Faith Builders
Bible truths to inspire, challenge, and make us strong in our Christian Life!
COLOSSIANS
“Praying always for you.” (Colossians 1:3) We all have busy lives but there is something we must make time for. We must pray for others. This is a great and important duty. It would be better to miss our favorite show, the ball game, or even supper than to miss praying. We all want people to pray for us, so in the same way we should be praying for others. Make prayer a proirity. Pray always and pray for others!
“For we have heard that you trust in Christ Jesus and that you love all of God’s people.” (Colossians 1:4 NLT) The Bible says that the greatest is love. In fact, you can do just about anything else but if you don’t love people then it really doesn’t matter. The love of the Christians in Colossians was so great that people were hearing about it in other cities! Also, they were not partial, they loved all of God’s people. What a rebuke to the competition and sectarianism of our day. If a person is a true Christian then we are brothers and sisters no matter what the name is on the church. May our love grow so much that others hear about it and may we spread the love of Jesus Christ to everyone!
“The hope which is laid up for you in heaven.” (Colossians 1:5) This old world is falling apart- that’s the bad news. The good news is- there’s a new world coming! The leaders of the world are facing challenges that are impossible for them to solve. People don’t know what to do. But as Christians we have hope because this world is not our home. We are looking forward to Heaven and in being with Christ forever. So, look up and be encouraged for no matter what happens in this life, if you love and serve Jesus Christ you’ve got a home in Heaven that outshines the sun!
“This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours that very first day you heard and understood the truth about God’s great kindness to sinners.” (Colossians 1:6 NLT) We know that Jesus Christ is real because when people ask Christ into their hearts their lives are changed! Alcoholics become sober, drug addicts are set free, thieves become honest, and criminals become outstanding citizens. All over the world right now, people from different countries and religious backgrounds are being transformed when they come to know Jesus Christ. Are you changed by the power of Jesus yet? You can be. Pray and invite Jesus Christ to come into your heart and to be Lord of your life and you will never be the same again!
“Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ.” (Colossians 1:7) What a need for faithful people today. Not for those who get excited for awhile and then quit or for those who say they will follow Jesus and never do. God needs people He can rely upon. Those that He can depend upon to be in church, to be helpful in whatever needs to be done, to give regularly, and to obey the Lord whatever the cost. The Bible says a faithful person’s life will be full of blessings. Some day they will hear, “well done!” Lord, let me be a faithful servant of Jesus Christ!
“That the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others.” (Colossians 1:10 NLT) Sometimes people think that God created the world to revolve around them. But actually, we are made for His pleasure. So, how are you living today? Are your ways honoring to the Lord? Are the things that you do pleasing to Him? We must live the life and walk the walk or we are in danger of being hypocrites. May God help us to honor and please Christ in everything and always do good, kind things to others!
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need.” (Colossians 1:11 NLT) There is a power available to Christians that is greater than any other force on earth. It is the power of the Holy Spirit. He lives in us if we are true Christians but we need to be strengthened with more of His power. The Holy Spirit fills us if we are seeking God, thirsty for more, and surrendered to Christ. So pray for the Holy Spirit to come and fill you. Through the power of the Holy Spirit you will have all the strength you need for anything this life has to offer!
For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. (Colossians 1:13 NLT) The problem many people have with living the Christian life is that they don’t want to change Kingdoms. They want to go to Heaven when they die but they want to live for this world while they are alive. But when you become a Christian you must change Kingdoms. You no longer can love the Kingdom of darkness but you are to become a soldier in the Kingdom of Christ. So stay out of the devils territory. Never go back to the darkness. You have been rescued by God’s Son to live in His marvelous light!
“God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.” (Colossians 1:14 NLT) What is the message of Easter? Jesus Christ the Son of God died for our sins. We were lost, doomed, guilty sinners and He bought our freedom with His blood! Now we can be forgiven of all our sins. We can stand before God clean and made righteous. We have been restored to know our Creator again, to love and serve the God who made us. What a message! What a Savior! Oh the precious blood of Jesus, it washes white as snow!
“The image of the invisible God.” (Colossians 1:15) The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is God! This is an astounding truth that God became a man and walked on the earth that He had created. What amazing grace that God died on the cross for the people He had made. What an awesome God that rose from the dead and is Lord over everything. Jesus Christ is the exact image of God. If you wonder what God looks like then look at the life of Jesus, for Jesus Christ has made the true and living God visible!
