Colossians – Page 3 – Be Still…

Colossians 1:15-23 – Being Second

Jesus is first in everything. We read that in today’s passage along with a list of the attributes that make Jesus supreme. That’s a great word, “supreme.” It conjures up all sorts of images for us in our society from a pizza loaded with toppings to a singer from a popular girl group “back in the day.” For our purposes, let’s take Google’s definition, “superior to all others.” That’s who Jesus is.

Are you content being in second place? There is so much focus on being the “best” or #1, especially for sports teams. As you may already know, I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan. You’ll almost always see someone in the crowd with a big foam finger signifying the coveted “#1”. We’re driven, maybe even pushed, into striving for the top position of whatever group or association we’re part of. Why is that? Don’t we know who is truly supreme?

Colossians 1:1-14 – Paul’s Prayer

Read Colossians 1:1-14

Bible opened with folded hands on top of the Bible

Did you catch how Paul acknowledged the audience? The people of Colosse are introduced as holy and faithful brothers and sisters. What a high honor Paul uses in greeting them. How would someone introduce you and your character?

Interesting to note, Paul had never visited Colosse. The church was founded by someone Paul had converted elsewhere. As often happens, young churches are easily infiltrated by unhealthy trends. It is my understanding the Colossians have been combining elements of paganism and secular philosophy with Christian doctrine. Paul and Timothy write to nip that in the bud so the people can get back on the right track. The timeless truths of this letter focus on the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ.

Colossians 3:1-5 Real Life

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drawing of hot air balloon with words "Life is a Beautiful Ride"

Do you ever feel like you just don’t belong? I remember growing up wishing I was one of the popular kids. I longed to not feel invisible. Yet at the same time I was frightfully shy, hindered by a severe lack of self-confidence. I look back on those years and can hardly believe I’m the same person.

While I still doubt my own abilities much of the time, I have taken these verses to heart and realize that my “real life” is “hidden with Christ.” Does that mean I’m just sort of passing through this life until that day when I meet Jesus face to face? While I’m here, I want to reflect Jesus well so that people see him living inside me. What do you think this means?

Colossians 1:15-20 The Supreme One

Read Colossians 1:15-20

Jesus in the clouds with glory all around him

We must believe in the deity of Jesus or our faith crumbles and is meaningless. These verses say it so beautifully. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” Paul knew the Colossian believers (and us) would need to firmly grasp the supremacy of Jesus.

Paul’s first audience was surrounded by false teachers that would have been trying to sway the people to doubt Jesus was anything special. There would have even been popular thought questioning how the world could have been created by God because he would not have created evil. This text is probably the strongest in the whole Bible for the divine nature of Christ.

Colossians 4:7-18 – Go Team!

Read Colossians 4:7-18

What a great way to close this letter. Paul is reminding us all about those who are helping and encouraging. Paul’s teammates. Despite being in chains, Paul continued his work. He gives us a good example to be good team players as well.

There are so many nuggets of wisdom here for us. While we don’t personally know these Christ followers, there is such a peace, isn’t there, in that the ministry is ongoing, it’s intentional. We, too, can be servants taking on roles to spread the news, follow God’s will, pray earnestly for each other. We are all a family, a family that sticks together.

I like the message he has for Archippus — be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you. We all have that special place that God intended for us. Are you serving in that ministry? Do you know where your place is?

Over the years, we have often emphasized in our church setting the importance of using our gifts. This encouragement fits right in with that. We are all called by God to a ministry, to a mission, and we all have a purpose. It is unwrapping the gift or feeling useful in our purpose that is truly rewarding. If we are in the center of God’s will and acting in the way he has designed us to act, there is nothing better.

If you’re not serving with your gifts or unsure what your gifts are, let me know and I can hook you up with an spiritual gift survey. In the words of Paul, “May God’s grace be with you.”

Let’s pray. Lord thank you for the gifts you have given me. It makes me so very happy to be able to use them to further the kingdom. Continue to use me in this place to shine your light into this dark world. Fill my mouth with the words you want spoken. Open the doors you want me to walk through. Thank you for all those who have gone before me to show the way of truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.