October 8, 2024
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23 ESV). The apostle Paul instructed bondservants to obey their earthly masters and to work for them as “for the Lord.” Perhaps he had the story of Joseph in mind as he wrote this instruction. For Joseph worked with sincerity and
October 5, 2024
“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face” (Colossians 2:1 ESV). Paul often “struggled” for the believers in towns and cities where he had been before, but had left behind in order to
October 8, 2023
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6 NLT). Live with godly wisdom toward those who are outside the faith. Let them see Christ in you. Remember that you
October 7, 2023
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13 NLT). 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
October 6, 2023
“So you also are complete through your union with Christ” (Colossians 2:10a NLT). 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 “be filled,” but a truth to know and believe. Those who
October 5, 2023
“But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News” (Colossians 1:23 NLT). Paul warned the Colossian believers to continue and stand firm in the gospel they had believed lest they begin to drift away. This tendency to
October 4, 2023
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father” (Colossians 1:11-12 NLT). The apostle Paul prayed that the believers in Colossae would be strengthened by God’s glorious power. For living
October 7, 2022
DOES THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE YOUR HEART? Paul said that we are to let the peace of Christ “rule.” The Greek word translated “rule” is “brabeuetō.” It literally means to “umpire, arbitrate, to let make the call.” When difficult circumstances come that bring anxiety, we are to let the peace of Christ act as
October 6, 2022
IT’S ABOUT RELATIONSHIP NOT RULES Paul warned the believers in Colossae that asceticism, while it gives the appearance of wisdom, offers no help in conquering evil desires. In fact, following a list of rules might cause a deeper longing for the thing denied. At the very least, it can lead to a kind of spiritual
October 5, 2022
THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP IS 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