A Thanksgiving Envelope

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you; Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins... Colossians 1:3-14

One of the many things I learned from many years of being a Baptist was the art of outlining a biblical text for preaching and teaching. As I have been thinking about Thanksgiving, Paul’s letter to the Colossians has been much in my mind.  Below are a few brief thoughts on the relevant portion from the first chapter, as well as an outline of the text since a full exposition would take more time than you, patient reader, would be willing to give.

Thanksgiving serves as an inclusio for Paul’s description of his prayers for the Colossians in 1:3-14. It appears that his own expression of gratitude to God for the church at Colossae was meant to be exemplary as well as informative to them. That is, he gives thanks and then tells them that he prays that they would give thanks as well (1:3,12). Thanksgiving then is the envelope containing all of Paul’s prayer and praise.

It is worth noting the strong “familial” overtones in Paul’s opening words to the church. The twin themes of adoption and sonship are implicit in both the opening benediction and the following prayer of intercession.

Verses 3-8 are marked by Paul’s praise for the Colossians. Verses 9-14 are marked by Paul’s prayer for the Colossians. The former section is one of appreciation while the latter section is one of supplication. The following is a simple outline of the pericope.

I.    Paul’s Praise for the Colossians

A. The Grace Bearing Fruit Among Them

           1. Faith in our Lord Jesus

           2. Love for all the saints

           3. Hope laid up in heaven

B. The Gospel Taking Root Around Them

           1. It is extensive

           2. It is expansive

           3. It is effective.

II.  Paul Prays for the Colossians

A.  A Prayer for Growth

            1. His Wisdom—Be Filled

           2. Their Walk—Be Faithful

           3. Their Work—Be Fruitful

B.  A Prayer for Grit

           1. Powerful Strength

           2. Patient Serenity

C.  A Prayer for Gratitude

           1. How God Sought Us

a.) We are Accepted

b.) We are Adopted

                     i. we share in His life

                     ii. we shine in His light

          2. Where God Brought Us

a.) Our Full Deliverance

b.) Our Final Destination

          3. How God Bought Us

a.) The Price Hanging Over Our Heads—Jesus Paid it!

b.) The Past Nipping at Our Heals—Jesus Pardoned it!