Courting Christ: Raise His Children, Part 2

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. – Colossians 1:9-12 NASB

In raising children, whether biological or spiritual, it is important to have clear goals, or we will flounder and be inconsistent. As I disciple my spiritual children, I pray for and work toward ten specific goals that I see in today’s passage.

1. (v. 9) Knowledge of His will[1]
Like Joshua[2], I encourage them to meditate on and obey the Word of God. This goal is reached through disciplined Bible study and prayer.

2. (v. 9) Spiritual wisdom[3].
This is far more than the human wisdom that comes from experience and learning[4]. This wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit and can lead to insights that far outstrip the human capability.

3. (v. 9) Spiritual understanding[5].
The Holy Spirit, through the Word, can give them keen insight into the inner thoughts and intents of the human heart – both their own and that of others.

4. (v.10) A worthy life[6].
I want them to have a manner of life that is worthy of their Lord, pleasing God in all respects. I want my children to live lives that are marked by gratitude, joy, humility and service. The discipled life is completely centered on and influenced by the Trinity. Family, neighbors, work, church, school, and interests are secondary to and dependent upon the will of God.

5. (v.10-11) Good works that are God-driven[7].
Their lives should be characterized by service, but tempered by the understanding that they can do nothing without God, that their works do not make God love them any more or less and do not make them any more or less saved.

6. (v. 11) Spirit empowerment[8].
There should be power and victory over sin. Everything within the Christian life is empowered by the Holy Spirit. The degree of submission to the Spirit identifies the degree of holiness in the convert’s life. We accomplish as much as we submit to God.

7. (v. 11) Steadfastness[9].
I want strong, steady children who do not waver in the face of life’s difficulties.

8. (v. 11) Patience[10].
Disciples should be patient with the process of discipleship and with each other.

9. (v. 11) Joy[11].
A lack of joy demonstrates a lack of appreciation for God’s sovereignty. We get unhappy when we think God has somehow done us wrong – and that’s a sin.

10. (v. 12) Gratitude[12]. Whatever sacrifice discipleship demands, it is not as much as what Christ demanded of Himself. We must inculcate an attitude of gratitude in those we disciple.

[1] Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 2:2; 3:10; Acts 22:14; Ephesians 1:9; 4:13; Philippians 1:9; 1 Timothy 2:4
[2] Joshua 1:8
[3] Deuteronomy 32:29; Colossians 3:16; 4:5; Psalm 119:99; 1 Corinthians 12:8
[4] Job 12:16
[5] Ephesians 1:17; Romans 1:11; Colossians 2:2; Psalm 119:27; Mark 12:33; Ephesians 5:17; 1 John 5:20
[6] Colossians 2:6; 4:5; Psalm 1:1, 3; 119:3; 128:1; Micah 4:5; Romans 4:12; Ephesians 4:1; 5:2, 15; Philippians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:12
[7] Acts 9:36; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Titus 3:1, 8, 14
[8] Deuteronomy 33:25; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 40:29, 31; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 3:16
[9] Colossians 3:12; Romans 2:4; 9:22; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:10; 4:2; Hebrews 6:12
[10] Proverbs 24:10; Acts 5:41; Romans 2:7; 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 6:4-6; 12:9-10; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:1-3; Hebrews 10:34-38; 11:34-38; James 1:2-4; 5:7-8; 2 Peter 1:6; Revelation 14:12
[11] Matthew 5:12
[12] Colossians 3:15, 17; 1 Chronicles 29:20; Psalm 79:13; 107:21-22; 116:7; Daniel 2:23; Ephesians 5:4