(Colossians 1:9-12a)
“Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me”! This ought to be the goal and desire of each one of us. Yet, we often find a wide chasm between that goal and desire and our day-by-day, down-to-earth living—the “ashes” in our lives.
It is the purpose of this Brief Study to aid in bridging this chasm from “ashes” to the “life of beauty” God intended us to have while we live here on earth. Jesus said: “…I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10).
1. Foundation for a “Life of Beauty” – Col. 1:9
A. “Filled with the knowledge of His will.
- Holy Spirit is the Agent: 1 Cor. 2:9-13; Rom. 15:13; Eph. 3:16
- The Word is the revelation of His will: Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 2:15
- Christ is our example: Lk. 22:42; Jn. 4:34; Mt. 6:10
B. Characteristics:
- Wisdom: Eph. 1:8-9; Jas. 1:5; 3:15
- Spiritual understanding: Prov. 2:2; 8:5; 1 Cor. 14:20; Eph. 1:17; 5:17
2. Fulfillment of the “Life of Beauty” – Col. 1:10
A. The Walk
- Worthy of the Lord: Eph. 4:1-3; Phil. 1:27; 1 Thess. 2:12
- Unto all pleasing: 1 Thess. 4:1
B. Results of the Walk:
- Fruitful in every good work: Titus 3:8
- Increasing in the knowledge of God: 2 Pet. 3:18
3. Frustrations in the “Life of Beauty” – Col. 1:11-12a (or, sweeping out the ashes!”)
A. The Process
1. Strengthened: Eph. 3:16; Phil. 1:6
2. According to His glorious power: Eph. 1:19
B. The Outcome:
- Patience (a deliberate endurance): Heb. 12:2; Jas. 1:3-4
- Longsuffering (uncomplaining endurance): Eph. 4:2; Gal. 5:22