As promised, we’re going to kick this blog of with a study of the book of Colossians! I love this book because it’s short (only 4 chapters) but it’s also PACKED with Christian principles that’s easily digestible and straightforward.
We’re going to jump right into Chapter 1 and for this post we’ll focus on verses 1 through 14. I’ll be referencing the New International Version (NIV) bible.
Col 1:1
Right away, Paul makes it crystal clear that his mission isn’t something he just chose to do himself, He wanted the Colossian church to know that he is an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.
Apostle means chosen and sent by God as a missionary or ambassador.
By the will of God means that he was appointed
This verse tells us that Paul did not carry out his mission because of personal aspirations but because he answered to his calling to do so.
Timothy also tagged along with him to go and spread the gospel to the Colossian church.
QUESTION: Is what you’re doing for God based on personal aspirations or because God called you to do it?
Col 1:2-3
Paul was ultimately writing this letter to correct something the Colossians were doing but he did it in love. He writes, “To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.”
When someone tries to correct maybe a bad behavior, character trait or understanding of something beginning with love, it makes it easier to accept. You know when they lead it this way, they’re not trying to “come for you” for lack of better words, they’re simply trying to guide you in the right direction. That was Paul’s goal.
Paul goes on to say, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you…” This furthermore shows how Paul really is reprimanding the Colossian church gently.
Col 1:4-5
In these verses, Paul points put how the Colossian church express the 3 main emphases of Christianity. He talks about how they have faith in Christ Jesus, how they love all God’s people, and how that faith and love comes from the hope stored up for them in heaven.
Let’s zoom in on the 3 main emphases:
It’s faith, hope, and love. This is also pointed out in 1 Corinthians 13:13.
Faith is the basis and content of the gospel. It is the belief and trust that Jesus is who He says He is and can do what He said he will do.
Hope is the mindset and focus. Its is being aware of the present condition but being able to put on a lens of faith and seeing what God can and will do.
Love is the action. It is the selfless service to others.
When faith and hope are intact, you are free to love completely because you understand God’s unconditional love.
The mention of heaven is also significant because you know that when all these things of the Earth, all these things that will perish when our Lord and Savior returns, will pass but heaven is eternal.
QUESTION: How is faith, hope, and love expressed in your life?
Col 1:6
There is so much here in this one verse, ladies! The first thing that is HUGE is that the gospel reached the Colossians and they accepted it. It didn’t stop there though. The gospel continued bearing fruit meaning it encouraged change, growth, and a Christ-like mindset in all those who accepted it.
When you really take time to meditate on this verse it says the gospel is, growing throughout the whole world. I mean… can we just selah here a moment! To think about how regardless of the chaos, evil, and pain that we experience as we’re persevering through life, there’s new believer’s coming into the family of God, constantly, all over the world is actually quite astonishing. Hallelujah!
How is the gospel spreading you ask? Well that’s where we come in. When you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it’s time to get to work! The Lord has given each and every one of us a special gift. You are to use that gift to show other’s the glory of Good so they too can accept Jesus as their Savior. Jesus will continuously reveal Himself to you in His Word. As you learn more about the Lord, that knowledge doesn’t just stay in your head. You must share with someone to set them free!
QUESTION: How will you use your gift to draw others to the Lord?
Col 1:7-8
Epaphras founded the church at Colossae. He was the one to deliver the message to Paul of the church’s condition.
A key word here is that Epaphras was a FAITHFUL minister. Epaphras’ faithfulness teaches us a valuable lesson. When we are committed to living for God it will open up opportunities to meet the needs of those around us. A commitment to God raises our awareness of how to help others and will result in us making long-lasting impacts.
QUESTION: How can you use your time, energy, or resources to impact those around you?
Col 1:9-11
Paul’s continuous prayer for Godly wisdom for the Colossian church shows how we must keep praying for guidance from the holy spirit to live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. Understanding how good God is and how much He loves us is motivation to prioritize what God wants over our own desires.
This passage also reveals how we need to rely on God for the endurance and patience we need to be able to withstand the obstacles we face in life. Exhaustion and frustration are two feelings that can be overwhelming, but when we slow down and reach out to God in those times, he can bring an awesome restoration. Isaiah 40 verses 29 through 31 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”.
QUESTION: Do you look to God for strength or something else?
Col 1:12-14
When God continues to reveal His wonderful attributes to us, you can’t help but to give thanks. A huge reason we have to be thankful is our inheritance.
A person usually has to wait a long time for an inheritance. However, as soon as we commit to Christ we get adopted as daughters and have instant access to some amazing benefits. What I mean by that is we already have the gift of the Holy spirit that blesses us with guidance, comfort, and assurance of our eternal salvation. We also have His unconditional love, forgiveness, and joy right now and the list can go on and on!
Verse 13-14 continues to expand on those gifts. It says we have been brought into the kingdom of light and rescued from the dominion of darkness. which means we no longer have to feel like we’re trapped in dark spaces or feeling guilt for our past sins. Being connected to God means we have been included in his family, redeemed, and are viewed as righteous even though we are so flawed.
Well, this the end of this bible study but also the first of many to come! Please ask any questions in the comments below or in the “Bloom Chat” on the homepage of the blog.
Thanks, Blooming Believer’s! Grace and peace to you all!