This letter is different from some others in that Paul is writing to believers who he didn't personally bring to Christ and whom he hasn't met (similar to the letter top the Romans). Paul begins this letter with encouragements and teaching about Jesus.
There is a long connecting encouragement starting in verse 9 and going to verse 12.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.
- he starts by saying he had been praying for them constantly
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
- he asks God to fill them with the knowledge of his will. This is the crux of his request and it has many effects in their lives
1) so they live worthy lives
2) they bear fruit and grow in knowledge of God
3) strengthened with God's power
4) great endurance and patience
5) give joyful thanks to the Father
so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Colossians 1:9-12
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27 NIV
The previously hidden mystery: Christ living inside gentiles who accept him by faith
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