“Reasons to Give Thanks” (Part 3)

This week, we are considering Colossians 1:3-8, and seeing reasons for giving thanks for the assemblies we serve as shepherds and leaders. Monday we saw that, though the Colossian church was far from perfect, Paul could nevertheless give thanks for them—and he began by giving thanks for their faith. Wednesday, he added two more good reasons for thanksgiving—their love and hope. Today we close with the final reason for thanksgiving, which is:

Their Commitment To The Gospel (v.5)

This is the most significant thing in Colossians 1—the Gospel! It must be for us as well, for it is our mission, challenge and joy to proclaim this message to the world that needs the Christ of the Gospel. What does Paul affirm about this Gospel?

• The Gospel Is True (v.5)- Truth = facts that correlate to reality. This is “true truth”, and should motivate us in a world of relativism and subjectivism. We have a message of truth! Paul defines this “true truth” in 1 Cor. 15: 3-4.
• The Gospel Is For The World (v.6)- There are over 230 countries in the world, and we are called to take the Gospel to all of them. John 3:16 and Rev.5:9-10 remind us of the scope of the mission. We are to proclaim it to all, and explain it.
• The Gospel Bears Fruit (v.6)- Notice John 15:1-8. We glorify the Father in fruit-bearing, and part of that is a byproduct of the Gospel! It produces the fruit of a changed life (Gal. 5):22-23, Christ-like character, and, through evangelism, new Christians!
• The Gospel Is Rooted In Grace (v.6)- Grace is what it is all about. Apart from grace, the cross has no meaning and the resurrection is without value. Romans 3:21, 3:23-24, and 4:5 remind us that grace applies the work of Christ to believing hearts. Grace!
• The Gospel Is Given By You (vv.7-8)- They got it from the faithful servant (Epaphras) and are to give it to others. This Gospel (see 4:12) is delivered by people, and supported by prayer (1:9ff).

What is the result of these powerful causes for Paul’s thanksgiving? See verse 8:

“and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.”

If these realities produce this result, the questions for us to consider are painfully clear—is love in the Spirit a characteristic trademark of this assembly? And beyond that, what would Paul write to this church?

His message is one that helps define the “abundant life” Jesus promised. What a contrast to the disappointment of the world, “Life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone”. How much better to see His Spirit build within us—individually and corporately—His powerful faith, love, and hope. This is the stuff of which abundant life is made.