“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” Colossians 1:3-7
In the midst of our busy and information filled lives it is so easy to submit ourselves to bosses, teachers, family members, legal officials, doctors, and even charismatic false teaches of the Bible. So much submission can make us become weary of submission itself and cause us to drift into losing sight of WHO WE ARE as disciples and more importantly WHOSE WE ARE. When Satan deceives us into losing our focus we also forget about the life we committed to live when we said “Jesus is Lord.”
Studying the history of Paul writing his Prison Epistles from a jail cell is a spiritually energizing experience as we get in touch with the extreme circumstances and challenges he overcame with such vigor, gratitude, and focus.
After seeing the severe drifting in Doctrine and lifestyle, Epaphras was so concerned about the church in Colossae that he traveled from Colossae to Rome, prompting Paul to write this incredible appeal to the Colossian disciples. He made and appeal to remember the Supremacy of Christ in our lives and in the Church. He warned of being led astray by the enticing words of teachers and other people who have authority in different areas of our lives. He then contrasted our old way of living with the new way we need to live: letting the supremacy of Christ lead us in our devotion to our families, our work, and the Mission of Christ – the Evangelization of the Nations in Every Generation!
I pray as we study the incredible book of Colossians together you will be strengthened in your faith, guarded from drifting, and inspired to strengthen and deepen your commitment to Jesus. Over time we should all more freely submit Jesus’ authority in the church and our lives, becoming more and more obedient to and commands, and that you will always think to encourage your brothers and sisters to remain faithful and SoldOut, even when you have challenging circumstances yourself.
Your Faithful Servant,
Ron Harding
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