“For by him all things were made, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen. All things were made by him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16) He was only a carpenter, people thought, but Jesus Christ is the one who formed the galaxies and birthed the billions of stars. He designed the depths of the sea. He sculptured the skies and molded the mountains. Jesus, Himself, is the one who fashioned man with His own hands and breathed into Him the breath of life. We have been made by Him and for Him. That is why we exist!
“He is before all things, and in him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17) This verse shows us that Jesus Christ existed before anything else and without Him everything would fall apart. You see, Jesus was before all things and He holds all things together. Perhaps your life is falling apart today. You can turn to Christ and He will put it back together. Jesus does a good job of running the universe and He will do a great job of running our lives if we’ll only let Him!
“He is,… the starting point of all things, the first to rise again from the dead; so that in all things He might have the first place.” (Colossians 1:18) Yes, Jesus Christ started it all and He will finish it! He rose again by His mighty power and He lives and rules forever! Jesus is in first place in the universe and He wants to be first in our lives. If we will put Christ first in our lives and make His Kingdom our number one priority, then the Bible says in Matthew 6:33, He will give us everything we need!
“For God in full measure was pleased to be in Him.” (Colossians 1:19 NLT) Back in those days people were trying to change the word of God. They wanted to make Jesus less than what He is. Just like today when people try to change the Bible and make it say something different than what it really says. This is a truth that the demons hate and the cults like to twist, but Jesus Christ is the One and Only True and Living God. The Lord Jesus deserves our utmost honor, devotion, service, praise, and obedience. He is totally, completely, fully God! Praise Jesus!!!
“Having made peace through the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:20) The bad news is everyone is a sinner and sin has separated us from God. Furthermore, God is angry at sin and will punish sinners. The good news is that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. Through the precious blood of Christ we can be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God. When we trust Jesus Christ to save us and make Him Lord of our lives we can be saved. Then we will have true peace with God!
“You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind and in your evil works.” (Colossians 1:21) People don’t realize how horrible sin is. It is an affront to a holy God. It is spitting in the face of our Creator. It is rebellion and treason against the Lord of the universe. Our sins have made us enemies of God! We are separated from Him and alienated by our sins. Thank God, Jesus has come. His sacrifice on the cross has paid the price for our salvation. When we accept Christ we are restored. Once lost- now found! Once separated- now with God! Once enemies- now friends of God! Once dead in sins- now alive! Such love, such grace, what can we do but love Christ and give Him our lives. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Lord Jesus!
“To present you holy and without blemish and blameless before Him.” (Colossians 1:22) How can a sinful man stand before a holy God blameless? Only if someone else took the blame and paid the price. Jesus Christ is the One who did it! He took our place! How marvelous is His love. How awesome is His grace. To think someday that a wrecthed sinner will be presented before God cleansed, pure, and able to stand in His presence. This is truly amazing grace!
“Continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and be not moved away from the hope of the Good News.” (Colossians 1:23) How awesome is His grace but never presume upon it. For those who despise His grace and return to sin have no sacrifice to cover them. There is no other Savior. If we reject His mercy then we must incur His wrath. So, continue to follow and obey the Lord Jesus Christ, for faith without works is dead. Get grounded in good church, be steadfast in praying and learning the word of God and and never be moved away!
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) If Jesus is in you, then you will go to heaven. But contrary to popular opinion, not everyone will go. You see, Jesus Christ does not automatically live in everyone. Christ does not live in us because we are a good person, a member of a particular religion, because we’ve been baptized, confirmed, or even because we believe that Jesus existed. The Spirit of Christ comes in when we are truly born-again! Christ comes in when we sincerely turn from our sins, surrender in complete trust to Christ, and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. When Christ lives in you, you will have eternal life- for He is your hope of glory!
“Warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1:28) Now God loves you and wants to save you but there are many warnings in the Bible. If we ignore them our life can get really messed up. Christians can get sick, tormented, oppressed by the devil, lose their money, and lose their joy if they fail to heed God’s warnings. Christian or not the Bible warns us against disobedience. Whether lust and pornography, drunkeness, pride, unfaithfulness to church, rebellion against authority, anger, or a plain old bad attitude- all these things will hurt you! Just like warning signs on the highway, they are for our own good, and bring danger if we disobey them. So learn the wisdom of the Bible and commit yourself to follow and obey Christ in everything!
