Bearing Fruit in Faith and Love | Col. 1:3-8

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, discover the timeless wisdom of scripture that unveils the profound connection between prayer, fasting, and the flourishing of faith and love. Join us on a spiritual journey as we delve into Colossians 1:3-8, exploring the profound ways in which these practices become catalysts for a mature and deepened connection with our faith.

BEARING FRUIT IN FAITH & LOVE

Colossians 1:3-8

Pastor John Danganan

³ We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴ since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, ⁵ because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, ⁶ which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing– as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, ⁷ just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf ⁸ and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. (Colossians 1:3-8)

² We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, ³ remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴ For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-5)

THE GOSPEL BEARS FRUIT IN YOUR LIFE THROUGH  IN JESUS AND  FOR PEOPLE.

1. PRAY FOR A WORD IN 2024 TO DIRECT YOUR .

“Faith in Christ changes everything. It changes our past, transforms our present, and secures our future.” – Tim Keller

2. COMMIT TO A DIGITAL FAST TO INCREASE YOUR .

and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

3. LOOK TO .

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:2)

Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument—it is Christ’s blood and merits.

Therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith.

We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by ‘looking unto Jesus.’ – Charles Spurgeon