EGW WritingsColossians 1
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 2
Read Colossians 1 in the BibleColossians 1:1-29
Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]
MR No. 1169—Instruction to Believers
15MR 253.2
The apostle writes: [Colossians 1:1-11, quoted]. This Scripture speaks of the vital union which should exist between Christ and His disciples. Constantly we are to strive to obtain this union. The religion which consists only of profession is but a pretense. Those whose union with Christ ends with the writing of their names on the church roll are not channels of light.15MR 253.3
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son” [verses 12, 13]. The great object for which Christ came to our world was to demonstrate the falsity of Satan’s claim to the sovereignty of the world and to reassert the original and supreme ownership of God and His supreme authority. As the Restorer and Life-giver, Christ placed Himself in the enemy’s pathway. He planted His cross midway between heaven and earth, that He might wrestle with and overcome the powers of darkness. He gave His life for the life of sinners, and Satan, the prince of the world, was cast out.15MR 254.1
[Colossians 1:14-23, quoted.] We have been taught by God concerning the great plan of redemption. This should be to us a matter of earnest thanksgiving. God’s promises will never fail if we constantly watch unto prayer. Having learned the excellent way, we are to be sanctified body, soul, and spirit. We are to be purified and cleansed through the washing of the Word. I am instructed to say that it is the privilege of everyone to be grounded and settled in the faith. No one who exercises that faith which works by love and purifies the soul will be moved away from the hope of the gospel.15MR 254.3
In no case will Christ serve with unfair, unfaithful dealing. “You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight” [verses 21, 22]. God calls for intelligent Christians, for men and women who are filled with the knowledge of His will. We need to feel the converting power of truth. This will remove the arbitrary exactions which have done such harm, casting a cloud over the minds of men. The Lord calls for men and women who by their good works show that the truth has brought about a change in their lives. His workers are now to draw out the threads of selfishness which have marred the pattern.15MR 257.1
[Colossians 1:26-29, quoted.] Through His human instrumentalities God desires to demonstrate the power of His grace. By His saints He would make known among the Gentiles the riches of His plan of redemption.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 48, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 1
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, ... to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” [Colossians 1:1, 2.]19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 2
“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints: for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which is come unto you, as it is in all the world, and bringeth forth fruit.” [Verses 3-6.]19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 5
“As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” [Verses 7-9.]19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 6
Paul’s words show no spirit of envy, no fear lest some one is trying to get before him. He presents the high attainments that may be reached by every one. His desire for believers is that they “might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” that they might “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Verses 9-11.]19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 8
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” [Verse 12.]19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 10
“Which hath made us meet.” [Verse 12.] Those who have fully consecrated themselves to Christ are fitted by His grace to be partakers of the immortal inheritance. They have an intense desire to be like the Saviour, and they are constantly growing in grace and in a knowledge of the truth. They meditate upon the truths of the gospel, and upon the lives of Christ’s faithful followers, and follow their godly example.19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 11
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” [Verses 13, 14.]19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 13
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him, and for Him; and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” [Colossians 1:15-17.]19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 15
“And He is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.” [Verse 18.]19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 17
“It pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell.” [Verse 19.] O why do we go to weak, erring fellow mortals for guidance? Jesus says, “Come unto Me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I—I who have the preeminence—will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] There are many in our world who are restless and dissatisfied. They are unwilling to perform the duties He points out, unwilling to practice the self-denial He calls for.19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 18
“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things on earth or things in heaven. And you that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.” [Colossians 1:20-22.]19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 19
“Yet now hath He reconciled.” [Verse 21.] Have you been reconciled? And is your life revealing to the world the fruit of this reconciliation? God calls upon us to take hold of His work with an earnestness and energy that will show to unbelievers the power of the truth that we believe.19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 20
“To present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.” [Verse 22.] These words present a very high attainment, but this attainment is possible to all who learn in the school of Christ His meekness and lowliness, putting themselves entirely under His control. Those who follow Christ will make straight paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. They will not allow any root of bitterness to spring up in their hearts lest others be injured. They will work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God who works in them, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.19LtMs, Ms 48, 1904, par. 21
“To fulfil the word of God, even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is manifest to His saints; to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” [Verses 25-29.]The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 45—Written From Rome
AA 469.1
The apostle Paul early in his Christian experience was given special opportunities to learn the will of God concerning the followers of Jesus. He was “caught up to the third heaven,” “into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” He himself acknowledged that many “visions and revelations” had been given him “of the Lord.” His understanding of the principles of gospel truth was equal to that of “the very chiefest apostles.” 2 Corinthians 12:2, 4, 1, 11. He had a clear, full comprehension of “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of “the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” Ephesians 3:18, 19.AA 469.2
Paul could not tell all that he had seen in vision; for among his hearers were some who would have misapplied his words. But that which was revealed to him enabled him to labor as a leader and a wise teacher, and also molded the messages that he in later years sent to the churches. The impression that he received when in vision was ever with him, enabling him to give a correct representation of Christian character. By word of mouth and by letter he bore a message that ever since has brought help and strength to the church of God. To believers today this message speaks plainly of the dangers that will threaten the church, and the false doctrines that they will have to meet.AA 470.1
The apostle’s desire for those to whom he addressed his letters of counsel and admonition was that they should “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine;” but that they should all come into “the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” He entreated those who were followers of Jesus in heathen communities not to walk “as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God ... because of the blindness of their heart,” but “circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time.” Ephesians 4:14, 13, 17, 18; 5:15, 16. He encouraged the believers to look forward to the time when Christ, who “loved the church, and gave Himself for it,” would “present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing”—a church “holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25, 27.AA 470.2
These messages, written with a power not of man but of God, contain lessons which should be studied by all and which may with profit be often repeated. In them practical godliness is outlined, principles are laid down that should be followed in every church, and the way that leads to life eternal is made plain.AA 471.1
In his letter to “the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse,” written while he was a prisoner in Rome, Paul makes mention of his joy over their steadfastness in the faith, tidings of which had been brought him by Epaphras, who, the apostle wrote, “declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause,” he continued, “we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.”AA 471.2
Thus Paul put into words his desire for the Colossian believers. How high the ideal that these words hold before the follower of Christ! They show the wonderful possibilities of the Christian life and make it plain that there is no limit to the blessings that the children of God may receive. Constantly increasing in a knowledge of God, they may go on from strength to strength, from height to height in Christian experience, until by “His glorious power” they are made “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”AA 471.3
The apostle exalted Christ before his brethren as the One by whom God had created all things and by whom He had wrought out their redemption. He declared that the hand that sustains the worlds in space, and holds in their orderly arrangements and tireless activity all things throughout the universe of God, is the hand that was nailed to the cross for them. “By Him were all things created,” Paul wrote, “that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in His sight.”AA 472.1
The Son of God stooped to uplift the fallen. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5. He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He knew what it meant to be hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He was a stranger and a sojourner on the earth—in the world, but not of the world; tempted and tried as men and women of today are tempted and tried, yet living a life free from sin. Tender, compassionate, sympathetic, ever considerate of others, He represented the character of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.AA 473.1
Surrounded by the practices and influences of heathenism, the Colossian believers were in danger of being drawn away from the simplicity of the gospel, and Paul, in warning them against this, pointed them to Christ as the only safe guide. “I would that ye knew,” he wrote, “what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.AA 473.2
“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.... As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.”AA 473.3
Christ had foretold that deceivers would arise, through whose influence “iniquity” should “abound,” and “the love of many” should “wax cold.” Matthew 24:12. He had warned the disciples that the church would be in more danger from this evil than from the persecution of her enemies. Again and again Paul warned the believers against these false teachers. This peril, above all others, they must guard against; for by receiving false teachers, they would open the door to errors by which the enemy would dim the spiritual perceptions and shake the confidence of those newly come to the faith of the gospel. Christ was the standard by which they were to test the doctrines presented. All that was not in harmony with His teachings they were to reject. Christ crucified for sin, Christ risen from the dead, Christ ascended on high—this was the science of salvation that they were to learn and teach.AA 474.1
The warnings of the word of God regarding the perils surrounding the Christian church belong to us today. As in the days of the apostles men tried by tradition and philosophy to destroy faith in the Scriptures, so today, by the pleasing sentiments of higher criticism, evolution, spiritualism, theosophy, and pantheism, the enemy of righteousness is seeking to lead souls into forbidden paths. To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil, because they have turned their minds into channels of speculative belief that bring misunderstanding and confusion. The work of higher criticism, in dissecting, conjecturing, reconstructing, is destroying faith in the Bible as a divine revelation. It is robbing God’s word of power to control, uplift, and inspire human lives. By spiritualism, multitudes are taught to believe that desire is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself.AA 474.2
