Colossians 1: 1 - 8
I love the way Paul begins this letter. It is addressed to the "holy and faithful" in the city of Colosse. Paul's earlier letters were addressed to the "church" in _______. (1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians) But in these later letters, he shifts. (Romans, Colossians, Philippians and Ephesians) They are addressed to the faithful individuals in these churches. I am reminded of Jesus' parable of the Tares (Matthew 13:24 ff). The church is a collection of the faithful, the saints that are located in various locals - not necessarily the membership roster! Paul begins to focus his instructions and letters to the "church" as to the individuals who are holy and faithful. As you ask yourself the question, "Am I among that group?" Don't let the word "holy" make you nervous. Remember, when that word is applied to you and I it means the "set apart ones" - not the perfect ones - the ones that have accepted Christ as LORD. They have been made holy by God, not themselves. And their lives reflect that commitment and focus. That is what places you in that group.
Paul then goes on to give the essence of the Christian life - showing faith in Christ and love for your fellow man. (v 4) William Barclay calls these the "twin pillars of the Christian life." Faith is the full confidence, trust, belief that Jesus is the Son of God. It is demonstrated always by obedience. The love is agape - not the easier phileo (brotherly) love. It is the love that Christ demonstrated while He walked in the flesh. It is the love that we are to reflect to a fallen world. We must ask ourselves how these twin pillars are reflected in our own lives. That may be your focus for prayer today. Where do they come from? Paul tells us in verse 5 that they come from our hope - that complete confidence and expectation that God will do what He has promised.
Another lesson that speaks to me from this passage is in verse 6. The gospel (the Good News of the redemption available through Jesus) was growing and bearing fruit both around the world and among them. The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly "good news". And it is truth. It is universal. It is productive. It tells us of grace. Are you bearing fruit? Am I? Is your life different because of the gospel that lives in you? Are you growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord? Is the evidence of the life of the Spirit of God (fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22) reflected in your life as you are growing older? That is my prayer for myself ... and my prayer for you as we walk together in the Lord.
Paul begins this letter with the salutation - grace and peace
Grace = God's favor bestowed so that sinful humans may enjoy the blessing of God Himself
Peace = wholeness and well-being in all aspects of life
So, my friends, as we begin this study .......... grace and peace!
Having faith that Jesus is the Son of God is one of my core beliefs. Using that faith to cope with daily difficulties is somewhat more challenging. Paul does seem to indicate that understanding God's grace "in all its truth" perhaps takes time.
ReplyDeleteThe one somewhat confusing phrase in the passage is that faith in Jesus and love of our fellow man "spring from the hope stored up for [us] in heaven . . ."(niv) Is this God's hope for me? Or my hope in heaven? Either way I want to have it.
Can I live up to the fruit bearing ideas? Paul seems to indicate that the gospel itself is producing fruit ( since it is the truth) and all we have to do is share it.
At this point in my life I will certainly accept "grace and peace" from Paul and from you ( and others). I pray for it daily.
Just some thoughts about Colossians. Thanks for the Barclary commentary. He is one of my favorites -- most of the time.
Jacquie