The church’s purpose, ultimately, is to usher in the Kingdom of God; share God’s love in action, and preach God’s gospel in teaching. This is to “bear fruit.” To accomplish this, we, individual Christ-followers, need to be filled with three things: knowledge of his will, spiritual wisdom and understanding. These produce a life that pleases God, bears fruit for God’s kingdom, and produces faithful, patient witness in a dark world around us. All this in joyful gratitude that Jesus has saved us from the “dominion of darkness” into the kingdom of Jesus.
sermon: Live a Life Worthy (Colossians 1:9-14) with Rev. David Donaldson
Living Wisely in the Kingdom of Light
Reflections on Colossians 1:9–14
In this series, what was thought to be a one-chapter-per-week series is stretching into a longer series because of the richness and multiple layers to this letter. Susan Qiu reminded us last week of our triumph in Christ captured the heart of chapter two beautifully. But as I (David) reflected, I realized her theme—victory in Christ—echoes through the entire book.
So today, we return to chapter one, verses 9–14. Paul’s words here are not just theological statements; they are pastoral prayers. He writes as a shepherd who longs for his people to live fully in Christ.
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding…” (Colossians 1:9)
Knowledge and Wisdom: More Than Trivia
Paul prays for knowledge—not trivial facts, but the knowledge of God’s will. This isn’t about winning at Trivial Pursuit or remembering the Group of Seven artists. It’s about knowing Scripture, understanding God’s story, and discerning His purposes. We need to know the Exodus, David and Goliath, the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah. These aren’t Sunday school relics; they shape how we live.
But knowledge alone isn’t enough. Wisdom takes knowledge and applies it rightly. Proverbs reminds us that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. It’s not about IQ; it’s about living in a way that acknowledges God in all we do.
Living a Life Worthy of the Lord
Paul moves from prayer to purpose: “that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way” (v.10). What does that look like? Bearing fruit in good works. Growing in the knowledge of God. Enduring with patience. Overflowing with gratitude.
This isn’t abstract. It’s practical. It’s kingdom living—right here, right now. In Mimico. In 2025. In a world of identity politics, consumerism, and environmental waste, how do we live wisely? How do we resist being conformed to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2) and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds?
Kingdom People in a Consumer World
Paul reminds us: God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of light. We live under a different King. That changes everything. Our allegiance isn’t to nationalism or consumerism; it’s to Christ. Any kingdom other than God’s is idolatry.
So what does kingdom living look like? Jesus said: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat” (Matthew 25:35). That’s why we’re extending our food bank drive for one more week. Let’s show kingdom generosity—not for recognition, but because this is what kingdom people do.
The Challenge
Have you received Christ as Savior? Good. But have you accepted Him as King? That’s the question. Kingdom living means sacrificial generosity, justice, and love. It means living differently in a world that tries to conform us.
Next week, we’ll explore the supremacy of Christ in Colossians 1:15–21. Until then, read the rest of chapter one. Reflect on this: How will you live wisely as a kingdom person this week?