The follower of Christ will meet with the “enticing words” against which the apostle warned the Colossian believers. He will meet with spiritualistic interpretations of the Scriptures, but he is not to accept them. His voice is to be heard in clear affirmation of the eternal truths of the Scriptures. Keeping his eyes fixed on Christ, he is to move steadily forward in the path marked out, discarding all ideas that are not in harmony with His teaching. The truth of God is to be the subject for his contemplation and meditation. He is to regard the Bible as the voice of God speaking directly to him. Thus he will find the wisdom which is divine.AA 475.1
The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. This is the knowledge that works transformation of character. Received into the life, it will re-create the soul in the image of Christ. This is the knowledge that God invites His children to receive, beside which all else is vanity and nothingness.AA 475.2
In every generation and in every land the true foundation for character building has been the same—the principles contained in the word of God. The only safe and sure rule is to do what God says. “The statutes of the Lord are right,” and “he that doeth these things shall never be moved.” Psalms 19:8; 15:5. It was with the word of God that the apostles met the false theories of their day, saying, “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid.” 1 Corinthians 3:11.AA 475.3
At the time of their conversion and baptism the Colossian believers pledged themselves to put away beliefs and practices that had hitherto been a part of their lives, and to be true to their allegiance to Christ. In his letter, Paul reminded them of this, and entreated them not to forget that in order to keep their pledge they must put forth constant effort against the evils that would seek for mastery over them. “If ye then be risen with Christ,” he said, “seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”AA 476.1
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. Through the power of Christ, men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have become transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of the deepest mysteries of the Word. We cannot understand it; we can only believe, as declared by the Scriptures, it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”AA 476.2
When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man’s justification. “Being justified by faith,” he has “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1.AA 476.3
But because this experience is his, the Christian is not therefore to fold his hands, content with that which has been accomplished for him. He who has determined to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. Each day he must renew his consecration, each day do battle with evil. Old habits, hereditary tendencies to wrong, will strive for the mastery, and against these he is to be ever on guard, striving in Christ’s strength for victory.AA 477.1
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth,” Paul wrote to the Colossians; “in the which ye also walked sometime, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.... Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”AA 477.2
The letter to the Colossians is filled with lessons of highest value to all who are engaged in the service of Christ, lessons that show the singleness of purpose and the loftiness of aim which will be seen in the life of him who rightly represents the Saviour. Renouncing all that would hinder him from making progress in the upward way or that would turn the feet of another from the narrow path, the believer will reveal in his daily life mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, forbearance, and the love of Christ.AA 478.1
The power of a higher, purer, nobler life is our great need. The world has too much of our thought, and the kingdom of heaven too little.AA 478.2
In his efforts to reach God’s ideal for him, the Christian is to despair of nothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ, is promised to all. Jesus is the source of power, the fountain of life. He brings us to His word, and from the tree of life presents to us leaves for the healing of sin-sick souls. He leads us to the throne of God, and puts into our mouth a prayer through which we are brought into close contact with Himself. In our behalf He sets in operation the all-powerful agencies of heaven. At every step we touch His living power.AA 478.3
God fixes no limit to the advancement of those who desire to be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” Through prayer, through watchfulness, through growth in knowledge and understanding, they are to be “strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power.” Thus they are prepared to work for others. It is the Saviour’s purpose that human beings, purified and sanctified, shall be His helping hand. For this great privilege let us give thanks to Him who “hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.”AA 479.1
Paul’s letter to the Philippians, like the one to the Colossians, was written while he was a prisoner at Rome. The church at Philippi had sent gifts to Paul by the hand of Epaphroditus, whom Paul calls “my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.” While in Rome, Epaphroditus was sick, “nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him,” Paul wrote, “and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” Hearing of the sickness of Epaphroditus, the believers at Philippi were filled with anxiety regarding him, and he decided to return to them. “He longed after you all,” Paul wrote, “and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.... I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”AA 479.2
By Epaphroditus, Paul sent the Philippian believers a letter, in which he thanked them for their gifts to him. Of all the churches, that of Philippi had been the most liberal in supplying Paul’s wants. “Now ye Philippians know also,” the apostle said in his letter, “that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.”AA 480.1
“Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all.... And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”AA 480.2
The grace of God sustained Paul in his imprisonment, enabling him to rejoice in tribulation. With faith and assurance he wrote to his Philippian brethren that his imprisonment had resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. “I would ye should understand, brethren,” he declared, “that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds with Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”AA 481.1
There is a lesson for us in this experience of Paul’s, for it reveals God’s way of working. The Lord can bring victory out of that which may seem to us discomfiture and defeat. We are in danger of forgetting God, of looking at the things which are seen, instead of beholding by the eye of faith the things which are unseen. When misfortune or calamity comes, we are ready to charge God with neglect or cruelty. If He sees fit to cut off our usefulness in some line, we mourn, not stopping to think that thus God may be working for our good. We need to learn that chastisement is a part of His great plan and that under the rod of affliction the Christian may sometimes do more for the Master than when engaged in active service.AA 481.2
As their example in the Christian life, Paul pointed the Philippians to Christ, who, “being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in a fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”AA 481.3
“Wherefore, my beloved,” he continued, “as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.”AA 482.1
These words were recorded for the help of every striving soul. Paul holds up the standard of perfection and shows how it may be reached. “Work out your own salvation,” he says, “for it is God which worketh in you.”AA 482.2
The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation. There is to be co-operation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the formation of right principles in the character. Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hinders him from attaining to perfection. But he is wholly dependent upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not sufficient. Without the aid of divine power it avails nothing. God works and man works. Resistance of temptation must come from man, who must draw his power from God. On the one side there is infinite wisdom, compassion, and power; on the other, weakness, sinfulness, absolute helplessness.AA 482.3
God wishes us to have the mastery over ourselves. But He cannot help us without our consent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the powers and faculties given to man. Of ourselves, we are not able to bring the purposes and desires and inclinations into harmony with the will of God; but if we are “willing to be made willing,” the Saviour will accomplish this for us, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.AA 483.1
He who would build up a strong, symmetrical character, he who would be a well-balanced Christian, must give all and do all for Christ; for the Redeemer will not accept divided service. Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must study the word of God, learning its meaning and obeying its precepts. Thus he may reach the standard of Christian excellence. Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings.AA 483.2
“I count not myself to have apprehended,” Paul wrote; “but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”AA 483.3
Paul did many things. From the time that he gave his allegiance to Christ, his life was filled with untiring service. From city to city, from country to country, he journeyed, telling the story of the cross, winning converts to the gospel, and establishing churches. For these churches he had a constant care, and he wrote many letters of instruction to them. At times he worked at his trade to earn his daily bread. But in all the busy activities of his life, Paul never lost sight of one great purpose—to press toward the prize of his calling. One aim he kept steadfastly before him—to be faithful to the One who at the gate of Damascus had revealed Himself to him. From this aim nothing had power to turn him aside. To exalt the cross of Calvary—this was the all-absorbing motive that inspired his words and acts.AA 484.1
The great purpose that constrained Paul to press forward in the face of hardship and difficulty should lead every Christian worker to consecrate himself wholly to God’s service. Worldly attractions will be presented to draw his attentions from the Saviour, but he is to press on toward the goal, showing to the world, to angels, and to men that the hope of seeing the face of God is worth all the effort and sacrifice that the attainment of this hope demands.AA 484.2
Though he was a prisoner, Paul was not discouraged. Instead, a note of triumph rings through the letters that he wrote from Rome to the churches. “Rejoice in the Lord alway,” he wrote to the Philippians, “and again I say, Rejoice.... Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”AA 484.3
“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.... The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 372, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 11
We need more of the spirit of prayer and more faith. The first chapter of Colossians holds up before us our high responsibility. Paul says, “As ye also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful unto every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” [Verses 7-14.]From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 45—The Letters Paul Wrote From Rome
TT 248.1
Paul acknowledged that many “visions and revelations” had been given him “of the Lord.” His understanding of the gospel was equal to that of “the very chiefest apostles.” 2 Corinthians 12:1, 11. He had a clear comprehension of “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of “the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” Ephesians 3:18, 19.TT 248.2
Paul could not tell all that he had seen in vision; some hearers would have misapplied his words. But that which was revealed to him molded the messages that he in later years sent to the churches. He bore a message that ever since has brought strength to the church of God. To believers today this message speaks plainly of dangers that will threaten the church.TT 248.3
The apostle’s desire for those to whom he addressed his letters was that they should “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,” but that they should come into “the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:14, 13. Christ, who “loved the church, and gave Himself for it,” would “present it to Himself ... not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing”—a church “holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25, 27.TT 248.4
In these messages, written with a power not of man but of God, principles are laid down that should be followed in every church, and the way that leads to life eternal is made plain.TT 249.1
