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.
Paul’s opening prayer for this young church sounds like something I’d want someone to pray over me. Especially the gift of “complete knowledge of his will and … spiritual wisdom and understanding.” What part of this prayer seemed most relevant to you and your situation?
In lieu of having no newspapers or internet access to see what’s happening in the world, Paul shares about how the Good News is spreading. Like wildfire! The life-changing news is so powerful once you understand “the truth about God’s wonderful grace.” Many people fail to understand and appreciate how precious this gift truly is.
Our understanding of God’s will and his grace comes from the Holy Spirit. Anytime you’re feeling confused or unsure of anything, ask God to bring clarification. Praying for God’s will and/or spiritual wisdom and understanding can be an ongoing, every moment of the day kind of prayer.
Endurance, patience, and joy are also great prayer requests, aren’t they? Seeing how Paul has been praying gives us a great example of the kinds of things we can pray about. Maybe we haven’t even thought to ask for these kinds of things. Are you feeling lack in any of these three?
For me, endurance is more my focus in my season of “midlife” (according to google, it’s from 40-65 years old). I’m doing my best, but I know I can do so much more with God’s help and strength. Am I content to settle for what I can accomplish on my own or do I want to ask God for his mighty provision?
The tone to this reading is so uplifting and encouraging. Paul is setting the stage by reminding them and us just how amazing our God is. What do you think of this promise? “He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.” Overwhelming gratitude! Not only am I thrilled to have access to the inheritance, I’m jazzed to be living in the light celebrating the freedom Jesus purchased for me.
I haven’t always been living like that. Sometimes the darkness overtakes us. It did me. Those are clearly the times when my joy meter was on the empty side. We’ve heard Jesus is the “light of the world.” Does it follow then that to be living in the light we need to be living “in Christ”?
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” We’re even more illuminated when we spend time in God’s word. The Colossians needed Paul’s guidance. We can glean from that and the entirety of God’s word. Our inheritance begins now!
Let’s pray… Father God, I am so grateful for all that you have sacrificed for me. Help me to live in the light and be strong to deflect the temptations of the darkness. Thank you for how you used Paul and Timothy to care for your people and speak truth to them. Their messages are timeless. Continue to speak loudly to my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
