gospel, the church must be filled with gospel-shaped wisdom — discerning God’s purposes and applying them in daily life.

 

II. Faithful to the Gospel in Conduct (v. 10). Reflect gospel holiness.

Explanation: “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.” We see here that the goal of knowing God’s will is to live in a way that reflects His character. A life worthy of the Lord means one that matches the message of the gospel. A life that is consistent with the One who called us out of darkness into light. Knowing God’s will should engender godly conduct.

 

From the text, we see there are two results.

 

First, it bears fruit in every good work. Gospel obedience produces tangible acts of love, justice, mercy, and service. A great example of this truth is Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in Jericho. He was a wealthy but despised man known for his dishonest practices. Eager to see Jesus, he climbed a sycamore fig tree, as he was short in stature. When Jesus reached the tree, He looked up, called Zacchaeus by name, and invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house. Overwhelmed by this unexpected encounter, Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus joyfully. Amid the conversation, Zacchaeus repented of his sins, promising to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold anyone he had cheated. Through this encounter, Zacchaeus experienced a transformation of heart, turning away from his sinful ways to follow Jesus, embodying the power of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption in Christ, as evidenced by the immediate fruit he bore.

 

Second, increasing in the knowledge of God — faithful living deepens our understanding of God. As one grows in knowledge of God, several indicators will emerge, such as a more profound understanding of God’s Word, a more perfect obedience to His commands, an enlarged faith, and, ultimately, a greater love.

 

Illustration: Picture a skilled archer preparing to release an arrow towards a distant target. The archer aims with precision, focusing unwaveringly on the bullseye. In the same way, believers striving to live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way are like spiritual archers aligning their actions and intentions with God's perfect will. Just as the archer's focus and skill are essential for hitting the target, our conduct aligned with the gospel requires intentional focus, discipline, and alignment with God's purposes.

 

Gospel Truth: The gospel calls us not only to believe but to walk in the new life it creates. Faithfulness to the gospel means that our conduct mirrors the grace we have received.

 

III. Faithful to the Gospel in Endurance (v. 11). Empowered by gospel strength.

Explanation: “Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.” Gospel faithfulness requires divine strength. It is God’s power that enables believers to remain steadfast in trials and patient with others — not through self-determination but through reliance on His Spirit. MacArthur adds, “The word for ‘strengthen’ is a present participle, signifying continuous action. God is not like a booster rocket giving believers an initial boost of power and then leaving them to fly on their own. Instead, believers are continually strengthened with all power throughout their Christian lives.” (MacArthur, pg. 33).

 

The phrase “with joy” reminds us that gospel endurance is not grim survival; it is joyful perseverance, knowing our hope is secure in Christ. God’s power enables believers to endure trials, no matter their intensity, with joy and confidence in God’s sovereignty.

 

Illustration: In ancient Greece, a unique race was called the lampadedromia -the torch race. Runners carried a lighted lamp through the course. The goal wasn’t just to run fast, but to finish with your flame still burning. If your torch went out, you were disqualified, no matter how quickly you ran.

 

That’s a picture of gospel endurance. The Christian life isn’t about sprinting in excitement at the start, but about carrying the flame of faith to the finish -through weariness, suffering, and temptation -without letting it go out.

 

Gospel Truth: Faithfulness often shows itself most clearly in endurance — in holding fast to Christ when life is difficult and continuing to love when it costs us. The gospel supplies both the reason and the power to remain steadfast.

 

IV. Faithful to the Gospel in Gratitude (vv. 12–14). Rooted in gospel grace.

Explanation: “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” The phrase “giving thanks” is a present participle that appears to have the sense of an imperative, implying an instruction to ‘give thanks.’ Through this we are reminded that gratitude does not come naturally to fallen human beings. (Alistar Wilson, Expository Commentary: Ephesians-Philemon, pg. 212). We must be intentional about gratitude.

 

Paul closes his prayer by turning to thanksgiving, reminding believers of what the gospel has already accomplished:

 

First, God has qualified us — We could never earn a place in His kingdom; He made us fit by grace. Second, He has rescued us — We have been delivered from the power of darkness; the gospel liberates us from sin’s dominion. Third, He has transferred us — We now belong to the kingdom of His beloved Son; our allegiance and identity are transformed. Finally, He has redeemed us — Through Christ’s blood we have forgiveness of sins; the gospel frees us from guilt and condemnation.

 

Illustration: A man once fell into debt, so deep he could never repay it. Then, one day, his creditor called him in. The man braced for judgment. Instead, the creditor smiled and said, “Your debt has been paid in full. You owe nothing.” The man walked out of the office in a state of stunned silence. Every step he took afterward was lighter. Every coin he spent was a reminder of grace, not guilt.

 

That’s what gospel gratitude looks like. We don’t serve God to earn His favor -we serve because He’s already cancelled the debt at the cross. Genuine gratitude flows not from obligation, but from an overwhelming sense of grace.

 

Gospel Truth: A faithful life is a grateful life. Gratitude keeps the gospel central, reminding us that all we are and all we have come from God’s redeeming grace.

 

Paul’s prayer shows us that faithfulness to the gospel is not abstract — it has clear expressions:

 

            •          Understanding shaped by the gospel’s truth.

            •          Conduct that reflects the gospel’s holiness.

            •          Endurance empowered by the gospel’s strength.

            •          Gratitude rooted in the gospel’s grace.

 

Take-Away: Gospel faithfulness means living every day in light of what God has done for us in Christ — knowing His truth, walking in His ways, depending on His strength, and giving thanks for His salvation. Gospel faithfulness is not about perfection, but perseverance.

© 2012 - 2025 Blake Gideon. All rights Reserved