Lessons

Christian Prayer – Part 2. There were many instances of prayer given this past week in America to thank God for the prosperity and blessings bestowed upon America. This was done in the celebration of the National Day of Prayer set aside on the first Thursday in May each year. This was an example of one aspect of prayer but another aspect of prayer is shown in the prayer that Paul makes in Colossians 1:9-14 for the Colossians. The Colossians (those from Colossee) received their letter from Paul through Tychius (just like Philemon). They were dealing with a particular problem of gnosticism. The Gnostics were pagans who followed a pre-Christian religion which pursued knowledge above all else. Their fundamental beliefs centered around several ideas: 1) There are two different Gods, the Creative God, and the Redemptive God (Jesus who is more powerful). 2) There were two divisions of Christians; A) Those that are spiritual, and B) those that are carnal. 3) They put emphasis on secret type teachings of knowledge, and 4) They put knowledge over faith. It’s better to know things than to show faith through your works. In Paul’s prayer, he acknowledged the Christian faith in Christ that was demonstrated in Colossee by their love of the saints. Paul gives us another aspect of prayer in this passage. 1) We are to be filled with all the fulness of God and the knowledge of His will through the love of Christ. This is in place of philosophy and vain deceit, and the tradition of this world which is what the Gnostics taught. 2) We are to walk worthy of our calling. 3) We are to be strengthened with His might that he gives to us. 4) We should be giving thanks (with patience and longsuffering). 5) We have been delivered from the power of darkness, and 6) We have redemption through His blood. The lesson on May 4, 2003 continues the lesson on prayer. You may listen here now or you may also want to view all the lessons on prayer here.