In his letter to “the saints” at Colosse, written while he was a prisoner in Rome, Paul mentions his joy over their steadfastness: “From the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”TT 249.2
There is no limit to the blessings that the children of God may receive. They may go on from strength to strength until they are made “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” KJV.TT 249.3
The apostle exalted Christ as the One by whom God created all things. The hand that sustains the world in space is the hand that was nailed to the cross: “For in Him were all things created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, ... all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”TT 249.4
The Son of God came to this earth to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5. He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He knew what it meant to be hungry, thirsty, and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He was tempted and tried as men and women of today are tempted and tried, yet lived a life free from sin.TT 249.5
Surrounded by the influences of heathenism, the Colossian believers were in danger of being drawn away from the simplicity of the gospel. Paul pointed them to Christ as the only safe guide: “I say this in order that no one may delude you with beguiling speech... . As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught... . See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ.”TT 250.1
Christ had foretold that deceivers would arise, through whose influence “iniquity” should “abound,” and “the love of many” should “wax cold.” Matthew 24:12. The church would be in more danger from this evil than from the persecution of her enemies. By receiving false teachers, they would open the door to errors by which the enemy would shake the confidence of those newly come to the faith. All that was not in harmony with Christ’s teachings they were to reject.TT 250.2
As men tried in the days of the apostles by philosophy to destroy faith in the Scriptures, so today, by higher criticism, evolution, spiritualism, theosophy, and pantheism, the enemy of righteousness is seeking to lead souls into forbidden paths. To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil, because they have turned their minds into channels of speculative belief that bring confusion. The work of higher criticism, in dissecting, conjecturing, and reconstructing, is destroying faith, robbing God’s Word of power to control and inspire human lives. Spiritualism teaches that desire is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself.TT 250.3
The follower of Christ will meet with spiritualistic interpretations of the Scriptures, but he is not to accept them. He is to discard all ideas that are not in harmony with Christ’s teaching. He is to regard the Bible as the voice of God speaking directly to him. The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. This knowledge works transformation of character. This is the knowledge beside which all else is vanity and nothingness.TT 250.4
In every generation and in every land, the true foundation for character building has been the same—the principles contained in the Word of God. With the Word the apostles met the false theories of their day, saying, “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid.” 1 Corinthians 3:11.TT 251.1
In his letter, Paul entreated the Colossian believers not to forget that they must put forth constant effort: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”TT 251.2
Through the power of Christ, men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. This change is the miracle of miracles—“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”TT 251.3
When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; the promise of God has been fulfilled, and the sinner’s transgression has been forgiven. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law and faith toward Christ, who died for man’s justification.TT 251.4
But the Christian is not to fold his hands, content with that which has been accomplished for him. He will find that all the powers and passions of unregenerate nature are arrayed against him. Each day he must renew his consecration. Old habits, hereditary tendencies to wrong, will strive for the mastery, and against these he is to strive in Christ’s strength.TT 251.5
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”TT 251.6
The power of a higher, purer life is our great need. The world has too much of our thought, and the kingdom of heaven too little. To reach God’s ideal, the Christian is to despair of nothing. Moral and spiritual perfection through the grace of Christ is promised to all. Jesus is the source of power. He brings us to His Word. He puts into our mouth a prayer through which we are brought into close contact with Himself. In our behalf He sets in operation the all-powerful agencies of heaven. At every step we touch His living power.TT 252.1
The church at Philippi had sent gifts to Paul by Epaphroditus, whom Paul calls “my brother and fellow worker.” While in Rome, Epaphroditus was sick, “near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” The believers at Philippi were filled with anxiety regarding Epaphroditus, and he decided to return to them. “He has been longing for you all,” Paul wrote, “and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill, ... for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete your service to me.”TT 252.2
Paul sent the Philippian believers a letter by him. Of all the churches, Philippi had been the most liberal in supplying Paul’s wants. “Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit which increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more; I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.”TT 252.3
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ... . And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ... so that you may ... be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”TT 252.4
Paul’s imprisonment had resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. “What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to all the rest.”TT 253.1
There is a lesson for us in this experience. The Lord can bring victory out of what may seem to us defeat. When misfortune or calamity comes, we are ready to charge God with neglect or cruelty. If He sees fit to cut off our usefulness in some line, we mourn, not stopping to think that He may be working for our good. Chastisement is a part of His great plan. Under the rod of affliction the Christian may sometimes do more for the Master than when engaged in active service.TT 253.2
Paul pointed the Philippians to Christ, who, “though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.”TT 253.3
“Therefore, my beloved,” Paul continued, “God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.”TT 253.4
Paul holds up the standard of perfection and shows how it may be reached: “Work out your own salvation; ... for God is at work in you.” The work of gaining salvation is a joint operation between God and the repentant sinner. Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome, but he is wholly dependent on God for success. Without the aid of divine power human effort avails nothing. God works and man works. Resistance of temptation must come from man, who must draw his power from God.TT 253.5
God wishes us to have self-mastery, but He cannot help us without our consent and cooperation. The divine Spirit works through the faculties given to man. Of ourselves we are not able to bring the desires and inclinations into harmony with the will of God; but if we are “willing to be made willing,” the Saviour will accomplish this for us, “casting down imaginations, ... and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.TT 254.1
He who would be a well-balanced Christian must give all and do all for Christ. Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must study the Word of God, obeying its precepts. Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the final test. And day by day the believer works out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings.TT 254.2
“I do not consider that I have made it my own,” Paul wrote, “but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”TT 254.3
In all the busy activities of his life, Paul never lost sight of one great purpose—to press toward the prize of his high calling. To exalt the cross—this was his all-absorbing motive that inspired his words and acts.TT 254.4
Though he was a prisoner, Paul was not discouraged. A note of triumph rings through the letters that he wrote from Rome. “Rejoice,” he wrote. “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”TT 254.5
“My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 68, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 68, 1886, par. 15
Spoke to the church assembled this morning from Colossians. Our social meeting was good. I have written eight pages to Brother and Sister Ings. We had a nice shower in the night.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 12, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 12, 1894, par. 6
As Seventh-day Adventists we are ever to bear in mind that we are Christian reformers, and that every effort made to advance the light of truth will be resisted and opposed by the synagogue of Satan. As Christ has His church, composed of the believers in His name in the world, so also Satan has his church, all the human agents who reveal themselves to be children of darkness, children of the wicked one. They oppose the truth; satanic agencies inspire evil men to resist the truth. The first chapter of Colossians is full of instruction to reformers. We wish all who love present truth to make a practical application of the Word of God contained in this chapter.9LtMs, Lt 12, 1894, par. 7
In (verses 9-14) are presented the reforms called for, and the sure result of accepting the truth, present truth. In this chapter is presented to us the true work of reform. See verses 21-23. The acceptance of the truth in genuine faith does not degrade the receiver, but is ever lifting him up, refining his taste, sanctifying his judgment, elevating and ennobling his character, fitting him for the companionship of angels and of Christ and the Father. The truth received into the heart is opening the door to Jesus, who is the light and the life. Verses 25-29.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 58, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 44
Please read the second and third chapters of Philippians, and the first chapter of Colossians. There are lessons there that we all should study. Paul writes, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory: but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. ... Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 45
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings, that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:3-9, 12-16.] “I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom: that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” [Colossians 1:25-28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 107, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 107, 1898, par. 8
A clear, decided testimony is to be borne in behalf of righteousness and truth. The Holy Spirit breaks out into utterances in Colossians 1 and Hebrews 1. God requires pure and undefiled religion of all. He asks every believer to strive for the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. Let every soul consider himself under bonds to God to appreciate himself. Human beings are of value with God, and He calls upon them to be sanctified through that faith which works by love and purifies the soul.13LtMs, Lt 107, 1898, par. 9
What does the Holy Spirit do for the receiver? It gives him the mind of Christ. Study the first chapters of Hebrews and Colossians. It makes him a faithful worker for his Lord. The man who has caught the Spirit of God does not pet his own ideas, and make strong his own natural tendencies. He takes himself in hand, and brings “I” into subjection. He will not go forward in any false way, but represses the evil inclination. He will not excuse his faults, but in faith and much prayer will cut away the evil, whatever may be its character. When the Holy Spirit sees this determined effort, man is not left to struggle alone for the mastery.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 88, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 88, 1900, par. 1
I spoke to the new Sabbathkeepers in West Maitland Sabbath, January 20, from Colossians, (chapter 1), reading verse by verse to the close of the chapter.15LtMs, Ms 88, 1900, par. 2
You will see that the tenor of this letter is not marked with complaining but with thankfulness and praise to God. This letter is addressed “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be with you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.” Colossians 1:2-5.15LtMs, Ms 88, 1900, par. 4
“Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.” Verses 6-8.15LtMs, Ms 88, 1900, par. 11
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” Colossians 1:9-11. This is the most precious fruit that can be borne for Christ’s sake. None of us are left to our own feeble, natural efforts. We have reason to praise God every hour for the great love which Christ has expressed to us.15LtMs, Ms 88, 1900, par. 13
In this first chapter of Colossians are seen the great possibilities opened up through the abundant provisions made in behalf of man. The prayer and the desire of Christians for their brethren in the faith is that they may be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” [Verse 9.] This, then, we all seek for in faith, moved by that love that is refining, uplifting, and purifying. Sanctified and holy in aspirations, we must advance step by step upward, still upward, to the purer, holier atmosphere of heaven. What abundant encouragement we have!Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 58, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 58, 1900, par. 6
Paul wrote to the Colossians, “For this cause, we also since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in wisdom and in spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.” [Colossians 1:9-11.] These words present an advancing experience in religious faith.15LtMs, Lt 58, 1900, par. 20
The manifestation of real goodness is the bearing of fruit in good works. This bears the indorsement of heaven. Read the first chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians. The instruction it contains is of the highest value. The religion of Christ makes all who possess it truly benevolent. It countenances no littleness, no mean transactions. True Christians have a nobility which allows none of the cheap, covetous actions that are a disgrace to the doer of them. Men in responsible positions need to make straight paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 78, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 78, 1901, par. 9
Please read in the assembly of the people of God the instruction found in the first chapter of Colossians. “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church; whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints, to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” [Verses 23-29.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 44, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 44, 1901, par. 1
The first chapter of Colossians is a decided address to every believer. The Holy Spirit indited this instruction for the help of those who should afterward compose the church, as well as for those to whom Paul addressed his letter.16LtMs, Ms 44, 1901, par. 3
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Verses 1-11.]16LtMs, Ms 44, 1901, par. 5
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the powers of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” [Verses 12, 13.] The great object for which Christ came to our world was to demonstrate the falsity of Satan’s claim to the sovereignty of the world and to reassert the original and supreme ownership of God and His supreme authority. As the Restorer and Life-giver, Christ placed Himself in the enemy’s pathway. He planted His cross midway between heaven and earth, that He might wrestle with and overcome the powers of darkness. He gave His life for the life of sinners, and Satan, the prince of the world, was cast out.16LtMs, Ms 44, 1901, par. 6
“We have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him; and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight; if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature under heaven.” [Verses 14-23.]16LtMs, Ms 44, 1901, par. 9
In no case will Christ serve with unfair, unfaithful dealing. “You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.” [Verses 21, 22.] God calls for intelligent Christians, for men and women who are filled with the knowledge of His will. We need to feel the converting power of truth. This will remove the arbitrary exactions which have done such harm, casting a cloud over the minds of men. The Lord calls for men and women who by their good works show that the truth has brought about a change in their lives. His workers are now to draw out the threads of selfishness which have marred the pattern.16LtMs, Ms 44, 1901, par. 15
But how many offer praise and thanksgiving to God? How many, by thanking the Giver, show that they appreciate their blessings? How many give thanks to the Father, “which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light”? We have redemption through His blood. He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of His Son. [Colossians 1:12-14.] The heavenly angels are constantly engaged in serving us, bringing to us the most wonderful opportunities. Why then should we be so slow to express our thanksgiving? Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God. A fragrant atmosphere surrounds the believing, thankful soul who offers grateful praise to his heavenly Father. Let all appreciate the blessings of the Lord. We reflect bright beams of light when in the home and in the church we express our appreciation of the Lord’s goodness.16LtMs, Ms 44, 1901, par. 16
“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” [Verses 26-29.] Through His human instrumentalities God desires to demonstrate the power of His grace. By His saints He would make known among the Gentiles the riches of His plan of redemption.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 201, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 201, 1902, par. 20
It is your privilege to have the higher life, even the life of God. The first chapter of Colossians says much that I would say to you. “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth. ... For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” [Verses 3-6, 9-14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 117, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 117, 1903, par. 15
After fitting up this world as the dwelling place of man, God looked upon it, and rejoiced in it, pronouncing it very good. So He will accept of and rejoice in the reformation wrought out by those who, receiving Christ as their Saviour, have obtained power to become the sons of God. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” [2 Corinthians 5:17.] The first chapter of Colossians shows us the heights to which it is our privilege to attain. We may be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” walking “worthy of the Lord ... being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the powers of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” [Verses 9-14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 161, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 161, 1903, par. 5
I am deeply moved by the unprepared condition of our churches. One thing we must do. We must keep our feet in the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life. We must make no missteps now. The first and second chapters of Colossians have been presented to me as an expression of what our churches in every part of the world should be. The great apostle had many visions. The Lord showed him many things that it is not lawful for a man to utter. Why could he not tell the believers what he had seen? Because they would have made a misapplication of the great truths presented. They would not have been able to comprehend these truths. And yet all that was shown to Paul molded the messages that God gave him to bear to the churches.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 167, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 167, 1903, par. 2
I saw One of authority presenting the instruction contained in the book of Colossians to the believers assembled in the Battle Creek Tabernacle. The lessons of this book may with profit be often repeated. Here true, practical godliness is outlined. Here are laid down the principles that are to be preserved in every church that is organized.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 140, 1906
Oakland, California
July 28, 1906
Previously unpublished.
21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 1
Colossians 1:1-5. [Passage read.] Now bear in mind you have something to look forward to continually.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 2
Verses 6-10. Now we can see the prospects of continual growth in Christ. There is a height and breadth of spirituality for every soul of us, if we will take right hold of it.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 3
Verses 10, 11. Now you see how that is brought in. It is not to be such an exaltation of yourself. It is an increasing in intelligence of the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 4
Verse 12. How did He make you meet? It is through prayer. It is through watchfulness. It is through growth in understanding and intelligence of how to carry the truth, the Word of the living God, acceptably to all that you come in converse and contact with. That is how we are made partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 5
Christ came to our world, laying off His crown of authority, laying off His kingly robe. He clothed His divinity with humanity that humanity might touch humanity, and that in your humanity—in having the perfect Pattern before you—you should be partaker of what? Of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 6
Here is the battle. Every soul that is striving for that higher school above will learn his school lessons first of Christ—divinity clothed with humanity. He may be a partaker with Christ, who was partaker with His disciples of all the temptations wherewith men are beset, that He might carry through these temptations in the sight of His disciples—to the knowledge of His disciples—how He conducted Himself in these very temptations that were brought to bear upon Him. And thus, by partaking of the divine nature, they were preparing to do the work.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 7
Here was the world, a work that was high as heaven. They were preparing to follow in the footsteps of the Lord of life and glory who ordained His disciples to take up the work after He should leave it. And He was educating and training them to go to the earth and proclaim the gospel. He told them He sent them forth as lambs among wolves. Will we all remember, then, whatever your disposition—and we all have varied dispositions—that whatever your disposition may be, that disposition must be brought under control to Jesus Christ. And unless it is brought under control to Jesus Christ, your disposition never will pass in the future, eternal life. So there is an individuality in all our experience.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 8
There are two parties in our world. There are satanic agencies; and Satan is using all his power, that he may mold human minds so that they will be cross, impatient, unkind, censuring, unjust. And when I see it, I feel so sad, because I question whether they will ever overcome their natural and hereditary tendencies; although they profess the truth, yet do they take the truth, are they sanctified through the truth? Do they keep God’s commandments and love Him with all the heart?21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 9
The lawyer asked, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Christ lays the burden right on that lawyer, who had been studying that point for some time. But there were enemies, waiting, hoping to grasp some word so that they could condemn the Lord, and He laid it right on them: “Thou shalt love the Lord ... with all thy mind.” [Luke 10:25-27.] That takes the whole man. Then what? What kind of a world would we have if we keep the commandments of God? It would be next to heaven. We are preparing to enter the gates that shall be thrown open to the saints, who are welcomed into the city of God, to enjoy what? Eternal life—a life that measures with the life of God. Therefore it is of the highest consequence to us that we understand the science of salvation in this world, that we take right hold upon the powers that God has given. “For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” [Colossians 2:9.]21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 10
Now here that lawyer said they were to do certain things, and then what? “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Well, if “thy neighbor” commits an error or a fault, don’t spread it all around through the church or wherever you can. But Christ has told us what to do—to go right to him and tell him his fault between him and you alone. And then He tells them there is a chance of saving that soul if they will do it. “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, go first and be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer this gift.” [Matthew 5:23, 24.] What kind of a world would we have if we should follow and obey the commandments of God?21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 11
What kind of character would be upon us that profess to believe in Jesus Christ? What kind of an atmosphere should we bring into our households—the father, the houseband of the family; the wife, the queen in the home? The children should be educated to take the burdens off the mother, that her life may be spared to give the very wisest instruction that can come from human lips to the children, educating, educating, educating from the first to the last child; and then the younger members can be taken charge of by the older members. And not a word of faultfinding, not a word of contention, is to be exchanged between the houseband and the queen of the household; and their children will have an example of right words, of good words, words of comfort, words of encouragement; and they would not have that example that they would carry all through their afterlife of contention and strife and passion.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 12
