Four Ways to Please God

Colossians 1:9–14
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Paul prays for the Colossians (v. 9). He had never met the Colossians but he wanted them to know what he is faithfully praying for them. It has to do with the knowledge of God’s will and a life lived in accordance with that will. Paul now states four ways that we can please God:

1. By bearing fruit (v.10). It is true that works has nothing to do with our salvation but we must be careful in emphasizing this that we do not overlook the fact that we are saved to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Our problem usually is not what we don’t know, but rather living up to what we do know.
2. By increasing in the knowledge of God (v.10). Since eternal life consists in knowing Him (John 17:3) it is important that we don’t just know about Him but really get to know Him.
3. By being strengthened (v. 11). Usually we are willing to take what comes up to a certain point then we assert “our rights” and strike back. This is the arm of the flesh which is weak against the power of Satan.
4. By giving thanks to the Father (v.12). Just as we appreciate someone showing gratitude to us, so God is pleased when our words show we are grateful.

Probably no section in the new testament contains more concentrated doctrine about Jesus than these two verses (vv. 13-14). He delivered us from sin and made us victors over Satan’s kingdom (v. 13). He rescued us from Satan’s prison and transferred us to a new freedom of forgiveness (v. 14).

Application

The size of my treasure in heaven depends entirely on how much I work for Christ down here (Col. 3:24). I want to work for the rewards that God will give in heaven for doing things that please Him.