Day 335

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Colossians Introduction

All is not well in Colossae. A heresy is growing that promotes empty ritual, useless other-worldliness and false mysticism. In order to encourage the Colossians to hold to the truth, Paul refutes the heresy in a positive way—he shows them who Christ is. Christ as Lord of all gives complete salvation, and he is sufficient for every need. And if Christ is all and in all, then he ought to be in all we say, do, and think. So Paul encourages the Colossians to pursue a godly lifestyle befitting those whose "real life is in heaven with Christ" (3:3).

Scripture

November 30—Colossians 1-4: Fullness Christ

Observation

The letter to the church at Colossae is in many respects a companion letter to Ephesians, evidently written and dispatched at the same time. Yet the two letters are also different. Whereas Ephesians is general, Colossians is direct and specific. False teachers had invaded Colossae with the heresy that something more than Jesus Christ was needed for a proper relationship with and worship of God. Such teaching is subtle, deceptive and devastating, causing believers to search elsewhere for that which they already possess! Paul underscores that "in Christ there is all of God in a human body" (2:9). All that God provides for his children is found in Jesus Christ!

Application

Twenty centuries ago, a group of false teachers made inroads into the Colossian church teaching that Jesus Christ was something less than God. There is more to be gained from the Christian life than what Jesus Christ provided, they said. He is not pre-eminent; there is spiritual wisdom and knowledge to be found outside of him.

Today, false cults abound seeking to add to the Bible their own "book from God" or "special doctrine" that adds to the simple message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. 

The appeal of such groups is strong, especially if your daily walk with God has become rather humdrum. As you examine your Christian life, do you find yourself asking, "Is that all there is?" If so, reread 2:3, 9-10. If you have Christ, then you have "all the mighty, untapped treasures of wisdom and knowledge . . . all of God in a human body."

The question remains: How much of you does he have? Close your time in God's Word today by making the prayer of 1:9-10 the prayer of your heart as well: "Lord help me to understand what you want me to do; make me wise about spiritual things; help me always to be doing good, kind things for others . . . ."

Prayer

Father, through the facts of religious history in the Bible we can learn much about your character. You are great and mighty in power. We commit our ways to you; trusting in you and we know from your Word that you will make your righteousness shine in us so that unbelievers can see and want to know you. You rule the world by prayer which is why we must pray. Protect and shield us, our cities and nations and guide our leaders so that we may live a peaceful and uplifting life in you. We praise your Holy name now and forever. In Jesus' name! Amen! 

History of God!





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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