Read Colossians 1.1-14
As Paul opens his letter to the church in Colossae, he is writing to a church community he has not met, and he did not start. In fact it is Epaphras, spoken of in verse 7, who has apparently had the typical Paul role in proclaiming the gospel of truth to this community. Epaphras has now told Paul, who is in prison about this church he is working with in Colossae and Paul writes to encourage them to grow and bear fruit for God.
There are two really big themes in this opening and they still matter to us today. First Paul talks about the gospel of truth growing and bearing fruit in the world, just as it is doing in the Colossian believers. The sign of this that Epaphras tells Paul about is their love in the Spirit of God.
Faith, hope and love show up in this opening as Paul reflects on the testimony that he has heard about the Colossians. They are people who have faith in Jesus, love for all God’s people, and this springs from the hope stored up in heaven.
As the gospel grows and bears fruit of love in the Spirit, Paul wants the Colossians themselves to continue to grow in their knowledge of God and bear fruit in every good work. Paul desires for this in their lives because the gospel of truth is transformative. We cannot simply know the gospel of Jesus without it changing how we live. The gospel is not head knowledge, but knowing the gospel leads us to live a life worthy of the Lord which pleases God in every way.
How has learning the gospel message and growing in the knowledge of God transformed you?
The second main theme Paul discusses in this opening is thanksgiving, gratitude. Paul and Timothy are always thanking God when they pray for the Colossians. They also continually ask God to fill the Colossians with wisdom and understanding, and pray that they may give joyful thanks to God who has rescued them, redeemed them, and brought them into the kingdom where Jesus is Lord and King.
The Christian journey is one of thanksgiving. Paul is thankful for the testimony he hears about the Colossians faith, hope and love. Paul encourages the Colossians to joyful thanks as they recognize how God has acted in their lives bringing about redemption and forgiveness of sins. Our life in God is a life of thanksgiving.
What are you thankful for even in the midst of this pandemic? If you struggle to think of something to be thankful for, remind yourself of the Good News of Jesus Christ who has rescued and redeemed you.
May God fill you with knowledge of his will through wisdom and understanding, so that you may life a life worthy of God, growing and bearing fruit and giving joyful thanks to God. May you be strengthened to have endurance and patience for the road before you today. Amen.
For our lyrics today, here is “God of grace, and God of Glory”
God of grace and God of glory,
on they people pour they power.
Crown thine ancient church’s story,
bring her bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
Lo! The hosts of evil ‘round us
scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us,
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
Cure thy children’s warring madness;
bend our pride to thy control.
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal,
lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.
Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore.
Let the search for thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving thee whom we adore,
serving thee whom we adore. Grace and Peace to you, Amen.