“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”– Colossians 1:12 (KJV)
“And giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”– Colossians 1:12 (NLT)
“Thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us, and that he has for us, ” – Colossians 1:12 (MSG)
What Does Colossians 1:12 Mean?
In Colossians 1:12, Paul talks about the importance of being thankful to God. It shows that gratitude is a key part of our relationship with the Father. When we express thanks, we acknowledge His goodness and grace in our lives. This verse emphasizes that God has made us worthy to share in the inheritance of His people. This inheritance is not something we can earn on our own; it is a gift from God. We have been qualified by His grace to receive the blessings and promises that come from being part of His family.
Being part of this inheritance is a significant concept. It means that we are no longer outsiders but instead beloved children of God. We belong in this divine family and have access to all the beautiful things that come from it. Paul reminds us that this inheritance is not just for a select few but for all who believe in Christ. This brings us encouragement and hope, knowing that we are included in God’s plan.
Colossians 1:12 Explanation and Commentary
As we look deeper into this verse, we can see that it calls us to gratitude for the many blessings we have. Giving thanks isn’t simply a polite gesture; it is an expression of our faith. It recognizes that every good thing in our life comes from God. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Acknowledging this not only strengthens our faith but also brings us peace and joy.
The verse also teaches us about our identity as believers. Before we accepted Christ, we were lost and separated from God. But now, through Jesus, we have been brought into a relationship with Him. This relationship is what qualifies us to partake in the inheritance of the saints. It is not by our works or merit but through faith that we receive this gift. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” This grace is an important theme in the teachings of Paul.
Furthermore, this inheritance is tied to light. In biblical terms, light symbolizes truth, holiness, and the presence of God. Being called to be part of the inheritance of the saints in light means we are called to live in the truth of God’s word, showing our character and actions transformed by His light. We are not to walk in darkness, but rather as children of light. This calls us to be examples of love, grace, and light in a world that often embraces darkness. We are God’s representatives, showing others the beauty of His light.
When we think about the inheritance we receive, we must understand it encompasses both our spiritual blessings and eternal life. This inheritance includes being part of God’s kingdom now and forever. How wonderful it is to know that as we follow Christ, we can also share in His glory. This should motivate us to live out our faith daily and to remain thankful for what we have received. Gratitude can transform our outlook on life. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we can learn to appreciate all that God has provided.
Context of Colossians 1:12
Understanding the context of any scripture is vital for a complete understanding. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Colossae, which was dealing with false teachings that were threatening their faith. He wanted to remind the believers of their true identity in Christ and the importance of remaining steadfast in their beliefs. The opening chapters of Colossians emphasize the supremacy of Christ, affirming that He is both the creator and sustainer of all things.
Paul’s purpose in writing was to encourage the Colossians to hold firm to the truths of their faith and not be led astray by any teachings contrary to those of the gospel. Verses before Colossians 1:12 speak about how the believers have been delivered from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God’s Son. This transfer marks a significant change in their lives; they are no longer subjects of darkness but citizens of light.
This context adds depth to our understanding of verse 12. It paints a picture of what the inheritance truly represents. It means living in the fullness of what God has promised, free from the chains of guilt, shame, and sin. Instead, we are called to embrace our new identity as part of God’s family. This realization can be empowering, providing us with the strength to face challenges and injustices in the world around us. It also compels us to share the good news of this inheritance with others.
As Paul continues, he encourages the church to grow in their knowledge of God and bear fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10). This signifies that our gratitude and inheritance should lead to action. It is not enough to simply receive these gifts; we must actively live them out in our day-to-day lives. This awareness invites us to share the love of Christ with those around us, helping them see the beauty of living in the light.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 1:12
Let’s take a closer look at the key parts of Colossians 1:12 for deeper understanding. The first phrase, “Giving thanks unto the Father,” is an instruction. It tells us not just to think about being thankful, but to actively express our gratitude. This can involve prayer, worship, and testimonies about what God has done in our lives. Being thankful helps us maintain a heart aligned with God’s will.
Next, Paul writes about “the Father.” He emphasizes our relationship with God as a loving parent who cares for us deeply. This familial connection means we belong to Him and are nurtured by Him. Knowing God as our Father provides us with security and reassurance. When we praise Him, we acknowledge His role in our lives and our dependence on His goodness.
Moving on to “which hath made us meet to be partakers,” we see that God is the one who qualifies us. The word “meet” means suitable or worthy. It is a beautiful reminder that our worthiness is not based on our actions but is solely a result of God’s grace. This can relieve stress from our shoulders and allows us to freely accept the blessings He offers us.
The phrase “to be partakers of the inheritance” speaks to that abundant life we receive in Christ. This inheritance is not something we have earned or deserve; it is a divine gift. God wants us to share in all that He has prepared for us, including the joy of living in His presence forever.
The last part, “of the saints in light,” indicates that we are part of a community of believers. This aspect is essential as we navigate our faith journey together. It provides encouragement and support, reminding us we do not walk alone. Together, we live out our calling in a world needing the brightness of God’s love. This community aspect of Christian faith emphasizes the significance of being interconnected within the body of Christ.
Lessons to Learn From Colossians 1:12
Colossians 1:12 teaches us many valuable lessons about gratitude, identity, and community. One of the primary lessons is the importance of acknowledging God’s goodness in our lives. When we focus on giving thanks, we shift our perspective. Instead of being consumed by difficulties, we can remember the countless ways God has blessed us. In doing so, we cultivate a joyful spirit and spread positivity within our families and communities.
This verse also encourages us to embrace our identity in Christ. Knowing we have been qualified by grace reminds us that we have a purpose. We belong in God’s kingdom and have a crucial role to play within it. This can empower us to step into our God-given callings confidently, trusting that He has equipped us with everything we need.
Additionally, 1:12 fosters unity within the body of believers. As members of Christ’s church, we need each other. Walking together allows us to support and uplift one another. We should strive to encourage our brothers and sisters in their walks of faith, sharing our experiences, and praying for one another. The Christian walk is not meant to be lived in isolation but rather in companionship, aiming for a collective reflection of Christ’s love.
Finally, we learn the importance of living in the light. God calls us to reflect His glory daily. Our lives should shine brightly in a world filled with darkness. Others should be able to see the transformation in us and want to know more about the God we serve. We are invited to be agents of change, showing kindness and compassion, and helping those in need.
Our lives can become a testimony of God’s love and grace working through us. God can use our stories as powerful instruments to reach others, leading them to Him. We must remember that our actions matter. Colossians 1:12 serves as a reminder that we are part of something much greater than ourselves, and our inheritance should reflect that to the world around us.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Colossians 1:12 is a profound verse that speaks to our identity, gratitude, and community as believers. As we appreciate what God has given us, we are reminded of His grace that qualifies us to share in His inheritance. This inheritance brings us not only hope but a renewed sense of purpose.
Let us strive daily to express our gratitude to God for the many blessings we receive. This practice can help us draw closer to Him and understand our identity as beloved children. Together, we can share this divine light with others, creating a welcoming and loving atmosphere wherever we go. Our calling is to shine brightly, reflecting the love and light of Christ in a way that draws others closer to Him. Remember, we are not just recipients of God’s goodness; we are also participants in delivering that goodness to the world.
If you are eager to learn more about living our faith, be sure to check out this article and more on our resource page. We also encourage you to explore stories of faith in 1 Samuel 20:1 and 1 Corinthians 14:17. Each story helps strengthen our understanding of God’s goodness as we continue to grow together in light.