"That Ye Might Walk Worthy Of The Lord"
Col. 1:9-13
Paul'purpose in writing the Colossian
letter was twofold: (1) He wanted God's saints to be filled with the knowledge
of God and his will. And (2) he wanted all who belong to Christ to walk worthy
of Christ in all things (vv. 9-11). In order to accomplish these goals Paul did
not do what most preachers do.He did not plunge into a long series of
intellectual philosophi- cal, or theological discourses. Intellectualism is
never edifying, only stupifying! And he did not attempt to bring God's saints
under the yoke of legal bondage, or draw up a set of religious rules for godly
living. Legalism will never produce godliness, only pride and
self-righteousness!Paul simply reminded God's saints of all that God had done
for them by his matchless grace and set before them the majesty, exaltation,
glory and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, our dear Savior.
Like Paul, I want you to be filled with
the knowledge of God and his will. And I want us to "walk worthy of the
vocation wherewith we are called" in all godliness. The only motive,
inspiration and direction I can offer to secure this desire is grace. Meditate
for a moment on just three things God has done for every believer. And let the
thought of what God has done for you by his grace govern your life. If you and
I are ruled by grace, we are well ruled.
1. GOD OUR
FATHER HAS "MADE US MEET TO BE PARTAKERS OF THE INHERITANCE OF THE
SAINTS" (v. 12). In ourselves we are nothing, we have nothing and we can
produce nothing but sin. But in Christ God has made us worthy of his approval
and acceptance, and worthy of heavenly glory!
2. GOD HAS
"DELIVERED US FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS" (v. 13). By nature we were
held in bondage to the darkness of our own corrupt hearts. We were servants of satan, the prince of darkness. But God, by his matchless
grace, has set us free (Rom.
3. AND OUR
GOD HAS "TRANSLATED US INTO THE KINGDOM OF HIS DEAR SON" (v. 13).
Grace has brought us out of the service of sin and satan
into the service of Christ and righteousness. Grace revealed Christ as our Lord
and made us willing to bow to his dominion. Are you not compelled to live for
the glory of your gracious God? "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought
with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are
God's" (I Cor.
Don Fortner