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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Paul said, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Col 1:13). I praise you today as the God who delivers, the God who rescues those who are lost in the darkness of sin. How wonderful to be a citizen of the kingdom of Christ! All praise and honor be to you, the Father of light! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae. This letter is the third of what are known as the “Prison Epistles.” Although Paul was not the founder of the Colossian church, he knew the congregation through Epaphras, a native of Colossae who had shared the gospel with many in the church (Col 1:7–8; 4:12–13). Epaphras had recently informed Paul of the dangers the church faced from false teachers (Col 2:4, 8), and this prompted Paul to write to the Colossians, urging them to stand firm in the faith and in the sound doctrine they had received from Epaphras (Col 2:5–8). Paul began the letter with an expression of thanksgiving for the Colossians’ faith and a prayer for their continued spiritual growth. He then declared the truth which would guard the Colossians from heresy and motivate them to persevere in the faith: the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ (Col 1:15–20). First, Paul emphasized Christ’s supremacy over creation, saying that Jesus is “the firstborn of all creation” (Col 1:15). The term “firstborn” can denote either priority in time or supremacy in rank, and both senses apply to Jesus. He was before “all creation” in time, and he is over “all creation” in authority. Paul was not saying that Jesus is the first created being, but rather that Jesus is supreme over all things as Creator, for “all things were created through him and for him” (Col 1:16). Second, Paul declared Christ’s sufficiency in redemption, saying that “through him,” you were pleased to reconcile “all things” to yourself, “making peace by the blood of his cross” (Col 1:20). This means that the conflict which is currently raging in the universe has been dealt with by Christ’s sacrifice. Those who accept your offer of redemption and continue in the faith will enjoy eternal peace and salvation, while those who reject your grace will one day be put in subjection to Christ and suffer your eternal wrath (along with Satan and his demons). The truth of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ refutes false teaching. In Christ, the “whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col 2:9). This refutes any system of thought which denies either the humanity or the deity of Christ. In Christ, I received a spiritual circumcision by participating in his death and resurrection (Col 2:11–12). This refutes those who insist on adding law-keeping to faith in Jesus. In Christ, I died to the world and its fallen ideas and values (Col 2:20–22). This refutes those who demand asceticism (false humility, severe self-discipline) and the worship of angels. The truth of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ also motivates me to live a holy life. In Christ, I have been raised to heavenly places. This motivates me to set my mind on things above, not on things on earth. In Christ, I died and my life is hidden with Christ in God. This motivates me to put to death the deeds of the flesh. In Christ, I have been raised to newness of life. This motivates me to put on a “compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness and patience” (Col 3:12). My union with Christ is the basis of everything I am spiritually, and if I abide in him, he will empower me to live a holy and righteous life. Reflection Paul said, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col 4:6). Does my speech mirror the gracious character and conduct of Christ? Request Father, I ask that you would fill me with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that I may walk in a manner worthy of you, fully pleasing to you, bearing fruit in every good work. Strengthen me with all power, according to your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy (Col 1:9–11). Thanksgiving Thank you for qualifying me to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Col 1:12). Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Christ Is All” – Anonymous/Unknown. Meditation Verse: Colossians 1:21–23. |