Colossians – Be Still…

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, and our life finally has meaning. 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 how to act, 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!

Colossians 4:2-6 – Live Wise & Pray!

Read Colossians 4:2-6

Praying is something we can do as often as possible and it’s free! It only costs us time, but what better way to spend time than with God? Right? Paul is encouraging the Colossians to pray for themselves and for his ministry.

It was interesting to me that Paul chose to share about being in chains as he closes this letter. Clearly, Paul’s message was not meant to be about himself or his own situation, but to proclaim Jesus and deal with issues facing the young church. Almost as if in passing, he lets them know of the situation keeping him from seeing them in person.

Colossians 3:18-4:1 – A Faithful Household

Read Colossians 3:18-4:1

When we’re spending time with God, we’re generally focusing only on our own relationship with God. Here we’re given counsel on best practices for us in interacting with other relationships with have in our lives. Our households. The world would be a lot friendlier place if we took better care of our loved ones in these simple ways.

For fear of sounding a bit “old-fashioned,” I fondly remember the days when family dinner time was sacred time. Whether it was a fancy meal or just something quick, spending time with each other is what was important. We connected. We shared lives together. It was so much easier to be mutually submissive, loving, encouraging, etc.