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 Colossians 1:23-29 - Stand Firm

        This whole book is amazing, but this chapter nails the purpose statement for us as believers in Christ.  Our purpose is to produce godly fruit.  That is, we have a responsibility to present people to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ (1:28).  It’s a tall task, yet it is baked into everything we do.  We can only succeed in our mission by what Christ does through us.

        Encourage a believer in Christ today.  There is incredible power in the unity that comes from your encouragement.

        So what’s this life like for God’s people, His church?  Well, it is good.  And joyful.  With joy, we drink deeply from the fountain of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).  

        Kingdoms rise and fall.  Politicians and professional preachers come and go.  But you will know Christians by their love and the fruit of their labour.

        At best we get a glimpse into the future.  Yet we know God’s character.  We know God is good.  And generous.  God gives good gifts.

        We have a wonderful opportunity today to listen and ask God for wisdom.  If God is willing (and I trust He is), He will grant that any words we speak will make knowledge of Him appealing to those we interact with today (Proverbs 15:2).

        And we have all day to pray.  As God’s people remind each other to pray.  Not in some ritualistic way of repeating words and phrases.  Yuck.  I hate that.  Rather, in a real, genuine, earnest way.  Say what God has done.  Say who He is.  Fear Him.  Honor Him.  And speak to God with the confidence that He is our loving Father.  The upright must pray.  Continuously.

        Know this.  You are valuable because God loves and values you.  Christ lives in you.  That’s monumental.  You are an essential part of Jesus’ body.  You have wisdom, knowledge, and discernment - all gifted by the Holy Spirit.  You have the authority to counsel and correct.  To assess and direct.  Do so with humble confidence in Christ and make no apology for obeying Christ.

        And please be open to constructive criticism.  You and I are a work in progress, and God designed us to grow and improve.  We are to be disciplined and honest in our assessment of ourselves.  For we are easily deceived - by ourselves!

        Those who drift away from Jesus’ truth have little faith.  They quickly forget the cost of the Cross of Freedom.  Sadly, despite the power of Scripture and the clarity of the next two chapters regarding freedom from rules and new life in Christ and living God’s way, we see a lot of professionals preaching out of Colossians yet showing by the way that they live that their true master is greed.  When they say the word "lord" they mean something entirely different than you might think.  Their master is their appetites.

        Let’s heed Paul’s warning here.  Let’s not be those hypocrites.  Tell others about Christ.  Warn everyone about the kingdom of darkness and hell.  And teach those God has brought into your life with all the wisdom God has given you.

        Lord Jesus, we are overwhelmed by your generosity, your Grace, your gift of the Cross, and your Way.  Thank you for your people.  Your church.  We are sorry for our sins and failures - failing to live the way a holy church should live.  We trust your mighty power today.  It is the power to raise Christ from the dead.  Please knit the hearts of your people together today in unity and power.  Amen.


        


Playing games last night with the grandsons.  This is our youngest, Colt.


Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 20, 2023 at 5:59 PM

    God uses us as Encouragers if we are willing. I am thankful every day for those God has placed in my path, who lift us up in our toughest places; such as you David. So Blessed by your faithfulness and willingness to honor God in your blog posts. Thankfully, R. Dougherty

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