On Saturday evening, "Chris" reflects on his week. On Sunday morning, he had good fellowship at church. But later, he felt like a failure as he reflected on his work (he had been bypassed for a promotion on Friday). On Monday, Chris discovered that a colleague had been spreading lies about his work performance, so he dealt with the subject of forgiveness. On Tuesday, Chris' supervisor asked him to do something unethical, and he refused. Later he worried that he might lose his job. On Wednesday, Chris learned that he might be transferred (or else lose his job). So later that day, he focused on "seeking God's will." On Thursday morning, it happened! He lost his job. He felt mistreated. Later that day, he dealt with temptation to sin. On Friday morning, Chris saw an old friend, and they started talking about Christianity. Chris' friend, who is not a Christian, was skeptical and sometimes hostile toward Christianity, but he listened to Chris present the gospel later on Friday. On Saturday morning, Chris had a good time of personal Bible study. And now on Saturday evening, Chris reflects on how his life would be different if he were not a Christian.

? The types of things that Chris experienced this week could happen to anyone. In what ways do you think Chris' experiences, attitudes, and responses were different because he is a Christian?

Chris opens his Bible and begins to read Colossians. As he reads chapter 1, he is reminded of God's perspective on human purpose, meaning and fulfillment. Despite all of the bad things and challenges he faced this week, Chris finds great reason for joy and a sense of fulfillment.

Reason for Thanksgiving
* In his letter to the Christians in Colosse, Paul expresses great reason for thanksgiving.

? Read Colossians 1:1-8. Why is Paul thankful?

What is Our Hope?
* Paul says this "faith and love … spring from (are based on) the hope" (1:5).

? Look deep into your heart. What is your hope? What are your deepest desires?

? Do you think you will ever fully experience the deepest desires of your heart in this world? Is it possible? If not, why?

* When humans eventually realize that they cannot fully experience the deepest desires of their hearts in this world, how do they respond? C.S. Lewis lists the following:aaaa

• The Way of the Disillusioned "Sensible Man" - The disillusioned man says, "When I was young, I thought I could be fulfilled. I thought I could have all of my deepest desires met, but I have learned that those expectations are too high. Life is not like that. So I have learned to just accept it, and make the most of my life."
• The Christian Way - The Christian says, "Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

? What is the Christian hope? What is "the hope that is stored up for you in heaven?" What is "the hope … heard about in the word of truth, the gospel?"

Things to Pray For
* After Paul's thanksgiving report (1:3-8), Paul gives his intercessory prayer report (1:9-14).

? Read Colossians 1:9-14. What does Paul pray for?

† Knowledge (1:9)
• Of God's will
• Through all spiritual wisdom and (all spiritual) understanding

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, so that you may know him better" (Ephesians 1:17, NIV)

Knowledge -> Godly Life

† Godly Life (1:10)
• Bearing fruit … growing (1:10)

"… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23a, NIV)

• Being strengthened by God's power, so that you may have great endurance and patience (1:11)

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being" (Ephesians 3:16, NIV)

• Joyfully giving thanks (1:11b-12)

Reason for Thanksgiving
* We began with Paul's great reason for thanksgiving (1:3-8). But all Christians have great reason for thanksgiving.

? What reasons does Paul mention in verses 12-14? How much is present, and how much is future?

(SEE PDF DOWNLOAD FOR DIAGRAM)

As Chris thinks about this passage, and reflects on his week, he is moved to joyfully give thanks to God. He has faced trials, but he has also experienced God's grace in the midst of those trials. By God's grace, he has borne fruit and grown in his knowledge of God. God has strengthened him to endure the trials. God has strengthened him to patiently wait on Him. Chris gives thanks for the opportunities he has had to be "salt and light" in this world. Chris thanks God for the opportunity to share the word of truth, the gospel, with his friend Jack. As Chris reflects on what God has done in him and through him, he feels a deep sense of peace, purpose and fulfillment.

Reflection/Application
† What is your hope? What are your deepest desires? Where are you seeking fulfillment? Are you sure that your deepest desires will be met? Can they be fulfilled? They Bible says, our deepest needs can be met, through faith in Jesus Christ. Have you trusted in Christ?

† If you are a Christian, do you realize the value of the hope you have in Christ? Do you have an attitude of joyful thanksgiving? What are you doing to be sure others hear the gospel? The world is in great need of people like Epaphras. Are you a messenger of hope?

† Colossians 1:3-14 is a good model prayer - to pray for others, and also to pray for yourself. Read this prayer this week, internalize it, and pray in similar fashion.