“For which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.” (Colossians 1:29) It’s funny that work has became a bad word. God created work in the garden of Eden and He said is was good! Now, just because you become a Christian doesn’t mean you can just lean back in your easy chair and coast into heaven. We must labor. It’s work to be a disciple! It’s work to read the Bible and pray. Also, we need workers at church in many areas. The Lord needs laborers in His harvest fields. It’s work to witness and reach out. Someday we will rest when we get to Heaven, but we must do all we can for Christ now. So, let’s get to work!
“For which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.” (Colossians 1:29) We saw yesterday that putting forth effort and energy into our Christian life is very important. We have to work out our salvation with the fear of the Lord. But, notice in the second part of this verse that there is someone to help us. He is the Holy Spirit. As we learn to listen to Him and do what He says, great things will happen. It’s wonderful to hear about our blessings but the Lord will also put us to work. It’s such a blessing to be useful to God. His power is mighty and He wants to work in us and through us!
“That their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding. (Colossians 2:2) When folks got saved in the Bible they joined themselves to the disciples. In other words, they joined the church and were knit together. For in this wonderful family of God, they could learn, grow, be protected, use their gifts, and serve the Lord together in love and unity. The Bible knows nothing of lone-ranger religion. We need a deeper relationship than a “hi” on Sunday. We need a deep commitment to one another and to the Lord!
“In whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.” (Colossians 2:3) It’s strange to me that people always want to come up with “new revelations”. Perhaps, they feel if they are the only ones with “wisdom” it makes them more spiritual and then people will come to them! The gnostics in Bible times thought they had “it”. But they were a cult! That’s why the Bible says all wisdom and knowledge is in Jesus Christ. If anything detracts from Him it is wrong! New revelation is not coming in addition to the Bible for we cannot add or subtract from God’s holy word. Revelation comes out of God’s word. If it’s not in the Bible then it cannot be proclaimed as truth. God shows us the wisdom of Christ out of the words of Christ!
“And this I say, lest any man should deceive you with enticing words.” (Colossians 2:4) The book of Colossians is written to Christians and believe me Christians can be deceived. They are deceived by false teachers, false prophets, and false doctrine. How can this be? Because there is something in their heart that allows them to be enticed. It is often because of their own pride and love of this world. Selfish desires, pride of ministry and position, and the lust for things allow you to be open to deception! The Bible says we are to die to our selfishness. If you are dead to self and have no desire to satisfy yourself or to get the things of this world, how can you be enticed? The false teachings look real good but they will not set you free. So, die to yourself, live only for God, and you won’t be deceived!
“Seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:5) The Bible says it’s hard to find faithful people. However, God requires faithfulness because we are stewards (caretakers) of all that He’s given us. Aren’t you glad the Lord is a faithful and steadfast God? He causes the sun to rise every morning. He provides for and cares for His creation. He answers prayer and keeps His promises. So, we ought to be steadfast also and be faithful to fulfill all that Christ requires of us. It’s not always exciting to be faithful and steadfast, but it will surely bring great rewards!
“As you have received Christ Jesus, the Lord, then walk in Him.” (Colossians 2:6) This is a great verse, because sometimes folks think that after they have received the Lord that’s all there is to it. However, after you receive Him you must walk out your Christian life. We receive Christ by faith but we must also walk by faith. We receive Christ as our answer for salvation but we must walk with Him as our answer for everything. We receive Christ as our Savior from sins in the past but we must walk with Him as our Savior from sin’s power now! Notice it’s a walk in Him. Walking in His presence, in His character, in His ways, and in His love.
“Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:7) You’ve got to get some roots down: into Christ, His word, and His church. A tree can be huge but if it has small roots, when the storms come it’s going to fall. In the parable of the sower, the problem with some of the seeds was that they grew no roots. Establish your prayer and Bible reading times and let you roots go down deep into Christ. Let the life of Jesus Christ flow into you by the Spirit of God. Go deeper. Open your life more. Be hungry for more of Him. Let Jesus fill you with His Spirit. Get as close to God as you can!
“Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) The Bible teaches us that we have to be very careful not to mix in man’s ideas with God’s word. Everybody has their own ideas but only God is right. Human reasoning, philosophy or psychology, can really hurt you when it is different than what God says in the Bible. We must ask ourselves if our beliefs are consistent with the word of God? Churches have their traditions but are they Biblically based? Keep looking to the Bible to make sure what you are believing is correct. God’s thoughts are different than ours and His ways are higher. Always remember, He is infinitely wise and He is always right!
