December 15, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Colossians 1 - When you read this letter think of it as Paul's masterpiece on the Person of Jesus Christ.  He exalts Christ in this book.  Verse 18 states "that in all things He may have the preeminence."  Paul shares how he prays for believers in verses 9-12, which is a model prayer for us as we lift our brothers and sisters up before the Lord.  In Paul's ministry with Christians he sought to "warn every man and teach every man in all wisdom," that he would "present every man perfect [mature] in Christ Jesus" verse 28.

Colossians 2 - He encouraged believers to have their hearts "knit together in love" verse 2.  I've always connected that with the relationship Dave and Jonathan had in the Old Testament as seen in 1 Samuel 18:1.  Paul encourages believers to live the way they came to Christ - by faith, verses 6,7.  Paul said that in Christ "dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" verse 9.  Jesus embodied God fully and when we have Him in our lives, the same can be said of us!  Its in this chapter that Paul speaks against rules and regulations in a local church, verses 20-23.

Colossians 3 - We are instructed not to dwell on things on this earth but "seek those things which are above where Christ is..." verse 1.  Paul gives one of the greatest statements on Christian living in verses 12-17.  A great passage to memorize!  He reminds workers that they ultimately serve Christ more than their earthly employers, verse 24.

Colossians 4 - Paul encourages believers to "continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" verse 2.  Again, in verse, Paul gives the example of Epaphras who labored "fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" verse 12.

Philemon 1 - This little one-chapter book gives one of the best illustrations of Christ's redeemed His children and caring for them after they are saved.  Paul met a run-away-slave, Onesimus, who had served Philemon.  Paul led this man to Christ and sent him back to Philemon with the instructions to "receive him...as my own heart."  That is how Christ wants His Father to receive us!  Onesimus was "no longer...a slave but more than a slave--a beloved brother..." verse 16.