Colossians__2

Scripture  Colossians 2:8  See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world rather than on Christ.

Observation-What does it say?  Paul writes this letter to the church at Colossae, another city in modern day Turkey, while still in prison in Rome.  The letter was also intended to be read to the church in Laodicea.  Colossae’s population was primarily Gentile, however there was a large Jewish population, and therefore they struggled with problems arising from Jewish legalism and pagan mysticism.  “Colossians contains teaching on several key areas of theology, including the deity of Christ (1:15–20; 2:2–10), reconciliation (1:20–23), redemption (1:13, 14; 2:13, 14; 3:9–11), election (3:12), forgiveness (3:13), and the nature of the church (1:18, 24, 25; 2:19; 3:11, 15). Also, as noted above, it refutes the heretical teaching that threatened the Colossian church (chap. 2)” (John MacArthur).

Understanding-What does it mean?  I once worked with a man who told me, “You aren’t going to heaven because you eat pork.”  I also had another person tell me, “You aren’t really a Christian unless you have been baptized by a Catholic priest.”  And, there was the other one who said, “You aren’t really saved unless you speak in tongues.”  I’ve heard probably one hundred or more reasons as to why I’m not going to heaven, or why I’m not “really” a Christian.  Most of these statements have come from really well-meaning people, some of whom I really loved.  

I myself have fallen into this category of adding things to what the Bible says.  And I have the tendency to fall into a pattern of considering worldly “wisdom” above what the Bible tells me.  For me this wisdom generally falls into two categories: health and wealth.  I can be very religious about following the religions of health and wealth, trying to become the best and richest version of myself possible.  The problem with this is that it always leaves me empty and wanting more.  Additionally, because these are selfish ambitions, they can be completely contrary to what God has called us to.

I would rather have my life be defined by how well I represent the true message of Jesus, and his saving grace through his death on the cross.  To the Corinthians Paul wrote, “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:23-25).    So while it would be nice to have a six pack, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” 1 Timothy 4:8.  

Life Application  Jesus, help me to remember to trust in you first.  In my finances, I want you to have control, so help me to give beyond my means.  Help me to remember that, ultimately, my time on Earth is short and that seeing you in eternity is more important than being obsessed with my health now.  Give me the right words to say and the knowledge of when to use them.  

-Tyler Galloway

Colossians_1

ScriptureColossians 1:13-14 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.ObservationPaul is encouraging the Colossians, letting them know he prays for them because of their faith in Christ and love for God's people. He again reminds them that he is praying for them that the Holy Spirit would continue to fill them with wisdom and understanding and reminds them that they share in the inheritance of his holy people.UnderstandingGod rescued us! We were living in the dark! Being ruled by the darkness! We were headed for eternal separation from the light, from God, from His love.Its interesting how we like to say that we found Jesus. Did we really…? Think about it. We have all those moments where we know God was there speaking to our hearts, bringing people in our lives to speak the truth to us, wielding circumstances in hopes that I would turn to him.We all have moments when our eyes finally open and we see HIM but did we really find him?He was always in pursuit of us.Psalm 23:6 “Surely His goodness and steadfast love will pursue me relentlessly all the days of my life.”The Holy Spirit was always there speaking to my heart, to my spirit, waiting for that moment when my eyes would open, I would see him, then he could rescue me!Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.ApplicationFollow hard after Him! Psalm 63:8He relentlessly pursued after us to save us from the kingdom of darkness. Let’s make a commitment to relentlessly pursue Him.If we seek Him we will find him when we seek him with all of our hearts. Jeremiah 29:13Holy Spirit lead the way. Empower us, teach us how to love and pursue the Father the way he deserves. In Jesus name, Amen.

Deborah Lee

Philippians_3

Scripture

Philippians 3:7-12 NIV

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

Observation-What does it say?

I love this chapter! First, Paul talks about putting no confidence in our flesh, and instead consider those accomplishments loss for the sake of knowing Christ. There would be no need for Christ if all we had to do was follow a set of rules and regulations. Next, Paul encourages the church to keep pressing forward no matter what was behind, as they continue to be perfected in Christ and look above to their citizenship in heaven, not on earth. 

Understanding-What does it mean?

Less of me equals more of Christ. 

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matt. 10:39, Matt. 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, John 12:25).

As Paul noted, his long list of accomplishments meant nothing and he would lose all of it just to have more of Christ in his life. No wonder God chose to use him for great things! He was more concerned about taking the focus off of his own needs, wants, desires, pride, and security, and laid it all down for the Lord, to put the focus of his life on what pleased the Lord and giving Him glory for all of it alone.

We can be the most beautiful/handsome, popular, wisest, gifted, talented, richest, best dressed, charismatic, healthiest, happiest, most perfect, law abiding citizen on this planet, but without faith in Christ, it means nothing. Without love for others and the heart of a servant, it's just outward works that God is not impressed with. 

“In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” Psalm 10:4 NIV

Life Application

Take on the form of a servant, like Jesus did. 

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:6-8 NIV

What is the practical application of losing our life for Him? It's taking on the form of a servant, like Jesus did. He left all the riches of heaven for you and me. He came not to be served, but to serve. (Matt. 20:28, Mark 10:45).

When we think of our own lives, what must we surrender to Him in order to be a better servant to Jesus in our marriages/relationships? In our church? With our finances? With our time? To our supervisors? To our children? To the lost and broken? 

Dear Jesus, you are a prime example of someone who gave up everything, even your own life, for the people you loved and were called to serve. And as Scripture says, You didn't even use your equality with God to your advantage, but lost your life completely for our sake. I pray that You would give us Your heart of servanthood, and break us of any pride within ourselves that would make us boast in ourselves. May our lives boast in You alone because without You, we are nothing. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi