Characteristics of faithful brethren Colossians 1:1-12

They were Saints Saints literally means “pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, concreted” 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:2

They had a quest for Knowledge 9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Colossians 1:9

They walk worthy of the Lord 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:10

They walk worthy of the Lord Please the Lord 1. Enoch 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5

They walk worthy of the Lord Please the Lord 2. We are to walk in Christ 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, Colossians 2:6

They walk worthy of the Lord Bear Fruit 1. We are to work good works.

They are steadfast 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; Colossians 1:11

They are steadfast Patience is steadfastness 1. Call to steadfastness 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:23

They are steadfast Patience is steadfastness 1. Call to steadfastness 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7

They are steadfast Patience is steadfastness Challenge of false teaching Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:4-5

They are steadfast Patience is steadfastness Suffer with Joy 1. Christians accept and endure hardships.

They are thankful Paul gave Thanks 3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Colossians 1:3

They are thankful Give thanks to the Father 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. Colossians 1:12

They are thankful Be Thankful 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

They are thankful Give thanks in Prayer 2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2

Lessons for us today We need to examine ourselves “…unless indeed you are disqualified” 2 Corinthians 13:5c

Lessons for us today We are told to test ourselves Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5a

conclusion 1. The Bible reveals characteristics of the faithful, surely we want to have those characteristics. 2. Failure to possess them means we are not the faithful person we should be.