Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV) When we think of the pattern of the early church, we generally go to Acts 2:42 and the activities listed there: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. I’m certain that the Colossian church…
Kill It – Colossians 3:5-12
Paul ended chapter 2 confirming the lack of power that religious activity has against sensual indulgence. His comments there and his instructions here in chapter 3 confirm that sensual indulgence is something we need to deal with. We are now in the season of Lent. In its purest form it is intended to be a…
Perspective – Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV) I love to fly. I don’t love the process of getting on the plane, the uncomfortable seat, or…
Desire – Colossians 2:16-23
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? (Colossians 2:20-21 NIV) I think I can answer Paul’s question. I submit to the world’s rules because I…
Baptism is Not About Getting Wet – Colossians 2:8-15
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is…
The Threat of Deception – Colossians 2:1-7
It has been challenging to write as our lives have been filled with grandchildren for the past several weeks. We are enjoying having a house full of children, but they change our regular routines. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full…
Mystery – Colossians 1:24-29
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God…
Behavior Matters – Colossians 1:21-23
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation–if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from…
Creation to Cross – Colossians 1:15-20
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in…
Every and all – Colossians 1:9-14
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in…