I am profitably engaged in a study of Colossians. This is part of my annual personal study that I usually do early in the morning, along with my daily reading of both Old and New Testaments. I was particularly struck by Paul’s words that we “walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing” (Col. 1:10). Having prayed for their spiritual enlightenment, Paul next prays that they might have a worthy walk. He is praying that the Colossians might not only be spiritually enlightened, but that there might be the practical application of those things that they know to be the will of God. Here is a purpose clause introduced by the infinitive "to." If we make the connection with verse 9, stating only the second clause, Paul's prayer was for them "to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing." Our walk is to be such that is pleasing to God in all things. There is no area of life that cannot be committed to God. Every thought, every act, every desire must be brought under submission to the will of God. This phrase ("unto all pleasing") is especially significant. It suggests doing every thing in the best manner, in the most proper time, and in a becoming spirit. Even a good work might be marred and rendered fruitless by being done improperly, out of season, or in a temper of mind that grieves the Holy Spirit. Our attitude should be that of the Psalmist who prayed, "Teach me to thy will" (Psalms 143:10). The word translated "pleasing" is not found elsewhere in the New Testament. It appears that the word had a bad connotation in Classical Greek, sometime used to describe a servant with a cringing and subservient habit, ready to do anything to please his master; not only to meet but to anticipate his most trivial wishes. But the One Whom we are to please is God, not man. No effort should be spared to make sure we are walking pleasing before God. The specific details are then given so that we can know how to be pleasing unto God.
The "walk" is then modified by four present tense participles which define precisely how it is that one is to walk: (1) "bearing fruit in every good work," (2) "increasing in the knowledge of God," (3) "strengthened with all power," and (4) "giving thanks unto the Father." Seeing these define the Christian walk, it behooves us to take a closer look at each of these. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of those things that characterize the Christian life. I want to use my limited space in the next few bulletins to touch on this “worthy walk.”
First, our walk is to be productive, "bearing fruit in every good work." It is unfortunate that works of obedience have come to be identified with works of merit on the part of so many in Christendom. Consequently the doctrine of salvation by "faith only" has gained a considerable amount of following in the religious world. The truth of the matter is that good works and salvation are inseparable. One author put it this way: “We are justified along three lines. We are justified by blood (Rom. 5:9), which is what makes salvation possible; we are justified by faith (3:28), which is what makes salvation personal; and we are justified by works (James 2:21), which is what makes salvation practical.
Second, our worthy walk is to find us progressing, "increasing in the knowledge of God." The American Standard Version footnote suggests "by" the knowledge of God. This would affirm that the knowledge of God is the MEANS by which the Christian grows. The word of God nurtures our spiritual growth. The more we know of and about God, the more we mature spiritually. Albert Barnes wrote,
It is by endeavoring to become better acquainted with his true character. God is pleased with those who desire to understand what he is; what he does; what he purposes; what he commands. Hence he not only commands us to study his works, but he has made a world so beautiful as to invite us to contemplate his perfections as reflected in that world. Men are often displeased when others attempt to look into their plans, for they are sensible they will not bear the light of investigation. God has no plans which would not be seen to be, in the highest degree, glorious to him (Barnes, ESword)..
If the child of God is not growing, he is dying. It is either upward and onward, or downward and backward. Let us be found increasing in the knowledge of God.
Third, our worthy walk is to find us empowered, "strengthened with all power." Here is the third participle describing the worthy walk. We are to be strengthened so as to meet all temptations, all trials, and to bear up under the various situations of life. In this verse, the Greek language actually uses the same word, once as a noun, once as a verb, literally, "empowered with all power" (Pulpit Commentary, ESword). Such strength that provides power is "according to the might of his glory." Hendriksen has an excellent comment on this: "When a multimillionaire gives 'of' his wealth to some good cause he may be giving very little; but when he donates 'in accordance with' his riches, the amount will be substantial." Lenski also has an interesting comment:
The next participle shows how this knowledge is able to do what Paul has just said...By means of this knowledge God ever keeps filling us with dynamic power...In no power that we need for fruit-bearing and growing does God leave us deficient. If we ever prove deficient, it is never because he fails to supply us; it is always only because we do not let him ‘fill us with the knowledge of his will,' with this knowledge that is so effective a means for making us bear fruit and grow...Look well to the empty spaces in your knowledge. The fruit that is lacking in your life is due to the spaces that are still without full knowledge and thus still without the power that should be in them.
While there are some among us who see in this and similar passages a direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon the hearts of the child of God in order to produce strength, the Bible teaches us that the strength we have derives from a careful study of God's word and an increase in knowledge. The word of God is the "sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17) and the means by which the child of God is strengthened. It is also important to note that the power with which we are strengthened is "according to the might of his glory." Paul uses two different Greek words in verse 11 to describe the power of God. When he speaks of us being strengthened with "power," he uses the word 'dunamis,' from which we get our word 'dynamite.' When Paul says it is according to the "might" of His glory, he uses the word 'kratos,' which means power that is put forth in action. We can reflect upon the Old Testament stories and recall the great feats that God accomplished, such as the dividing of the Red Sea, or slaying of the armies of Sennacherib. Or we can meditate upon great things done by the apostle who wrote this letter. But we must not forget that the victory we win over sin every time we resist temptation is a manifestation of the power of God that resides in His word. The Hebrew writer reminds us that "the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). When the word is applied to our life it manifests great power in the self control we exercise. We must never forget that "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city" (Proverbs 16:32). This is why the apostle, in speaking of the manifestation of this strength that is ours, zeroes in on three most unlikely characteristics of Christian virtue: "patience," "longsuffering," and "joy."
