Live Out The Gospel
"We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints," (Colossians 1:3-4)
In these opening verses of the book of Colossians, the apostle Paul sets the tone for a letter full of spiritual wisdom and encouragement. He begins by expressing gratitude for the faith and love of the believers in Colossae. Reminding us that faith and love are the foundational pillars upon which Christianity is built. Faith begins with belief in the power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In (Galatians 2:20), Paul tells us more specifically what this means ,“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” It is this faith that initiates our relationship with God and opens the door to the blessings He has prepared for us. Paul commends the Colossian believers for their faith in Christ Jesus, highlighting that faith in Him is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a deep, unshakable trust that transforms our lives.
We see so much uncertainty in the world. Doubts and fears can often cloud our vision, but Paul's words remind us to hold onto our faith with unwavering conviction. Just as a tree finds stability by sending its roots deep into the soil, our faith finds its firm foundation by abiding (staying connected) in Christ.
Paul's praise for the Colossian brethren doesn't stop by acknowledging their faith alone; he also commends them for their love for all the saints. Love is the fruit of walking in the Spirit, and it has the power to unite the body of Christ in a way that nothing else can. As we express love to our fellow believers, we reflect the very nature of God, who is love. This love wasn't reserved for a select few; Paul writes that it extended to all the saints. This challenges us to love not only those who are easy to love but also those who might be different from us or hold different perspectives. As we do so, we contribute to the unity of the Church and reveal the transformative power of Christ's love to the world.
Paul says there is something more. "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" (Colossians 1:27) He goes on to unveil a profound mystery that had been hidden but is now made known to believers: Christ in us, the hope of glory. This revelation is a game-changer, for it reminds us that our faith isn't a distant relationship with an abstract God, but an intimate union with the living Christ. The same Jesus who walked the earth now resides within us through the Holy Spirit. Understanding this mystery transforms how we approach life's challenges. When we encounter difficulties, we're not facing them alone. Christ's presence within us empowers us to overcome adversity, offering us hope and strength in every situation. Our souls draw from the wellspring of Christ's presence within us, enabling us to stand strong. In Christ there is "Wisdom and Knowledge"…That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)
Just as the roots provide essential nutrients to the tree, wisdom and knowledge provide nourishment to our spiritual lives. The more we delve into God's Word, seeking understanding and embracing the wisdom found in Christ, the more our faith deepens, and our love grows. This wisdom empowers us to discern truth from deception, make godly choices, and navigate the complexities of life with grace and courage.
I want to pray this prayer for you and your church. Please share. Father, we love that you loved us so much that you gave us Your Son to be our Savior. Help us become like well-rooted trees, firmly grounded in the rich soil of Your Word and Your love. Give us strength to stand strong against the winds of doubt, the storms of adversity, and the pressures of the world. Instill in us an unshakable faith, drawing strength from Jesus, our Lord. Amen
Credit: Ron Kelley
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints," (Colossians 1:3-4)
In these opening verses of the book of Colossians, the apostle Paul sets the tone for a letter full of spiritual wisdom and encouragement. He begins by expressing gratitude for the faith and love of the believers in Colossae. Reminding us that faith and love are the foundational pillars upon which Christianity is built. Faith begins with belief in the power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In (Galatians 2:20), Paul tells us more specifically what this means ,“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” It is this faith that initiates our relationship with God and opens the door to the blessings He has prepared for us. Paul commends the Colossian believers for their faith in Christ Jesus, highlighting that faith in Him is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a deep, unshakable trust that transforms our lives.
We see so much uncertainty in the world. Doubts and fears can often cloud our vision, but Paul's words remind us to hold onto our faith with unwavering conviction. Just as a tree finds stability by sending its roots deep into the soil, our faith finds its firm foundation by abiding (staying connected) in Christ.
Paul's praise for the Colossian brethren doesn't stop by acknowledging their faith alone; he also commends them for their love for all the saints. Love is the fruit of walking in the Spirit, and it has the power to unite the body of Christ in a way that nothing else can. As we express love to our fellow believers, we reflect the very nature of God, who is love. This love wasn't reserved for a select few; Paul writes that it extended to all the saints. This challenges us to love not only those who are easy to love but also those who might be different from us or hold different perspectives. As we do so, we contribute to the unity of the Church and reveal the transformative power of Christ's love to the world.
Paul says there is something more. "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" (Colossians 1:27) He goes on to unveil a profound mystery that had been hidden but is now made known to believers: Christ in us, the hope of glory. This revelation is a game-changer, for it reminds us that our faith isn't a distant relationship with an abstract God, but an intimate union with the living Christ. The same Jesus who walked the earth now resides within us through the Holy Spirit. Understanding this mystery transforms how we approach life's challenges. When we encounter difficulties, we're not facing them alone. Christ's presence within us empowers us to overcome adversity, offering us hope and strength in every situation. Our souls draw from the wellspring of Christ's presence within us, enabling us to stand strong. In Christ there is "Wisdom and Knowledge"…That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)
Just as the roots provide essential nutrients to the tree, wisdom and knowledge provide nourishment to our spiritual lives. The more we delve into God's Word, seeking understanding and embracing the wisdom found in Christ, the more our faith deepens, and our love grows. This wisdom empowers us to discern truth from deception, make godly choices, and navigate the complexities of life with grace and courage.
I want to pray this prayer for you and your church. Please share. Father, we love that you loved us so much that you gave us Your Son to be our Savior. Help us become like well-rooted trees, firmly grounded in the rich soil of Your Word and Your love. Give us strength to stand strong against the winds of doubt, the storms of adversity, and the pressures of the world. Instill in us an unshakable faith, drawing strength from Jesus, our Lord. Amen
Credit: Ron Kelley
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