Bible Text: Colossians 1 | Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lou Saldiveri | Series: Sunday Morning Worship

— Pastor Lou’s Notes —
Intro: We are quickly entering the holiday season. First, we have thanksgiving, and the, before you know it, Christmas is upon us! There is one common thread that ought to connect both holidays. That thread is the strong cable of prayer and thanksgiving. May I say that prayer and thanksgiving should be a lifeline each and every day. The reason this is so important is that each day will bring its own blessings, challenges, and trials. A heart filled with thanksgiving and prayer is a heart that will honor God in every circumstance weather good or bad.

George Herbert said it well, “Thou who hast given so much to me, give one thing more—–a grateful heart!” Dante Gabriel Rosetti made an interesting observation, “The worst moment for the atheist is when he is really thankful and has nobody to thank.”

Let me set the context for Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae.

1. Paul is in prison because he was preaching the gospel
2. False teachers infiltrate the church and taught a gnostic theology which is a false theology
3. Paul never physically visited this church, but heard about their faith through a faithful servant of the gospel, Epaphras.
4. Even in a dark, damp, and cold prison cell, Paul had a thankful heart and attitude.

This passage in Colossians gives us great insights into thanksgiving and prayer. The first insight is:

1. Giving Thanks and Pray are Continual and Encouraging v. 3
1. The reason for thanksgiving and prayer e.g God’s miracles through Christ v. 4
1. Hearing about faith in Christ
2. Hearing about the love for all God’s people
3. Both faith and love spring from the hope of heaven v. 5
4. This faith produces fruit and keeps growing in a ripple effect v. 6
5. All this is rooted in God’s love and grace v. 6
6. We learn and love through the Holy Spirit v. 7-8
7. Faithful people pass on the good news. v. 8

2. For what in particular do we pray? v. 9
1. Ask God to fill us with the knowledge of His will v. 9
1. This comes as the Holy Spirit is our teacher
2. He makes the Scriptures come alive v.9
3. The reason to pray this way v. 10
1. We may live a life worthy of the Lord and please HIm in every way
2. Bear fruit in every good work v. 10
3. Be strengthened with the power of the Holy Spirit so we can finish this life well v. 11
4. Live joyful in the Lord v 12
1. Joy is from a settled relationship with God through faith in Christ v. 12
2. Happiness is based upon circumstances

3. This all of God’s grace v. 13
1. God rescued us through the cross and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ v. 13
1. He redeemed us v. 13
2. He adopted us v. 13
3. He forgave us. v. 14

Closing: If we let God develop in us a thankful and prayerful heart, then we will be able to give thanks and pray in all of life’s situation. Life, at times, can throw us some serious curve balls. We may not be happy about the particular situation, but we can still be joyful and thankful even in tough times. We need to remember that this is a supernatural work of God in our hearts.

It has been said, “A little boy was asked by his father to say grace at the table. While the rest of the family waited, the little guy eyed every dish of food his mother had prepared. After the examination, he bowed his head and honestly prayed, ‘Lord, I don’t like the looks of it, but I thank you for it, and I’ll eat it anyway. Amen.'”

May God give us the same thankful heart!