Reading For Friday Colossians 1:1-23
Paul introduces this letter stating that he is an apostle and recognizes Timothy while greeting the church and extending grace and peace. Paul was not nominated or voted on for the office of apostle, rather he was appointed by Jesus himself, authorized to speak on his behalf, and commissioned to organize the churches. When Paul speaks, it should be received as Jesus personally addressing the church (2 Corinthians 5:20). He acknowledges their faith and encourages them by letting them know that he regularly prays for them. Paul commends the Colossians because they are progressing and have been fruitful from the start. The Colossians had learned the gospel from Epaphras, who had communicated their love in the Spirit to Paul. Paul prayed for their knowledge and godly habits. He prayed for spiritual understanding and discernment, faithful obedience, and moral excellence. He reminds them of their identity in Christ. They could find strength, endurance, patience, joy and thanksgiving because they had been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God. They are the children of God because Jesus has redeemed them, forgiven their sin, and they are his righteousness.
Paul transitions into a beautiful declaration concerning Jesus nature, work, and his preeminence. Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, not simply because he is a human made in the image of God, but also because he possesses the same nature as God. The Father is invisible to us, but God reveals himself by his Son. Jesus said that to see him was to see the Father. Jesus is the firstborn of creation due to the truth that Christ pre-existed with the Father and the Spirit before the world was created. Jesus is the divine agent of creation, and everything owes its origin to him. Creation exists for Christ. Every particle and molecule in the universe is held together by Jesus, and he has dominion over all things. He is the head of the church, and he exercises his authority by the Spirit and the word. Jesus is the greatest, supreme, foremost, best, finest, and most excellent over all things. Jesus is fully God and fully man possessing the fullness of God and it is through the person and work of Jesus Christ that reconciliation his made possible by the peace that comes through his cross.
The glorious news of the gospel is that Jesus reconciles those who are alienated, hostile, and capable of nothing but evil. His death is our life. His perfection is our righteousness. Our faith has a sure object in Jesus. We have the promise that he will keep us to the end, and the demonstration of his work in our lives will be seen in the ongoing pattern of repentance and faith. Jesus nature, work, and preeminence is the reason for all ministry, and the gospel gives us reason to proclaim and hold fast to our hope.
Things To Consider:
- Why do you think called attention to the role he was given by Jesus?
- What is the gospel? How do you know?
- What does it mean if someone that professes faith in Christ does not bear fruit or increase?
- Why isn't Paul jealous of Epaphras?
- How does one increase in the knowledge of God?
- How does the Father qualify us? How do you know?
- What is your response to Paul's description of Jesus?
- Is your heart filled with affection for Jesus? Why or why not?
- Why do we forget just how incredible salvation is?
- Have you thanked God for reconciliation?
- Are you growing in grace and godliness? Why or why not?