“For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9) Another wonder verse about the deity of the Lord Jesus. How much of God was in Christ? Every bit of Him. The complete fullness of God was in the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fully God and fully man. Since, He was God and man, He is the only One who can save us for He is the one mediator between God and man. Think of it, God came to earth and God died for us. How could we ever doubt Him?
“And you are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:10) Don’t go thinking that you need something more than Christ. If you have Him you have everything! Sometimes people think if they just had something different then they would be happy. A different job, a different spouse, a different house, more money, etc. They’re wrong. Things don’t make you happy. And don’t look to people to make you complete. If you are a Christian, you are complete in Him! You may be single, low-income, or unnoticed but don’t worry about it. Let Christ fill all the lonely places. Jesus is all you need!
“Having been buried with him in baptism.” (Colossians 2:12) Baptism can never save anyone. Only Jesus Christ and His precious blood shed on the cross can save us. Of course, everyone that wants to be a Christian and follow Christ should be baptized in water. It’s a command of the Lord. However, you should do it after you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can save us- baptism or other rituals never will. The Bible says to believe and be baptized. So, if you were baptized as a child or only as a ritual then it’s in the wrong order. Give your life to Christ first and then be baptized!
“Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12) What a blessing it is to be baptized! If you haven’t been baptized since you became a Christian- you need to be. Of course, whenever you obey God it’s a wonderful blessing but water baptism is very special. It is symbolic of the death of Christ. Just like Jesus died and was buried we are showing that we are dying to our old sinful life. Then like Christ rose from the dead we come up out of the water showing that we are alive again to live a new life for Christ. Baptism is a beautiful picture of what happens to us spiritually when we are saved!
“You were dead through your sins,… He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our sins.” (Colossians 2:13) People don’t realize that without Christ they are dead. Oh, they may still go to work, watch TV, and eat lunch, but inside they are dead spiritually. Because of sin people are dead inside. When we receive Christ and surrender our lives to Him something amazing happens. Life comes in! The life of God comes into us and we are no longer dead inside. A new life has begun!
“Wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and He has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14) The sins of the whole world were placed upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Our sins nailed to His cross. People thought it was just another person dying but Jesus was paying the price for everyone. Does that mean everyone will be saved? Absolutely not! For unless we personally accept Christ, make Him Lord of our lives, and put our whole trust and faith in Him we will be lost. Potentially anyone can be forgiven but individually we must choose Christ to be saved!
“Having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15) We ought to be very thankful that Christ defeated the devil. Satan wants to steal, kill, and destroy you. But through death Christ defeated the darkness and broke it’s power over our lives! This is a picture of Jesus Christ conquering His enemies and marching them through the city as defeated foes in His own victory celebration. For Jesus Christ is triumphant, the great conquering Hero. When you are serving Christ you will be triumphant also, for we are more than conquerors through Him. Jesus Christ wants to break the chains of the devil off people’s lives today!
“Let no man therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day.” (Colossians 2:16) People like to judge other people. That’s because we think we are right. Listen, the Bible is right and the rest is opinions. Do you eat certain things? Celebrate certain Holidays? Think you should go to church only on a certain day? Have certain things you do as a Christian? Well, don’t impose your beliefs on others if it’s only your opinion. Make sure you do what the Bible says but if it’s not in the scriptures then let others decide what God wants them to do!
“Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind” (Colossians 2:18) People say they’ve seen a lot of things, like visions and angels in the spirit world. Of course, angels are real and God can show us visions but the Bible says even if an angel preaches a different gospel let him be accursed! So, we have to be careful. The devil works in the spirit world and he is very deceptive. He can trick you if you’re not careful. People can pretend to be humble and be very proud of their religious experiences. Pride will leave them open to be deceived. Never, never base what you believe only on experience! It must be according to God’s word in the Bible or it isn’t true! You can get robbed. So, keep loooking to the Bible to see if what people are saying is true.
“Not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth.” (Colossians 2:19) Here we notice the importance of being connected to the body of Christ. For us that would mean a local group of Christian believers. The Bible calls this a church. You can meet in a home but there should be a Pastor, deacons, teaching, accountability and order. As you are connected to other believers you can really grow. Also, you can contribute to the work of God financially and do works of service for Christ. These false teachers referred to here in this verse weren’t connected to the body and therefore weren’t connected to the head which is Christ. We need a deep connection in church just like ligaments are connected to the joints that move our body. Your physical body cannot function without being connected together and being connected to a body of believers is vital for your spiritual life!
