Colossians – Be Still…

Colossians 3:1-5 – Your New Life

Did you feel like this reading was just for you today? We are now living a new life in Christ. What does that look like for you? How does your life look different now than it did before you met Jesus? It’s after that encounter that we are “raised to new life” and begin to see the world differently. Our focus shifts.

This is the perfect passage to read when you feel old temptations lurking. We all have moments of weakness; it’s helpful to realize that and not be afraid. We have a merciful and powerful God standing guard over us. We can acknowledge Him and show our respect. Continue reading “Colossians 3:1-5 – Your New Life”

Colossians 1:15-20 – Jesus is Supreme

Read Colossians 1:15-20

This reading concludes our focus on who Jesus is. How fitting that it would focus on the supremacy of Jesus. According to Webster’s Thesaurus, “supreme” is an adjective describing someone or something as chief in command or of highest importance. Jesus is the sovereign, greatest, and utmost of all things.

These verses affirm who Jesus is. Jesus reveals God to us. We can see the God of the universe simply by looking at Jesus’ life. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” God doesn’t have to seem so distant and uninvolved. Everything we already know about God we can say about Jesus. They are one and want to be known by us. Continue reading “Colossians 1:15-20 – Jesus is Supreme”

Colossians 3:10 – New Life

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Colossians 3:10)

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become new. I like this verse because of the promise of renewal. Facing the realities of life can be exhausting. Fighting our foes can zap us of our energy. The promised renewal here is music to my ears.

Context (Colossians 3): This chapter gives us great insight into what life in Christ looks like and the freedoms we can enjoy. When we know our new identity in Christ, we can stop worrying whether we are good enough. Our focus is no longer on ourselves but on our identity in Christ. Jesus has done the hard work, now it’s our turn to respond. Continue reading “Colossians 3:10 – New Life”

Colossians 2:8 – Knowing Jesus

^“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

The rise of social media and fake news continues to capture our attention, so this verse may be reassuring and affirm our need for Jesus. We are also reminded that Christ-like thinking is what we should strive for, avoiding all other nonsense. Knowing Jesus, then, is crucial for us to be able to have such discernment.

Context: Paul speaks to the Colossians in this whole chapter about the dangers of the world, the corruption of sin, and how Jesus is the answer to all of it. Paul is encouraging the new believers of the freedom our new lives in Christ will bring. Knowing Jesus is key, and this verse helps us remember that. Continue reading “Colossians 2:8 – Knowing Jesus”

Colossians 4:7-18 – Final Instructions

Read Colossians 4:7-18

We are all God's Onesimus - quote from Martin Luther

Paul drops a lot of names here of fellow servants of Christ. Such a great group of believers with the same mission. The common goal was to make Jesus known and to nurture and encourage other believers. How familiar does that sound?

It’s clear that Paul wants to keep in touch. He has identified for the Colossians who they can turn to for help since he’s in prison and unavailable. Seeing the network of believers listed makes me realize how thankful I am for them. Their faithfulness has made it possible for us to know about Jesus!