God’s Work at Work

God’s Work at Work Colossians 1:1– 14 Core theme God grows visible fruit in all genuine Christians. Greeting (1–2) • Authors: Paul and Timothy • Apostolic authority (Acts 1:21–26) • Written from prison (4:3, 10, 18), likely Rome (Acts 28:30) • Primary theme: Christ is Lord over all Prayer of Thanksgiving (3–8) • Focus of thanks: God (3) • Cause of thanks (4) • Faith in Christ • Love for for the saints • Grounds of thanks: future hope (5a, 1:23, 27, 3:1–4) • Gospel hope always has this effect Prayer for Continued Growth (9–14) • Continual prayer: “not ceased” (9a) • One key request: Spirit-wisdom and knowledge (9b) • One key reason: a life that “fits” the Lord (10) 1. Bearing fruit in every good work 2. Knowing God more 3. Gaining strength to endure with joy 4. Giving thanks to God for his glorious salvation Closing Applications • Trace marks of God’s work in gratitude • Ask for God’s ongoing work • Are you in Christ?