Today we finish our study on Colossians. To close his letter to the church in Colossae, Paul gave them some final instructions and greetings from people they knew. In verse two Paul encouraged them to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Paul wanted them to pray for him and those that were working with him to proclaim the mystery of Christ. Paul also encouraged the church to be wise in the way they treat outsiders, make the most of every opportunity, and speak with grace so they would know how to answer everyone. From start to finish Paul wrote an encouraging letter to the church in Colossae. He may not have met them personally, but he cared for them, prayed for them, and wanted them to continue living their life for Christ. How often do we pray for others? How often do we ask others to pray for us? Do we ask others to pray for us more than we pray for others? How are you making the most of the opportunities you have to proclaim the mystery of Christ to those that need to hear about him? Please read the following for next week: 2 Timothy 1
0 Comments
Today we continue our study on Colossians. Paul encouraged the believers in Colossae to set their hearts on things above, “where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” He also encouraged them to set their minds on things above, “not on earthly things.” Verses five and six provide some context, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” Paul also encouraged them to get rid of anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language from their lips and stop lying on each other. Paul advised they should have compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and love. What are our hearts and minds set on today? How much of our earthly nature do we still hold on to or have we put those things to death? How can we live like verses sixteen and seventeen today and moving forward? Please read the following for next week: Colossians 4 Today we continue our study on Colossians. In the first verse Paul addressed them and the fact that he had not met them in person. Paul wanted the people at Laodicea, a neighboring city, to know the mystery of God which is in Christ. He told the people in Colossae because he did not want people to deceive them with arguments that sound good. Paul encouraged the people in Colossae to continue living their lives in Jesus Christ with him as their Lord. Paul warned about deceptive philosophy that was based on human tradition and elemental spiritual forces. Paul affirms that Jesus Christ is the head of every power and authority. Verses thirteen and fourteen are confirmation of the good news of Jesus Christ, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Paul warned the people in Colossae about people that would judge them based on what they ate or drank or religious festivals they kept. Those people had lost connection with Christ. How concerned are you about believers you have not met personally? How do you live your life with Jesus Christ as Lord? How would you try to prevent someone from being deceived by what sounds good? Please read the following for next week: Colossians 3 Today we will start our study on Colossians. The Apostle Paul wrote this to the church located in Colossae. Paul and Timothy prayed for the local church in Colossae. Paul and Timothy thanked God for the people’s faith in Jesus and the love they had for all of God’s people. Paul also wrote that he and Timothy continually asked God to fill the church in Colossae with knowledge of his will through wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit. How do we pray for other believers in Jesus Christ? How do we view Jesus Christ, is it similar to verses fifteen through twenty? How would you explain the mystery God has made known among the Gentiles? Please read the following for next week: Colossians 2 |
AuthorPastor Chris Martin Archives
May 2024
Categories
All
|