Colossians

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“Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive” (Colossians 3:13b HCSB).

October 7, 2021

PUTTING ON GOD’S FORGIVENESS Paul told the believers in Colossae to put off their old ways of thinking and behaving and to put on their new life in Christ. He spoke of these old and new ways as if they were articles of clothing. Among the new articles of spiritual clothing that believers received was

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person” (Colossians 2:1 HCSB).

October 5, 2021

STRUGGLING IN THOUGHT AND PRAYER FOR OTHERS Paul often “struggled” for the believers in towns and cities where he had been before, but had left behind in order to carry the gospel to other places. Colossae was one of these places. Located in the province of Asia Minor (Modern day Turkey), Colossae was the least

“You have already heard about this hope in the message of truth, the gospel that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it and recognized God’s grace in the truth” (Colossians 1:5-6 HCSB).

October 4, 2021

SPREADING THE GOSPEL ALL OVER THE WORLD Paul described the “gospel” (“good news”) as being like a plant “bearing fruit and growing” everywhere it went “all over the world.” And what was that fruit? “Changed lives!”   In the next verse, Paul identified the one who had actually carried the Good News to Colossae as

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” (Colossians 4:5 ESV).

October 8, 2020

DO YOU REDEEM THE TIME WITH THOSE OUTSIDE THE FAITH? Live with godly wisdom toward those who are outside the faith. Let them see Christ in you. Remember that you were once an “outsider” too, but Christ has brought you near. Season your conversation with grace, asking the Spirit to give you wisdom on how

“All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16 NKJV).

October 4, 2020

LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION ANSWERED Most philosophers would say that the most important question is: “What is the meaning of existence?” More specifically, “Who am I and what is my purpose?” Or as the French would say, what is our “raison d’être?” (“reason of being”).   In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, the central question

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15a NLT).

October 7, 2019

LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST UMPIRE YOUR HEART Paul said that we are to let the peace of Christ “rule.” The Greek word for rule is βραβευέτω (brabeuetō). It literally means to “umpire, arbitrate, to let make the call.” When our circumstances appear to overwhelm us, we are to let the peace, the “shalom,” of

“So you also are complete through your union with Christ” (Colossians 2:10a NLT).

October 6, 2019

DO YOU FEEL SOMETHING IS MISSING IN YOUR LIFE? In contrast to the emptiness of the world’s wisdom, Paul taught that believers are “complete” (“full to capacity”) through their union with Christ. This is not the same as the command to “be filled,” but a truth to know. Those who are united with Christ have

“So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ” (Colossians 1:28 NLT).

October 5, 2019

THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP: CHRISTLIKENESS Paul’s goal for the Colossians and for everyone to whom he preached is here revealed: that he might present them to God as “perfect” (fully mature, finished, complete) in Christ. He did not stop at just introducing people to Christ. No, Paul used every faculty available to him, “warning and

“This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace” (Colossians 1:6 NLT).

October 4, 2019

THE FRUIT OF THE GOSPEL IS CHANGED LIVES! Paul used personification in describing the “Good News” (“Gospel”) as being like a world traveler that had brought the news of “God’s wonderful grace,” not only to Colossae, but also “going out all over the world.” He quickly changed metaphors and described the Good News as being

“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:6 NLT).

October 8, 2018

DOES YOUR CONDUCT AND CONVERSATION LINE UP WITH YOUR FAITH?
In the context of the previous verse, in which Paul told the Colossians to conduct themselves wisely around unbelievers, he went on in this verse to give them instructions concerning their conversation around unbelievers as well. He taught them that their conduct and conversation should line up with their faith, so that those who are not believers might be moved to ask about the hope that they have.

Paul gave two attributes and one goal for our conversation when unbelievers are present:

Two Attributes:
1) Let your conversation be gracious. Our words should carry the beauty and blessing that comes with the favor God has shown us.
2) Let your conversation be attractive. Literally, “seasoned with salt.” Salt is something we add to our food for added flavor. What would make our words taste better, so that they are attractive? Blessing people with the “salty” truths of God’s Word.

One Goal:
Be prepared to give the right response concerning the hope you have in Christ. When our conversation is gracious and attractive and our conduct is wise, unbelievers want to know why. This is the opportunity for gospel sharing. As the apostle Peter wrote, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15).