(Col 1:12-14 KJV) 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:
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Re-Energizing Your Prayer Life.” For the past couple of days I have been driving home the point that we are declared (made) righteous when we accept Jesus as Lord and that we have a right to pray. We will continue to flow in that vein.
In our text Paul makes it clear that those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord have already (past tense) been delivered from the power of darkness, have already (past tense) been translated into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son, and have already (past tense) received redemption through Jesus’ blood. It’s the reality of this redemption that should give us the confidence we need to come to the Father, in the name of our Redeemer, in faith, when we pray. Once again, Jesus did not die to make us servants or slaves, but rather SONS of the Most High God. As sons of God we have access to all the rights and privileges afforded to His offspring.
In John 3:16 we see Jesus as God’s “only begotten” Son. John wrote, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” But in Romans 8:29 Paul says that Jesus was the “firstborn among many brothers.” Paul wrote, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” There is a big difference between “only begotten” and “firstborn among many.” While Jesus was in the earth He was the “only,” but He died in order that we might become His joint-heirs (Romans 8:17). Jesus is no longer the only one who could pray like He prayed or do what He did. Jesus was unquestionably God incarnate, but we are supposed to be the ‘continuation of His incarnation.’ We are to continue what He started. Jesus Himself said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (John 14:12). We are supposed to act like He acted and do what He did, but we will never get there if we fail to pray like He prayed, to spend time with the Father like He did, and to have confidence like He had when He prayed!
So what does this mean to you today? It means that you should:
1. Begin to apply the redemption of Christ to your prayer life by acknowledging who and whose you are IN CHRIST!
2. Remind yourself daily that neither sin nor satan have authority over you. You actually have authority over them, through the Blood of Jesus, and through the power of the Word.
3. Embrace the reality of your redemption. You no longer have to feel isolated from God or unsure of where you stand with Him. Instead you can have certainty about your relationship with the Father, your position as a son, and the authority your position gives you to be able to pray and get your prayers heard and answered.
Closing Confession: Father, I once again thank You for Jesus. I have been bought with a price. I have been redeemed to my rightful place in You Father, through the blood of Your Son Jesus. I will never cease to thank You for sending Jesus to die in my place. And I vow, right now, to continue what He started in the earth. I will pray with confidence and boldness, because I know who I am and whose I am. I have been declared righteous and I will not allow satan to keep me in condemnation. If I do sin, I quickly repent, I receive forgiveness, I forgive myself, and I move forward in faith. The reality of my redemption changes my outlook on life. I now seek to fulfill my purpose in the earth, before I die, by partnering with You daily to make a difference everywhere You bless me to go. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
