Over and again, we find Paul recording his passion for the people of God in his petitions offered for them. In Colossians 2:2-3, we hear his prayer for the churches of Colossae and Laodecia. His plea is for their perception of God—His ways, His will, and His work.
His prayer is for them to have encouragement in the great realities of God. To know Him and experience the Infinite One is to drink from a fountain that flows forever. What could be more fulfilling?
He pleads for them to be enmeshed in the glorious love of God—hearts knit together with love for Christ and His church. Being in union with the Lord enables us to be bound to one another.
His petition is for them to be educated in the grand mystery of God.
Here is the source of this mystery. This truth once hidden during the Old Testament is now unveiled in the New Testament—fully revealed in the person of Christ. To see Him is to see God. To hear Him is to hear God. To know Him is to know God.
This leads to the scope of this mystery. The Apostle speaks of “full assurance,” and “all the treasures.” These come to us in theological instruction—that is “understanding” and “knowledge.” These truths inform our thoughts and inspire our zeal. This leads to practical application—“wisdom.” This is truth that informs and inspires us to go beyond what we know to how we live. It impacts our head, heart, and hands.
As a preacher, I need to be praying this for my congregation. As a member of the church, you ought to be seeking to perceive this reality in the revelation of God in Christ. May this Lord’s Day find the pulpits proclaiming the great treasures of truth and the pews filled with eager listeners soaking it in, intent to live it out!
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