Let the churches be converted at this period of this earth’s history. Let them make a decided and determined point that they will have Jesus Christ as a member of their household. “Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Now God wants us to act as if in His presence, to know that He hears every word. He knows the tenor and the character of every disposition, and He wants every one to act out the law of God, just as it reads.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 13
And then it says: “And ye are complete in Him.” Well, let us aim for that completeness—“which is the head of all principality and power”—complete in Him. [Colossians 2:10.] If you are complete in Him, you still stand on the highest level of Christian influence. You will have a power that will come from above, that will give you that grace that will represent the spirit of heaven, that will represent the Spirit of Christ. Don’t let us deny Him by our lips, by our voice, by our attitude. God help us now, right at the last, living in the close of the last days of this earth’s history, to feel that it is important that we have made our calling and our election sure.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 14
We want to meet every one of you in the heavenly courts. We want to see this large company that shall enter in through the gates into the city and shall have a right unto the tree of life. Why? Because they have kept all the commandments. They have kept the law of God; they have kept His Sabbath, which is the day that He has enjoined upon all them that believe, and that have kept all His commandments. We are to enter right into the spirit of heaven. “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:34.] That kingdom we want. “In whom also ye are circumcised with circumcision made without hands—circumcision of Christ Jesus.” [Colossians 2:11.] His Spirit has taken possession of mind and eyes and heart and soul and strength. What a world we should have, if this were only carried out!21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 15
“Buried with Him in baptism where—having forgiven you all trespasses.” [Verses 12, 13.]21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 16
Now here is the whole sum of the Christian experience, if we will carry it out. I am so thankful that Jesus Christ is our representative; “and looking unto Jesus, who is the Author.” It does not stop there. “Author of your faith”—but it does not stop there—“and finisher of your faith.” [Hebrews 12:2.] He carries you through your faith, and Christ gives you the lessons of simplicity. “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for whosoever asketh receiveth, he that seeketh findeth, to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” [Matthew 7:7, 8.] Now what we want is to give more time to prayer and less to useless conversation.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 17
What we want is to take our children right under our own guardianship in their childhood, and then to educate and train them; and you will not have to beat them if you give them the first lessons in obedience, and you can have a little heaven here below. And if you will train these children—that little church in your home—you are fitting them up, keep their attention in their babyhood right upon a Higher Power, Jesus, the Lover of our souls. Tell them that He took little children in His arms, and He blessed them; and when the disciples would send them away, why, Christ’s mind had followed them all along. On that occasion of those mothers with their children, as the disappointment came upon those mothers, Christ spoke. He said, “Forbid not these little children coming unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 19:14.]21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 18
There, when the disciples were contending who should be the greatest—(why, that is the wickedest thing that is among us, the wickedest thing that is in the churches. We do not want any such thought; Christ does not want anything of the sort)—He told them, as He set a little child in the midst, “Unless you are converted and become as this little child, why, then, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 18:3.] But they were not to give their own spirit, to bring that in.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 19
He wants us to humble ourselves before God. He wants us to learn as Daniel learned. He wants us to have an education as those worthies that were taken from their homes and brought into the courts of Babylon. There they were instructed and educated; but they held fast to the education that they had had in their homes, and therefore they were faithful students, and they were exalted—just the reason God sent them, allowed this to be.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 20
The Jews were so that they were doing no good to people outside of themselves, and God scattered them. He permitted them to be broken up to other countries. Well, now, here were those who had had the right education; and then what? Right representatives of the religion that God wanted them to have. It was a religion that they would be faithful to God, under any circumstances, under any consequences. They would be faithful to Jehovah.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 21
Now what we need is this perfection that is mentioned here. “And ye are complete in”—yourself? No. “In Him.” Our whole trust is in Him. Colossians 2:10. I am so very glad of the possibility. Are you glad? Are you going to wrestle for victories? Satan will oppose your way; he will tempt you upon your weakest points. Now, you want to make the weakest the strongest. When you are aggravated by words that you think ought not to be spoken, do not respond. Silence is eloquence, and it will stop the raid that is made against you so much sooner than if you begin to try to explain. Just stop right where you are.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 22
What we want is a right hold from above. God wants to find a people who are keeping His commandments, whom He can introduce into heaven, and it will not create a second rebellion. There has been one rebellion, and they had to turn out a large number of the angels of God which had been contaminated by one who had been the most exalted angel next to Jesus Christ.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 23
Now, we know that exaltation will not save any one. We know that an exalted spirit will not, but we want the kindness of Christ. If you could have tenderness and sympathy and love for souls, you would see a missionary work done right here in Oakland that would exceed anything that has ever been done before. This work is done by earnest prayer. It is done by meeting together and praying, remembering how that after Christ left them, the disciples assembled together, and they prayed for the Holy Ghost. And there, after they had prayed for the Holy Ghost, it was a time when all parties of the Jewish nation were brought in to celebrate some of their great occasions—and when they prayed, the Holy Ghost came upon them; they healed the sick; and they were taken and shut up in prison. When they went to the prison to find these men, they were not there. Why? Because the angels of God had opened the prison doors and set them free. And then they tried to stop their mouths, but they said, God forbid, we have a message to bear.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 24
Now, every one of us can have all this fulness, all this preciousness, all this power, if we will give ourselves to searching the Scriptures more. Although you may have work to do, you will find that you will have moments that, if you will not stand in idle conversation and in the novel reading that we see everywhere, if you will just look at the Scriptures, you will be armed so that you shall know how to meet every emergency.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 25
Heaven is interested in the work that we are doing to bring men back to their loyalty to the Ten Commandments. God has given His Sabbath. He says it is a sign between Him and you throughout your generations forever. Not the first day, the seventh day. He put the sanctity, His sanctity, on the Sabbath day. And we want to bring everyone possible to the light of the truth, so that they shall be prepared to enter right in when the gates are opened, and understand where to take right hold and keep the Sabbath day, because they have kept it in this world. The Lord has got a heaven of bliss for us, and He has got strength and fortitude and courage for every one of us if we will, in simplicity, come to Jesus Christ.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 26
I want to know who among you want to stand hesitating whether you will be good or not, whether you will transgress His commandments and continue in transgression, when there is His Word, charging you of that He has sanctified the Sabbath day, and that He created the world in six days, and rested on the seventh day, and sanctified the seventh day. Why has He established that? Because God created the world. It did not come into existence without His power who created it. He was the one that created the world. And there it is to stand. The Sabbath is His memorial of the creation of this world in six days and resting upon the seventh day. He hallowed the seventh day. He made it holy for us to observe. Why then is the world going after a false Sabbath? Because the enemy has taken possession of human minds.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 27
God help us to awaken, and then may we seek to carry out all the principles that are in this Book. I now say to you, Who will take his stand determinedly to be on the Lord’s side in this congregation? Who will be determined to please God, and if they please God, they will not make enemies—only those that do not want them to please God. But we want to live in unity and in love, and we want that every family should cultivate the love of Christ in that family. And then, at last, the gates will be opened to you, and you will enter in through the gates into the city; and there you will have life, eternal life in the kingdom of glory.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 28
Teach it to your children. Educate your children to obey God; educate them to keep the commandments; and from first to last, you will find that your family will be under good discipline.21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 29
God help you that you may have eternal life. We want right here that decisions should be made for God and for heaven and for eternity. Eternal life. It is the riches of all heaven that are given to us. It is a life that measures with the life of God. May God help you to make thorough work for eternity.Colossians 1:2
God’s Amazing Grace
Peace Restored, November 8
AG 320.1
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:2.Colossians 1:2-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 18, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 18, 1902, par. 4
With deep earnestness and great power, Paul, in his epistle to the church in Colosse, presented “to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ” the truth in its simplicity. “Grace be unto you,” he wrote, “and peace, from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, wherever ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.” [Colossians 1:2-8.]17LtMs, Ms 18, 1902, par. 6
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” [Verse 9.] What an encouragement these words should be to every striving soul! Before every church that is established in the truth is an open door. If church members would individually appreciate the promises that God has given them, they would more fully comprehend His infinite love.17LtMs, Ms 18, 1902, par. 10
Between an unholy man and God—the embodiment of holiness—there can be no companionship. Speaking of God, the prophet says: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.” [Habakkuk 1:13.] But Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity,” and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. [Titus 2:14.] Christ is the Sin-bearer. He bears the iniquity of all who repent and believe, all who accept His robe of righteousness. They may follow His example. “Filled,” they may be, “with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” that they may “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.” [Colossians 1:9-11.]17LtMs, Ms 18, 1902, par. 12
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” [Colossians 1:12-14.]17LtMs, Ms 18, 1902, par. 13
“And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.” [Verses 18-22.]17LtMs, Ms 18, 1902, par. 14
Now the conditions are given: “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body’s sake, which is the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” [Verses 23-29.]Colossians 1:3-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 102, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 1
“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.” [Colossians 1:3-8.]16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 2
