Colossians 1:13-20 – Continual Thanksgiving
The prayer begun in verse 9 continues with reasons why the Colossian Christians should be thankful to God. Paul tells them that they had received an inheritance that was much more precious than anything else they could possibly imagine. The ancient tribes of Israel all had a share in the inheritance God promised to His covenant people in the Old Testament, and Paul now relates this in a spiritual sense to the believers:
It is an inheritance sovereignly bestowed. It is not obtained by merit or by right but received only through the gracious activity of God. This inheritance is not one restricted by birth or nationality but is the common possession of every one who is born again.
It is described as an ‘inheritance in Light’. The word ‘light’ in Scripture is often used to symbolise the knowledge of God, the love of God, the peace of God, and joy in God. It is connected with holiness Acts 20:32, revelation 2 Cor. 4:4, love 1 Jn. 2:9,10, glory Is. 60:1-3, and peace and joy Is. 9:1-7. The inheritance, therefore, is nothing less than a full and free salvation.
This glorious inheritance has been obtained for the believer in a wonderful act of rescue. Those who trust in Christ have been rescued from the ‘domain of darkness’. Darkness in Scripture speaks of sin, disobedience, rebellion, and death and is a condition into which all are born and from which no-one can free themselves.
The rescue was effected by God the Father sending the Son of His love into this sinful world to bear the punishment due to sin and thus tear His elect from the dominion of Satan. This great rescue has made a change as dramatic as it is possible to make; a new master, a new citizenship, a new standing, and a new destination. What better reason for continual thanksgiving could there be?
Questions
- What does it mean for a person to receive the’ inheritance of the saints in Light’
- What difference should the four ‘new things’ make to the way we live?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.