I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Today my focus is Colossians 1:15-23, where Paul, as part of broader effort to exhort the church at Colosse to defend itself against false teaching, shares how God reigns over all, and how believers are now reconciled to Him and justified in His eyes. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: V15: He is the firstborn of Creation - meaning He existed before all other things. V16: All things were created by Him, through Him, and for Him - with the latter meaning that all visible (governing authorities) and invisible (Satan) things exist for His purpose and to manifest His glory. V17: He is before all things - meaning that in timing/sequence and in authority (He is first), and He holds all things together - meaning that at His direction things can cease to exist and or function. V18: He leads and is head of the church and He is preeminent. V19: The fullness of God exists in Christ the Son - tying back to v15 where Paul states that Christ is "[t]he image of the invisible God." V19: God is pleased to reside in Christ.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv20-21: God reconciles all things to Himself - without God people remain separated from Him, enslaved and living in sin, hostile to Him. Vv22-23: Believers are justified, blameless, and not guilty in His eyes - above reproach (discredit, disgrace) IF we "continue in the faith" and avoid "shifting from the hope of the gospel."
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid shifting from the hope of the gospel, either by placing Your hope in things above God, or by allowing anxiety or discouragement to overcome you. Claim the promise that - as a believer - you are holy, blameless and above reproach before God. Follow the example of Paul to continue in the faith, and to be stable and steadfast in this faith.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for reconciling me to You, and for justifying me as holy, blameless, and above approach before You. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