These words, written by Paul to the Colossians, show the relation which we should sustain to one another. The hope we have in Jesus Christ will lead us to manifest His mind. We are to be “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4.] And “for this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” [Colossians 1:9.] To have a knowledge of His will is worth everything to us. Because Christ was made an atonement for our sins, it is our privilege to stand on vantage ground.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 5
Place yourselves in a position where you will have the Spirit of “all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” [Colossians 1:9, 10.] Those who have spiritual understanding will walk worthy of the Lord. Those who are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, who follow on to know the Lord, will increase in strength and in a knowledge of God.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 7
That we may be fruitful in every good work, and increase in the knowledge of God, we are “strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Colossians 1:11.] Let the nurses consider these words. Those who care for the sick should not go about with long faces, condoling with those who are suffering. Cheer them with words of comfort, hope, and joyfulness. Tell them that in Jesus Christ they have a greater Physician than any one connected with the Sanitarium. Let them understand that you who give them treatment are only finite beings, but that you have a living connection with God, and are there to help them to co-operate with Him in combating disease. Tell them that this institution is an object of the prayers of God’s people. Show that God has filled your hearts with sympathy and tenderness for every suffering individual who is here.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 9
“Strengthened with all might.” [Colossians 1:11.] This is not might to speak hasty words, which hurt and bruise others, and which injure us more than any one else, making us ashamed when we think afterward of what we have said. Cease to fret. I beseech those who claim to believe that Jesus has died for them, those who have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to come to Christ, believing that He will give them power to resist the enemy. If by our compassion and generosity, by our kind, tender words, we manifested His sweet Spirit, His righteousness, we should truly be lights in the world.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 10
“Longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Verse 11.] Wherever you are, you may be tantalized, and reproach may come upon you. If I were to undertake to hunt up a thousandth part of what has been said against me, I should have no time to do anything else. I have said, “God knows all about this, and I will let Him take care of it.” I am not at all troubled by what other people say concerning me. I desire to live in Christ. If I lose my self-control, and flash out in anger, I would in so doing give people some reason to say that the representation of my accusers is correct.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 15
What does long-suffering with joyfulness lead us to do? To give thanks unto the Father, “which hath made us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” [Verse 12.] How full is this language! If you attempted to measure it, you would find that in these words are measureless depths of meaning. We are now being fitted up to dwell in the mansions which Christ has gone to prepare for those who love Him.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 16
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness.” [Verse 13.] If this is true, what excuse <then> have we for talking discouragement and unbelief and doubt—drawing darkness around us as a mantle? Let us roll back the dark shadow of doubt, casting it aside to be borne by Satan, the originator of all doubt and discouragement. He is seeking to cast his hellish shadow across our pathway. Our faith must penetrate the dark cloud of doubt and unbelief, taking hold of the arm of Christ beyond.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 20
God “hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” [Verse 13.] We are to be “conformed to the image of his Son.” “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” [Romans 8:29; 12:2.] In this world we are to be transformed by the Holy Spirit of God. We are left free to choose to follow the One who said, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth” [Matthew 28:18], or to turn away from Him to the world.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 23
God “hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” [Colossians 1:13, 14.] In place of our sins, Christ gives us His righteousness. He does not cover our sins with His robe; therefore a man who cannot bear the slightest temptation without exhibiting passion is not wearing this robe. God does not want us to be in that position. He desires us to be clothed with Christ’s righteousness. Those covered with this robe of righteousness hold passion under control.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 24
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” [Verse 15.] By beholding, we become changed into the divine image from glory to glory—from character to character. We never retain exactly the same character; for there must be growth in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Continually the Spirit of God is working in us and by us and through us, giving us a deeper and more solid experience as we follow on to know the Lord.16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 25
“For by him [Jesus Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” [Verses 16-18.]Colossians 1:4-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 141a, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 141a, 1897, par. 10
I have just returned from speaking in the tent. The tent was not full, but we had a good congregation. Several were present who are just on the point of deciding. They listened with great attention. I spoke from (Colossians 1:4-6), taking up also the fourteenth chapter of John and the conditions of acceptance with God. The Lord gave me much freedom. Brother Sherwin’s brother, whose home is five hundred miles back in the country, and who has embraced the Sabbath, was introduced to me. He spoke quite feelingly in regard to the talk I had given. Tears stood in his eyes. He seemed to feel so thankful that he could hear me and speak with me. He donated £2 to the church-building.Colossians 1:4-11
The Sanctified Life
Paul’s Prayer for the Church
SL 85.2
In the Epistle to the Colossians also are set forth the glorious privileges vouchsafed to the children of God. “Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, ...we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Colossians 1:4-11).Colossians 1:7-23
This Day With God
Cure for Covetousness, December 4
TDG 347.1
Continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard. Colossians 1:23.TDG 347.4
Paul says, “As ye also learned of Epaphras, ... who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.... We also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:7-10).Colossians 1:7-29
Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
The Need of Preaching Christ
GW92 40.1
As I see the wants in young churches, as I see and realize their great need of vital godliness and their deficiency in true religious experience, my heart is sad. I know that those who bear the message of truth to them do not properly instruct them on all points essential to the perfection of a symmetrical character in Christ Jesus. These things may be neglected too long by the teachers of the truth. Speaking of the gospel, Paul says: “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles [mark the explanation of the mystery]; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” [Colossians 1:25-29]GW92 42.2
Paul writes to his Colossian brethren: “As ye also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. [Not an unsanctified love of the smartness, ability, or oratory of the preacher, but a love born of the Spirit of God, which his servant represented in his words and character.] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened will all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” [Colossians 1:7-12.]GW92 43.1
Ministers who labor in towns and cities to present the truth should not feel content, nor that their work is ended, until those who have accepted the theory of the truth realize indeed the effect of its sanctifying power, and are truly converted to God. God would be better pleased to have six truly converted to the truth as the result of their labors, than to have sixty make a nominal profession, and yet not be thoroughly converted. These ministers should devote less time to preaching sermons, and reserve a portion of their strength to visit and pray with those who are interested, giving them godly instruction, to the end that they may “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” [Colossians 1:28.]Colossians 1:9
With God at Dawn
Example of Paul, July 25
WGD 208.1
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Colossians 1:9.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Fountain of Life, April 9
JNN 109.1
That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.—Colossians 1:9Colossians 1:9-10
This Day With God
Rejoice in the Lord, May 27
TDG 156.7
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9, 10).—Manuscript 80, May 27, 1893, diary.Colossians 1:9-11
A Solemn Appeal
Chapter 1—Appeal to Mothers
SA 78.3
Many professed Christians do not labor perseveringly. They make too little effort, and are not ready and willing to deny self. The prayer of the living Christian will be to “be filled with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that ye may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.” Colossians 1:9-11. “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 26, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 26, 1885, par. 44
It is a beautiful morning. I rode to the meeting hall, a distance of one mile. The house was crowded. Many could scarcely find standing room. I spoke from Colossians 1:9-11. I had some freedom in speaking to the people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 179, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 179, 1902, par. 21
Let us consider the promises assuring us that we may become sons and daughters of God. Let us study Paul’s prayer for his Colossian brethren. “For this cause we also,” he wrote, “since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto allpleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Colossians 1:9-11.]17LtMs, Lt 179, 1902, par. 22
How complete this prayer is! There is no limit to the blessings that it is our privilege to receive. We may be “filled with the knowledge of His will.” [Verse 9.] The Holy Ghost would never have inspired Paul to offer this prayer in behalf of his brethren, if it had not been possible for them to receive an answer from God in accordance with the request. Since this is so, we know that God’s will is manifested to His people as they need a clearer understanding of His will.In Heavenly Places
Blessings Unlimited, May 31
HP 158.1
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10.HP 158.2
Let us study Paul’s prayer for his Colossian brethren. “For this cause we also,” he wrote, “since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Colossians 1:9-11).Reflecting Christ
“Be Filled With all the Fulness of God,” July 20
RC 215.2
Paul in his letter to the Colossians sets forth the rich blessings granted to the children of God. He says: We “do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Colossians 1:9-11).The Great Controversy
Chapter 27—Modern Revivals
GC 476.1
Paul in his letter to the Colossians sets forth the rich blessings granted to the children of God. He says: We “do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.” Colossians 1:9-11.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 27—Modern Revivals
GC88 476.1
Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, sets forth the rich blessings granted to the children of God. He says: We “do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.” [Colossians 1:9-11.]The Ministry of Healing
The Knowledge That Works Transformation
MH 426.3
We “do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.” Colossians 1:9-11.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 22—Modern Revivals
4SP 305.2
Paul addressed his Corinthian brethren as “them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus;” and he thanked God that in everything they were enriched by him, “in all utterance and in all knowledge,” so that they came behind in no gift. [1 Corinthians 1:2, 5, 7.] In his epistle to the Colossians he set forth the glorious privileges granted to the children of God. Said the apostle: We “do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.” [Colossians 1:9-11.] Such are the fruits of Bible sanctification.Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887
Next Stop: Grythyttehed
EGWE 111.1
