God's Check List (A) Series

God's Check List (A)

Colossians 1:1-12

When I was in high school my father had his pilot’s license. We used to fly all over the place and I got to fly the plane most of the time when I was with him. Before we could crank the plane there was a check list that we had to go through checking off each thing as we did it.

There were 27 things to check starting with the nose of the plane and going around to the pilots side of the plane. We checked ailerons, flaps, cables, tires, water in the fuel line, condition of the prop, and a lot more. It was necessary to make a safe flight. I used to get so excited about flying that I did not want to take time to do the "Run down" as it was called. I just wanted to jump in and fly. Then, one day, our instructor, Pete, needed to make a quick trip. He had flown the plane the night before and felt it was not necessary to do the "run down". That day Pete crashed and died. Sometimes a check list can be a great help.

In the first chapter of Colossians, Paul, the writer, addressed his remarks "to the saints and faithful brethren,". In verse 2 he went on to describe exactly what it meant to be a faithful brother or sister in Christ. In thanking God for the spiritual attainments of his readers, he gave us a pretty good check list to see how we are doing. Let's look at that list and check yourself out.

1. Intercessory Prayer

In verse 3 Paul writes, "We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you." In verse 9 he reiterates, "for this reason, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you.

Prayer is a great NECESSITY for a Christian, a saint, a faithful brother or sister in Christ.

Daily, CEASELESS, continual prayer is a necessity.

Prayer is a great PRIVILEGE because

We get to go into the presence of God in a special way.

It allows us to be a part of what God is doing.

It is the best way we can minister to others.

We are face to face with Almighty God

Prayer is a great RESPONSIBILITY because

God has demanded it of us "Pray without ceasing."

People are counting on us

Our spiritual growth is dependent on it

Everyday, habitual, disciplined, prayer is what is required!!!!

But I believe that one of the best ways to check yourself as a Faithful brother or sister is to answer these questions…

When was the last time I prayed specifically for another?

What was the name?

What was the need?

How many times did I pray about it.

See, our needs and desires will force us to pray .... for us!

But what about others?

And listen to this..... when was the last time that you prayed about a spiritual need of another?

Verse 3 said they prayed for others, "since we heard of your faith in Christ" and verse 9 said, "Since the day we heard of it [ salvation]"

We Christians, especially older Christians, should pray WITHOUT CEASING for new believers and their spiritual growth.

When was the last time you prayed for a new believer's knowledge, faith, fruit bearing, etc.????

What is ..... The biggest reason that more people are not being saved today?

Christians are not praying about it.

Praying would create a burden in the saved and a desire in the unsaved

Prayer would make us witnesses and make them "fertile ground".

What is ..... The biggest reason Christians are not living victoriously?

Christians are not praying

Praying makes us more conscious and aware of sin and need for faithfulness

Praying would help them have extra strength .... not make us islands.

The scripture says, "A cord of three is not easily broken."

3= one needing prayer, one praying, God

One of the key distinguishing marks of a mature Christian is INTERCESSORY PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF OTHERS.

Verses 9-12 tell us how to pray for them

v 9 Knowledge-

v 9 Wisdom

v10 Walk that is worthy

v 10 Please God

v l0 bearing fruit

v 11 steadfastness

v 11 patience

v 12 give thanks

2. LOVE FOR THE SAINTS

Luke 14:26 If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes even his own life, he cannot be My disciple."

You cannot understand love without understanding hate as the bible uses both words.

I am well aware that there are three Greek words for love ...

Eros sexual love

Phileo brotherly love

agape God's love

But regardless of which love is meant, love always means one thing in scripture ....