Growing Wise
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ
Colossians 1:9-14 (ESV)
9 And so, from the day we heard, 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, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Sermon Outline
We mature spiritually as we align with God’s will, so we should seek growth in the following areas:
1. Understanding
v9 “asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding”
2. Action
v10 “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”
3. Endurance
v11 “being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience”
4. Attitude
vv11-12 “with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light”
Prayer of Confession
Our wise God, we don’t want to walk in darkness. We admit we often have the attitude “not thy will be done, but mine.” We have not sought to understand your will. In fact, we have tried to ignore it. We have contradicted it. We have sinned in thought, word and deed. We recognize our ingratitude, and we admit stubborn resistance to rejoice in you. Grant us forgiveness. Fill us with the knowledge of your will so that we walk with wisdom in a manner pleasing to you. Strengthen us with your power, according to your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
How do you pray for other people? Aside from specific needs, what do you (or should you) ask God to do in the lives of others?
What does it mean to know God’s will? What kinds of things should Christians know? What can we not know?
What role does learning play in the Christian life? What are some ways learning happens?
How are actions (what we do) part of the learning process?
What does it look like to draw strength from God? How can your endurance be with strength that God provides?
What is needed to get through periods where you are not experiencing joy?
Is it possible to choose to rejoice? Are there things you can do that are authentic and faithful when you are not feeling joyful?
What role does thanksgiving play in the Christian life? How can prayers of thanksgiving be a more frequent part of your day?
How does the concept of inheritance inform how we can live? What is implied? What do you have that you did not earn? What are you doing with what has been entrusted to you?
What does it look like to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord”? What attitude and posture should you have?