There were meetings on Friday night and Sabbath morning of this weekend. Her text for the Sabbath message was Colossians 1:9-11. Well over 100 people attended these services.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 9, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 9, 1885, par. 1
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Colossians 1:9-11.] Thank the Lord for the possibility of obtaining this, through the power and riches of His great salvation.4LtMs, Ms 9, 1885, par. 6
Jesus left the heavenly courts, and came to this world, that He might leave us a perfect example, that we might “walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing.” [Colossians 1:10.] Light from heaven is constantly shining upon our pathway. If we open our hearts to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, then the light will be reflected to those around us, and we shall be walking worthily.Colossians 1:9-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 48, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 56
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” [Colossians 1:9-12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 9, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 9, 1896, par. 15
Let the heart be melted and subdued by the Holy Spirit of God. The very first daily aspirations should be for the favor of God that the heart may be right with God. Then you will have sweet peace in your heart. The Holy Spirit evidences that He is working the human agent, and the working of the Holy Spirit in the heart will surely reveal itself in the words. The Scripture will have a new power. You will have a keen appetite for the Word of the living God. “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” [Colossians 1:9-12.]Colossians 1:9-13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 80, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 83
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Here is plainly brought before us a faith that works. It is not an idle, dead faith, but a living, acting principle.) “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” Colossians 1:9-13.Lift Him Up
Moral and Spiritual Perfection Promised, September 7
LHU 264.5
God fixes no limit to the advancement of those who desire to be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9). Through prayer, through watchfulness, through growth in knowledge and understanding, they are to be “strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power” (verse 11). Thus they are prepared to work for others. It is the Saviour’s purpose that human beings, purified and sanctified, shall be His helping hand. For this great privilege let us give thanks to Him who “hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (verses 12, 13) (The Acts of the Apostles, 477, 478).Colossians 1:9-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 7, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 7, 1888, par. 25
Now I want to read to you something about the love of God and what we ought to do in order that we shall bring joy into our own hearts. Paul says, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” [Colossians 1:9.] Not in order that we might have a taste, but that we might be filled. What do you mean, Paul? That you reach that higher state? Yes. For God says, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” [Verse 10.] What do you mean, Paul? Why, there is something to be patient over. “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Verse 11.] If we have a sense of the goodness of God in sending His Son to die for sinful man, and if we keep that interwoven into our experience and riveted in the mind, we shall have such love for those for whom Christ died [that] there will be no [desire for] supremacy. It is Satan that brings in these differences. While we are worshiping God, there will be no hatred, no envy, no evil surmising. Brethren, we have no time for these. We cannot think of them. There is something else before us. It is the eternal weight of glory, the plan of salvation. We ought to understand it from beginning to the close, that we may present it justly to the world.5LtMs, Ms 7, 1888, par. 31
Now I want to read (Colossians 1:12): “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” There is something to be patient and long-suffering over—“who hath delivered us from the power of darkness.” Yes, we should talk of deliverance, not of bondage; we should be joyful and not cast down. “And hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” [Verse 13.] Why can we not act as subjects of His kingdom? May the love of Christ burn on the altar of our hearts, and may you love Christ as your Saviour and your brethren as yourself.5LtMs, Ms 7, 1888, par. 32
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin.” [Verse 14.] Now we want to act like individuals who are redeemed by the blood of Christ; we are to rejoice in the blood of Christ and in the forgiveness of sins. That is what we are to do, and may God help us to get our minds off the dark pictures and think on those things that will give us light.That I May Know Him
The Sons of God, February 17
TMK 54.4
The first chapter of Colossians shows us the heights to which it is our privilege to attain. We may be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,” walking “worthy of the Lord,” “being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:9-14).The Signs of the Times
April 20, 1888
ST April 20, 1888, par. 4
On Sabbath morning, March 10, as we approached the house of worship we found it surrounded by the carriages of those who had come to hear the word of God. There was quite a large attendance of those who were interested in our views, and I had much freedom in speaking from Colossians 1:9-14. After the discourse we had a social meeting. Many testimonies were borne, and a good spirit characterized all that was said. A number witnessed for the first time to their belief in the present truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 63, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 63, 1903, par. 18
“For this cause we also, ... do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” [Colossians 1:9-14.] This is the privilege of every Christian.Colossians 1:9-28
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 27, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 27, 1902, par. 26
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. ... You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight; if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church; whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints; to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” [Colossians 1:9-11, 21-28.]Colossians 1:9-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 125, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 125, 1903, par. 3
We are not to conceal the truth for this time. It is to stand forth in its power and purity. The trumpet is to give a certain sound; for there are those who, though they have long known the truth, need to be awakened. They have closed their eyes to the result of walking contrary to the light that God has given. We are living in the last days of this earth’s history, and God calls upon those who have an understanding of the truth for this time to pray, to believe, to stand fast in the faith, proclaiming the message of mercy to be given to the world. My brethren, I pray most earnestly “that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Colossians 1:9-11.]18LtMs, Ms 125, 1903, par. 5
Workers are needed who understand that the warnings given in the Word of God are appropriate for this time. Shall we not pray and watch unto prayer and see that we need to be reconverted. God’s purpose for us is that we shall be constantly “increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Verses 10, 11.]18LtMs, Ms 125, 1903, par. 7
There are those who have so linked themselves with the world that they have lost the knowledge of God and are departing from the faith. How glad we should be to say to all such ones, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight; if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard.” [Verses 21-23.]18LtMs, Ms 125, 1903, par. 8
Paul wrote these words to the Colossians, and he continues: “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for His body’s sake, which is the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God: even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” [Verses 24-29.]Colossians 1:10
The Upward Look
When Truth Is an Abiding Principle, January 13
UL 27.1
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10.Ye Shall Receive Power
Windows Wide Open, October 11
YRP 293.1
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10.From the Heart
One Day at a Time, May 16
FH 148.1
Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10.With God at Dawn
Increasing in the Knowledge of God, June 12
WGD 165.1
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 13, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 13, 1893, par. 49
Coming out to Jesus means coming out of the world, and being separate from the world. It means coming out fully on the Lord’s side, realizing that although you are in the world, you are not of it; but are a living representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus.” [2 Corinthians 11:3.] Then he beseeches the brethren to walk as dear children, to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” “being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” [Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10.] He admonishes them to walk in Christ Jesus even as they received Him, that they may be rooted and grounded and built up in Him, and established in the faith. [Colossians 2:6, 7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 38, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 38, 1902, par. 1
“Fruitful in every good work.” [Colossians 1:10.]Colossians 1:10-11
Sons and Daughters of God
God Does Not Limit Our Advancement, November 14
SD 325.1
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Colossians 1:10, 11.Radiant Religion
Suffer with Joy when Walking with God, April 6
RRe 98.1
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Colossians 1:10, 11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 121, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 121, 1905, par. 7
“God wants you to stand upon an elevated platform. Draw not a thread of selfishness into the fabric of your character. Pray earnestly that your heart may be refined and purified from all dross and filled with the knowledge of God in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. ‘That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.’” [Colossians 1:10, 11.]Colossians 1:10-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 73, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 73, 1897, par. 2
It is the privilege of all to fill the chambers of the soul with pure and holy treasures by making themselves thoroughly familiar with the precious words of Christ, spoken for our edification and instruction. “The entrance of thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” [Psalm 119:130.] This does not mean those who lack reason and intellect. It means that class specified in Isaiah 57:15. By heeding the reproofs and encouragement given in God’s Word, we may “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” [Colossians 1:10, 11.] Those who are thus strengthened will not walk with head bowed down like a bulrush, but the opposite. Cheap, nonsensical remarks, spoken to create levity, will not fall from their lips.12LtMs, Ms 73, 1897, par. 3
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins.” [Verses 12-14.] Then shall not all, old and young, learn to converse in the language that is spoken by those who are translated into God’s kingdom? Shall not our words be such as will be heard with pleasure by our heavenly Father?Colossians 1:11
In Heavenly Places
“Longsuffering With Joyfulness,” August 27
HP 246.1
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Colossians 1:11.My Life Today
Long-suffering, February 17
ML 52.1
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Colossians 1:11.Colossians 1:11-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 8, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 8, 1892, par. 30
“Finally, my brother, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” [Ephesians 6:10, 11.] “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” [Colossians 1:11, 12.]Colossians 1:12
God’s Amazing Grace
Good News of the Kingdom, January 1
AG 9.4
Of the poor in spirit Jesus says, “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This kingdom is not, as Christ’s hearers had hoped, a temporal and earthly dominion. Christ was opening to them the spiritual kingdom of His love, His grace, His righteousness.... His subjects are the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted for righteousness’ sake. The kingdom of heaven is theirs. Though not yet fully accomplished, the work is begun in them which will make them “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12).Maranatha
The Immortal Inheritance, December 15
Mar 357.1
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:12, R.S.V.Our Father Cares
The Immortal Inheritance, December 30
OFC 376.1
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:12, R.S.V.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 5:2, 3.
