Believers in Colosse had been under attack by false teachers who not only diluted the gospel, but misdirected seekers all together teaching ascetic based salvation rather than the truth, that salvation only comes through faith in Jesus Christ and His divine Father, God almighty.
In his letter to the Colossians written around A.D. 60 the apostle Paul calls on believers to hold steadfast to the truth which is found in the word of God. Through this epistle Paul warns all of us about the enemy standing on our doorstep.
“1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” (Colossians 1:1-2)
Paul identifies himself as an apostle divinely appointed, the author of this epistle, and also mentions Timothy in his salutation. The apostle refers to the Colossians as “saints” or “God’s holy people” not because they are perfect, but because each one belongs to God.
“3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.” (Colossians 1:2-6)
Paul had heard about the Colossians’ faith in Jesus Christ, possibly through Epaphras the leader of the Colossian church. The apostle gives praises to God for spiritual miracles and those saved in Colosse, as he and his fellow laborers continue to pray for Colossian believers as each one works out his or her own salvation.
“7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.” (Colossians 1:7-8)
Believers in Colosse had been taught about the truth and hope found in the gospel. Their minds were opened by God so they could receive Christ and believe the word, then pursue a relationship with the savior.
“9 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, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:9-12)
Paul and his fellow workers not only gave thanks to God for the Colossians’ faith in Jesus Christ, they continually prayed so their lives would be worthy of the Lord and the fruit of their labor beyond measure as each one fulfills his or her mission according to God’s perfect plan.
“13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14)
The apostle reminds the Colossians of God’s deliverance from hell for all those who believe in His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, Lord and savior.
Through Christ, sinners are redeemed, forgiven and given new life. This is true not only for the believers in Colosse, but all those who believe. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