“If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances.” (Colossians 2:20) Now don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. This verse doesn’t mean we have no commands to obey in the New Testament. In fact, Jesus must be Lord and there’s plenty of instructions from Christ that we must follow. However, this is referring to the religious rituals and ceremonies of the Old testament Jewish laws. Point being, just going through religious rituals is not where it’s at. We are to be free from going through dead religious observances to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with all our hearts!
“If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1) Jesus is in Heaven, seated on the right hand of God the Father. As a Christian, we are identified with Him, and since we are raised spiritually with Him our hearts should be toward heaven. We should desire spiritual things. We should seek the Lord in prayer, seek to understand the Bible, seek to know Jesus more, seek to worship Him, and seek to expand His Kingdom. We are taught to pray that His Kingdom will come. So, if you are alive in Christ, seek His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in Heaven!
“Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2) This verse means our thoughts and affections should be on the things of God. Our love and hearts should be on God. We should desire Jesus and more of Him! Listen, the earth is passing away. Everything down here is going to be gone. Money, homes, cars, jobs, etc. are all going to be gone! So, don’t set your affection on the things of this world. Put your love, heart, and minds on Jesus and His Kingdom!
“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) Are you a Christian? Then your old life is supposed to be dead and gone. Your new life is in Jesus Christ. You should have as much desire for this world as a dead person. When you’re dead you won’t be selfish, proud, or lustful. You won’t be chasing the things of this world because the world loses it’s allure. Heaven grows brighter and brighter while the things of this world grow dimmer and dimmer as we are hidden in Christ with God!
“When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4) What a day that will be when Jesus Christ returns to earth! By all indications it could be very soon. But the point is,… He is coming again! When you give your life to Christ and He becomes your reason for living, you can look forward to the return of Christ. Right now it’s not always apparent who the real Christians are, but it will be clear at that day. The true Christians will be revealed while the hypocrites and pretenders will also be revealed. Then those who love the Lord and have faithfully served Christ will be with Him in Heaven forever!
“Put to death therefore,… sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5) Sexual sins are so common our day and age. Sex outside of marriage is promoted by TV, movies, music and books. But the Lord says, if you have been saved you must live differently! Put to death that old life. Don’t live like the unsaved. Don’t live to please your flesh. Put away immorality and evil desires. Also, watch out for covetousness and greed. For covetousness is like an idol in your life because money and things become more important to you than God. Anything you put before the Lord is an idol to Him. So, do your best to live a clean life, free from lust and greed.
“For which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.” (Colossians 3:6) Some people just don’t get it. There is a righteous Judge of the Universe who is going to hold everyone accountable. They may have a good lawyer here, but it will do them no good on judgment day. To live in disobedience to God’s laws is to bring His wrath and punishment. Judgment is coming. No one will “get away with it”. The wicked will be punished and the righteous will be rewarded. God’s servants who have been unjustly treated will be vindicated. The truth will be known and the Judge of the whole earth will judge correctly. So, don’t fret about the injustice in the world because Jesus Christ will return and it’s all coming out right in the end!
“But now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8) It’s easy to miss what we consider little things. Notice the Bible is talking about emotions, attitudes, and our words. When these are negative they are detrimental because they hurt us and harm our relationships with others. These might seem like little sins but notice the Bible says anger is wrong. Slander and speaking evil of others is wrong. Obscene, foul language is wrong. God wants us to have good attitudes and kind words. So put away all those negative emotions, words and attitudes. Your life will change for the better.
“Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings.” (Colossians 3:9) The Lord is totally pure. There is no unrighteousness in Him at all. Therefore He wants us to be completely honest. As a Christian, we must tell the truth. If your job forces you to be dishonest then you must seek a new job. God will provide but do not compromise with evil! People think that they can be saved and live the same but God says you must change your ways. You no longer are to live like you did before you became a Christian. You must take off your old ways as you would take off old, stinking, rotting clothes and throw them away!
“Where there is neither Greek or Jew,… slave or free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11) God is moving all over the world. He is saving people from every country and every background. The important thing is not the nationality, religion, education, or economic situation- the important thing is Christ! When people of different nations, religions, or races turn to Jesus Christ they will be saved. The Bible says there will be people in heaven from every tribe and language. Thank God, He’s not prejudiced!
“Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones,… a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and steadfastness.” (Colossians 3:12) Here is a list of five great character traits that God desires for us to cultivate. First, we should have compassionate love for others. Secondly, we should always be kind. Third, we need to be very humble. Fourth, we must be gentle towards others. Fifth, we should be steadfast in our relationships and especially in our walk with God.
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other,…even as Christ forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) Forgiveness, what a powerful and important principle. We must forgive everyone and everything done against us. If we don’t forgive the Lord will not forgive us. So, be patient with others and just as Christ forgives you, you must forgive others.
Above all these things, walk in love. (Colossians 3:14) Love should be our lifestyle. We are to walk in love and that means constant and consistent love for others. Love is the greatest thing. If we don’t have love, everything we do is worthless! Real maturity in the Christian life is not gifts but it is fruit and love is the greatest fruit. Also, love is action- it serves, gives, and sacrifices. So, above everything else- walk in love!
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) Jesus Christ said He would leave us His peace. It is a peace that we can have in any circumstance of life. It is beyond understanding. The word here for “rule” means to govern or to umpire. We need to let His peace govern what we do. If something takes your peace away don’t do it. If we are making the right decision we should have peace about it. The Lord wants us to live in His peace. So, let the peace of God make the calls in your life.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:16) We should be full of God’s word and we should meditate on the Bible continually. We must let the words of Jesus live in us and let their richness bless our lives. Richly means abundantly, so we should be filled with God’s words. Pastors, teach the Bible! People, learn the Bible! Talk about God’s word, sing it, obey it, and think about it constantly. Let His words dwell in you richly!
“Wives, be in subjection to your husbands.” (Colossians 3:18) Here’s where the Lord get’s very practical in the issues of family life. Some modern feminists might not like this verse but God is always right. We understand in business, sports, and politics, etc. that someone has to be responsible for the final decision. It’s not a matter of better, but a matter of roles. The husband is the head of the home. He will be responsible to God. This is the way that God designed marriage and it works. By the way, husbands have the harder job- they have to lay down their lives for their wives like Christ did for the church. Can a wife ever go against her husband? Yes, if he asks her to sin or do something contrary to the Bible. However, men are supposed to stand up and be the leaders in their families. So, Dads, be the example of praying, reading your Bible, going to church, and being a good Christian. Don’t forget, the most important thing you can do for your family is to lead them closer to Jesus.
“Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.” (Colossians 3:19) Many men aren’t very good at love. They’re too selfish. In fact, some men might think love is sex but God says love is laying down your life. The Bible says a man is to love, cherish, and nourish his wife. He is to protect her, care for her, and be sensitive to her needs. He is to love her as his own body. The Bible describes a very loving, kind, unselfish leadership that is thinking of the other person first. So, husbands love your wives as your own body and be very careful that no bitterness or unforgiveness comes in to your relationship.
“Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20) It doesn’t matter what modern society says- children are to obey their parents not the other way around! Listen, children are children, they need direction. They need protection. They need instruction. Sometimes, they need discipline. This is a verse for the kids and it makes the Lord pleased when they obey their parents. However, you parents must be a good example. Read your Bibles, go to church regularly, pray with you children and don’t compromise with sin. Children will follow in your footsteps so make sure you are following the Lord!
“Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21) Sometimes parents can be too strict. They can be harsh and demanding. Parents must give out discipline but it should be done in love. They should never use their authority to be mean or oppressive. The Lord is watching and He fights for those who cannot fight for themselves. Children are very special to Jesus!
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men. (Colossians 3:23-24) Discouraged at your job? Then you need to get the big picture. The Lord wants us to be good workers and we should do the best we can do. Why? Because indirectly we are working for the Lord since our lives belong to Him. You see, our time, life and money are really His. If we are Christians we are serving the Lord. So, do a good job for your work on earth because you will also get paid from your Heavenly Master.
“Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Colossians 4:1) Perhaps you are an employer, then this verse is for you. Treat your workers well. Be fair and honest with them. Pay them what they are worth. Treat them the way you would like to be treated. Remember, you have a Master in heaven who is watching you and you will have to answer to Him.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2) Prayer is so important but it is so easy to get sidetracked. We have to make prayer a priority. We have to arrange our schedules to make time to pray. We have to be consistent at it. Then we should watch for the answers and thank God as they come!