I will be out of the office (at work and at home) from Thursday, February 26 through Monday, March 2. If there is anything you might need while I am away, please have a little chat with God. He has all the answers.

Seriously, I will be gone and posting some older blog pieces, but regardless of where I am or what I’m doing, I know that God is with me and is “able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20) I pray that you know this as well.

Have a great weekend! See you again on Tuesday.

Lessons from Colossians – Part 4

This is it. The final lessons that I learned while reading through Colossians earlier this week. I’ve found that this short book is packed with valuable information and it is well worth the read and study. I suspect I could find more lessons…I know I could, but it’s time to move along.

Paul finds that these new Christians were being infiltrated by false teachers. He encouraged this group to be diligent in their learning and understanding of the Gospel and to watch for those who might teach something opposing the Gospel.

Paul shared some basic information about Jesus with the believers. Something that they could perhaps hold to and refer to as false teachers approached them. And while this was a problem of 2,000 years ago, I believe we still must keep vigilant against false teachers who wish to lead young believers astray.

So let’s look at what Paul said about Jesus in Colossians 1:15- 23 so that we might have a stronger understanding of our faith.

The header above these verses in my Bible says, “The Supremacy of Christ” (NIV). It was not in the original text and was added by the translators of the New International Version for a better understanding of what this section of Scripture tells us.

However, this phrase also helps me to understand that Christ is above all. He reigns above all. He has authority above all. He reigns over all. There is nothing or no one above Him.

Jesus must also have this supremacy in my life. The moment I put anything above Him, I’ve sinned. And just so you know, I’m still working on this. There are still areas where I want to be in control or that seem to take control of me. It’s a battle I face daily. But with Jesus’ help, I’m better at it than I once was.

So then we see some of the facts that Paul lays out for the Colossian believers.

Paul states that Jesus is God and that He is over all creation in Colossians 1:15.

Paul states that Jesus created all things and that they were created for Him in Colossians 1:16.

Paul states that Jesus was there before all things were created and that He holds all things together in Colossians 1:17.

Paul states that Jesus is the head of the Church and that He was resurrected from the dead in Colossians 1:18.

Paul states that Jesus pleased God by being filled with God’s fullness and that through Jesus, God was shown to the world in Colossians 1:19.

Paul states that Jesus reconciled the world to Himself by making peace through His blood that was shed on the cross in Colossians 1:20.

Paul states that Jesus reconciled the Colossians (and us as well) through His death so that we might be holy in His sight, free of the ugliness that accompanies sin and so that our accusers would have nothing to accuse them of in Colossians 1:22.

Paul also states, “once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior” in Colossians 1:21 (NIV). This can be said of all of us. Until we come to know Jesus as our Savior, we are without hope and we are enemies of God (James 4:4).

But once we’ve come to know the reconciliation that Jesus provides, we are to follow Paul’s advice found in Colossians 4:23 (NIV).

“If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”

Paul stresses the importance of being established and holding firmly to our faith. With a greater understanding of the Gospel, we are able to stand firm against false teachers who wish to move us from the message God has given us.

Some scholars say this section of Scripture was a hymn. A statement of faith if you want to look at it that way. And what a statement it is!

Perhaps this is a section of Scripture to be memorized. Something that we too, can hold to as we battle false teachers in our world today. Anything that is taught in direct opposition to this teaching must be considered false.

What I find interesting too, is that these were the only points that Paul felt necessary to mention to the Colossian believers. Maybe it is because these were the areas of false teaching, but I believe I would have mentioned a few more important facts about Jesus. But maybe that’s why Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, wrote these exact words and not me.

Paul continues his instruction on dealing with false teachings in Colossians 2. He encourages them to continue to live in Christ. To be built up and rooted in Christ. To be strengthened in their faith and to overflow with thanksgiving.

That would be my prayer for you (and me) today. That you might allow Christ’s supremacy to invade your life. That He would be first and foremost in your life. That you might find strength in His Name. That you will find great truths in God’s Word as you study. That your faith would have deep roots to withstand all that this world throws at you. And that you would be filled with thanksgiving because of the gifts you have received through Christ Jesus.

I’m going to change my final words today and use Paul’s greeting in Colossians 1:2 (NIV).

“To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse {and all around the world}: Grace and peace to you from God the Father.”

Donna