MB 8.1
Of the poor in spirit Jesus says, “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This kingdom is not, as Christ’s hearers had hoped, a temporal and earthly dominion. Christ was opening to men the spiritual kingdom of His love, His grace, His righteousness. The ensign of the Messiah’s reign is distinguished by the likeness of the Son of man. His subjects are the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted for righteousness’ sake. The kingdom of heaven is theirs. Though not yet fully accomplished, the work is begun in them which will make them “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” Colossians 1:12.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 7—Sabbath Afternoon Talk
1888 80.4
Now I want to read Colossians 1:12: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” There is something to be patient and long-suffering over—“who hath delivered us from the power of darkness.” Yes, we should talk of deliverance, not of bondage; we should be joyful and not cast down. “And hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” Why can we not act as subjects of His kingdom? May the love of Christ burn on the altar of our hearts, and may you love Christ as your Saviour, and your brethren as yourself.Colossians 1:12-13
In Heavenly Places
No Place for Discouragement, August 28
HP 247.1
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:12, 13.That I May Know Him
Happiness in Obedience, October 12
TMK 291.1
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:12, 13.Ye Shall Receive Power
The Sun of Righteousness Purifies the Soul, October 12
YRP 294.1
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:12, 13.Colossians 1:13
Steps to Christ
Chapter 12—What to Do with Doubt
SC 112.1
The apostle Paul says that God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13. And everyone who has passed from death unto life is able to “set to his seal that God is true.” John 3:33. He can testify, “I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied; and now the Bible is to me the revelation of Jesus Christ. Do you ask why I believe in Jesus? Because He is to me a divine Saviour. Why do I believe the Bible? Because I have found it to be the voice of God to my soul.” We may have the witness in ourselves that the Bible is true, that Christ is the Son of God. We know that we are not following cunningly devised fables.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 32—The Centurion
DA 320.2
Satan cannot hold the dead in his grasp when the Son of God bids them live. He cannot hold in spiritual death one soul who in faith receives Christ’s word of power. God is saying to all who are dead in sin, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead.” Ephesians 5:14. That word is eternal life. As the word of God which bade the first man live, still gives us life; as Christ’s word, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise,” gave life to the youth of Nain, so that word, “Arise from the dead,” is life to the soul that receives it. God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13. It is all offered us in His word. If we receive the word, we have the deliverance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 67, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 67, 1901, par. 3
The Lord is extending His mercy to you and your wife. You who were dead, hath He quickened by a mighty infusion of spiritual life. He has placed your feet in the narrow path. The way He marks out for you will at times seem to you inconsistent to follow, but it is the only way in which you can be sanctified and ennobled. Instead of leaving you to stumble along in darkness, God has placed you in a safe and sure path. He has caused you to sit together in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. He has done this, not because of your goodness or worthiness, but because of the free promptings of His grace, because He is rich in mercy, because of the great love wherewith He loves you. He has bestowed boundless love upon you, for He has given you a glimpse of Himself. He has “delivered you from the power of darkness, and hath translated you into the kingdom of his dear Son.” [Colossians 1:13.] He is very desirous that you shall perfect such a character that you will be fitted to stand with those who are purified and made white and tried. He does not want you to be under the dominion of the power of darkness. He has placed you and your family where you are willing subjects and objects of His peculiar regard. O, what love, what amazing love!Jesus, Name Above All Names
Dearly Beloved, August 11
JNN 237.1
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.—Colossians 1:13Colossians 1:13-14
God’s Amazing Grace
Where We Find Deliverance From Sin, March 16
AG 83.1
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13, 14.Maranatha
Christ the Only Saviour, March 6
Mar 73.1
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood. Colossians 1:13, 14.Colossians 1:14
Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
“Preach the Word”
GW 147.3
My ministering brethren, as you stand before the people, speak of those things that are essential, those things that will instruct. Teach the great practical truths that must be brought into the life. Teach the saving power of Jesus, “in whom we have redemption, ...even the forgiveness of sins.” [Colossians 1:14.] Strive to make your hearers comprehend the power of truth.That I May Know Him
Fullness of the Godhead, November 30
TMK 340.4
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14). This is the great practical truth which must be stamped upon the soul. It is of the greatest importance that all should comprehend the greatness and power of the truth to those who receive it. “In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).38Manuscript 153, 1898.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 20, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 21
The great heart of infinite love is drawn toward the sinner with boundless compassion. In Christ “we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” [Colossians 1:14.] Yes; only believe that God is your helper. As you draw nigh to Him with confession and repentance, He will draw nigh to you with mercy and forgiveness. He wants to restore His moral image in man. We owe the Lord everything. He is the Author of our salvation. As you work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 114, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 114, 1895, par. 19
I could not attend ministers’ meeting. I have written to you, Edson, several pages when I thought I could not write one page. At three o’clock is my appointment for the public services. This is a holiday, with horse racing, and there was a tent well filled. More could have found seats, but the congregation was far better than I expected. I spoke from Colossians 1:14. The Lord blessed me in speaking and I am not sorry I ventured to speak, for several—some not of our faith—expressed to me what good the discourse did them. And one lady just coming into the truth said the sermon was a great blessing to her. I thank the Lord for strength that He has given me on this occasion to bear testimony to the truth.Colossians 1:14-15
In Heavenly Places
Mystery of All Mysteries, February 4
HP 41.4
“Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” “... Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature” (1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:14, 15).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 276, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 276, 1904, par. 24
“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in His apparel, travelling in the greatness of His strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” [Isaiah 63:1.] “Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” [1 Timothy 3:16.] “Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in the fashion as a man He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father;” “in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” [Philippians 1:6-11; Colossians 1:14, 15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 216, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 216, 1906, par. 20
“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” [Isaiah 63:1.] “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” [1 Timothy 3:16.] “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father;” “in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” [Philippians 1:6-11; Colossians 1:14, 15.]Colossians 1:14-17
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 153, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 153, 1898, par. 16
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and for him, and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” [Colossians 1:14-17.]13LtMs, Ms 153, 1898, par. 20
“In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of our sins.” [Colossians 1:14.] This is the great practical truth which must be stamped upon the soul. It is of the greatest importance that all should comprehend the greatness and power of the truth to those who receive it. “In him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” [Colossians 2:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 104, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 104, 1902, par. 15
With strength and assurance comes the answer: “Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” [1 Timothy 3:16.] “Being in the form of God,” He “thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [Philippians 2:6-11.] In Him “we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created by him and for him; and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” [Colossians 1:14-17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 140, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 24
“In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible, and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him, and for Him; and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” [Colossians 1:14-17.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 944—Luther Warren and Work in New York City
12MR 100.1
We turn to Peter, and he declares of his Master: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). We ask Christ Himself who He is, and He replies: [John 8:58; 5:22 quoted.] We ask Paul. With strength and assurance comes the answer: [1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:14-17 quoted.]Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
How to Present the Message
6T 58.4
The work for this time is to train students and workers to deal with subjects in a plain, serious, and solemn manner. There must be no time uselessly employed in this great work. We must not miss the mark. Time is too short for us to undertake to reveal all that might be opened to view. Eternity will be required for us to know all the length and breadth, the depth and height, of the Scriptures. There are some souls to whom certain truths are of more importance than other truths. Skill is needed in your education in Scriptural lines. Read and study Psalm 40:7, 8; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:14-17; Revelation 5:11-14.6T 59.3
Teach the great practical truths that must be stamped upon the soul. Teach the saving power of Jesus, “in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”Colossians 1:14. It was at the cross that mercy and truth met together, that righteousness and truth kissed each other. Let every student and every worker study this again and again, that they, setting forth the Lord crucified among us, may make it a fresh subject to the people. Show that the life of Christ reveals an infinitely perfect character. Teach that “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12. Tell it over and over again. We may become the sons of God, members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Let it be known that all who accept Jesus Christ and hold the beginning of their confidence firm to the end will be heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ “to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:4, 5.Camp-Meetings Their Object, and How to Conduct Them
What the People Need
PH130 29.2
Learn to meet the people where they are. Do not present subjects that will arouse controversy. Let not your instruction be of a character to perplex the mind. Do not cause the people to worry over things which you may see, but which they do not see, unless these are of vital consequence to the saving of the soul. Do not present the Scriptures in a way to exalt self and encourage vain glory in the one who opens the Word. The work for this time is to train students and workers to deal with subjects in a plain, serious, and solemn manner. There must be no time uselessly employed in this great work. We must not miss the mark. Time is too short for us to undertake to reveal all that might be opened to view. Eternity will be required for us to know all the length and breadth, the depth and height of the Scriptures. There are some souls to whom certain truths are of more importance than other truths. Skill is needed in your education in scriptural lines. Read and study Psalm 40:7, 8; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:14-17; Revelation 5:11-14.The Review and Herald
April 4, 1899
RH April 4, 1899, par. 9
Learn to meet the people where they are. Let not your study of the Scriptures be of a cheap or casual order. Let not your instruction be of a character to perplex the mind. Do not cause the people to worry over things that you may see, but which they do not see, unless these are of vital consequence to the saving of the soul. Do not present the Scriptures in a way to exalt self, and encourage vainglory in the one who opens the Word to others. The work for this time is to train students and workers to deal with subjects in a plain, serious, and solemn manner. There must be no time uselessly employed in this great work. We must not miss the mark. Time is too short for us to undertake to reveal all that might be opened up to view. Eternity will be required that we may know all the length and breadth, the height and depth, of the Scriptures. There are some souls to whom certain truths are of more importance than other truths. Skill is needed in your education in Scriptural lines. Read and study Psalm 40:7, 8; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:14-17; Revelation 5:11-14.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 42, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 42, 1894, par. 18
Can any man, woman, or youth comprehend this, the life and example of Christ, and yet be indifferent to the wants of those for whom Christ has done and is still doing everything? The Majesty of heaven took upon Himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Read Colossians 1:14-17. He became man, yet infinitely higher than the angels, He was equal with the Father in dignity and glory and blessedness.Colossians 1:14-29
Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]
MR No. 597—The Need for a Proper Concept of Righteousness by Faith
8MR 272.2
“In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether there be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:14-17.)8MR 273.1
“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” (Colossians 1:25-29.)Selected Messages Book 3
Need for a Proper Concept of Righteousness by Faith
3SM 185.1
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:14-17).3SM 185.3
“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” (Colossians 1:25-29).The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Counsels to Ministers — 2The Need of a True Concept of Righteousness by Faith
1888 431.2
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether there be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:14-17.1888 431.5
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Colossians 1:25-29.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Colossians 1:1-25
Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1490—Minds to Be Spiritual, Not Carnal: The Cross to Be Central in Preaching; Fanaticism and Trivial Ideas to Be Avoided
20MR 337.2
April 14, 1899. I am awakened this morning at one o’clock. The Spirit of the Lord came upon me in the night season. I was bearing a message to persons assembled in council. I present to you this morning the words of the apostle Paul to the believers at Colosse: [Colossians 1:1-6, 9-14, 21-25, quoted].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 70, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 15
“You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable in his sight; if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church; whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God.” [Colossians 1:1-6, 9-14, 21-25.]