That power comes from God’s word, not from some magical, mystical, better-felt-than-told direct operation of the Holy Spirit. This is why the apostle, in speaking of the manifestation of this strength that is ours, zeroes in on three most unlikely characteristics of Christian virtue: "patience," "longsuffering," and "joy." Consider each one of these for a moment: (i) Patience: "Patience" is best translated, "endurance" or "steadfastness." It comes from the Greek word ‘hupomone,' which means "cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy." If the Christian does not learn to be patient, it is not likely that he will learn much of anything. (ii) Longsuffering: This Christian virtue is the opposite of wrath or vengeance. It is the attitude of a person who does not retaliate in spite of injury or harm. From the Greek, ‘makrothumia,' it means "self restraint." Someone once suggested that patience has to do with circumstances, while longsuffering has to do with people. "It is the quality of mind and heart which enables a man so to bear with people that their unpleasantness and maliciousness and cruelty will never drive him to bitterness, that their unteachableness will never drive him to despair, that their folly will never drive him to irritation, and that their unloveliness will never alter his love" (Barclay). The epitome of longsuffering is our Father in heaven (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). Solomon warned us, "He whose spirit is without restraint is like a city that is broken down and without walls" (Pro. 25:28). (iii) Joy: There is a little song that our "pew packers" used to sing, which words capture the extent of this apostolic admonition. "Joy is the flag that flies o'er the castle of a man's heart when the King is in residence there." It should be noted that Paul enjoins patience and longsuffering "with" joy. In other words, "when circumstances are difficult, we should exhibit joyful patience; and when people are hard to live with, we should reveal joyful longsuffering." Caution should be exercised that we do not confuse joy and happiness. Happiness is often, though not always, dependent on circumstances. But joy is completely independent of circumstances. Perhaps the most joyful epistle that Paul wrote was that to the Philippians. But he wrote that letter while in prison in Rome. Barclay quotes C.F.D. Moule: "If joy is not rooted in the soil of suffering, it is shallow." He then goes on to note, "It is easy to be joyful when things go well, but the Christian radiance is something which not all the shadows of life can quench."
One more observation before we leave this section. Since "bearing fruit," "increasing in the knowledge of God," and "giving thanks" are individual responsibilities, why should we draw the conclusion that "strengthened with all power" is some OUTSIDE force that acts upon us without some input or effort on our part? We are "strengthened unto" patience, longsuffering, and joy. The strength comes when we APPLY that power available to our life. The POWER to be patient, to be longsuffering, and to be joyful resides in God's word. Any shortcoming on our part so far as these Christian virtues is concerned, is due to our unwillingness to apply the word of God to our life.
Fourth, our walk is to be one of gratitude, always "giving thanks unto the Father." This letter stresses thanksgiving in other verses: "As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving" (Col 2:6-7). "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17). "Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2).
The remainder of this verse, on through the 14th, serve to remind us of some of the reasons why we should be thankful. But before noting the reasons for thanksgiving, let us consider to Whom we are to be thankful. It is "unto the Father." There are at least two things suggest by Paul's admonition that we give thanks unto our heavenly Father:
(i) First there is the intrinsic nature of God, namely His omnipotence, omnipresence, and immutability. It is because of Who and What God is, that we are to pray to Him.
(ii) Next, there is His personal nature and qualities. He is a personal God. He has feelings, can love, care, etc. He also has wrath. It is to this "Father" that we are to give thanks.
I have observed over the years that the absence of a grateful heart quickly leads to an absence of faithfulness in other areas of Christian living. It is imperative, therefore, that we never forget to offer thanks to our Father from Whom we receive every good and perfect gift. To do otherwise is to falter in our Christian walk and stumble along our journey toward that heavenly home.
I’ll close with a humorous but pointed illustration regarding our using caution and wisdom in our Christian walk. A prosperous business man who traveled frequently learned to fly, and bought his own plane. After several years he decided to buy one with pontoons so he could fly to his cabin on the lake. On the very first flight in his new plane, he forgetfully headed for the airport landing strip where he had regularly landed for years. Luckily, just before he hit the runway, his wife yelled, “Pull up, George. Pull up! You can’t land here, you have pontoons!” Flushed and humbled, he hit the throttle, veered off toward the lake, and landed safely in the calm, blue waters. He shook his head rather ruefully and said, “I don’t know where my mind was. I just wasn’t thinking. That’s probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.” He then opened the door, stepped out of the plane and fell into the lake. When the apostle Paul admonished us to “Look carefully how you walk” (Eph. 5:15-16), he knew that people are prone to do foolish things. Brethren, let’s determine that we will be careful in our walk, give thanks to the Father always, and “be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).