READ
Colossians 1:3-14
CONSIDER
In the summer months, we are having a new sermon series studying Colossians: Rooted and Built up. The letter to Colossians was written during one of Paul’s many imprisonments for announcing Jesus as King, the only Son of God, the only LORD, and His supremacy. Paul did not start the church in Colossae and likely had not met the people there before. It was started by a coworker of Paul named Epaphras, who was from Colossae.
Epaphras had recently visited Paul in prison and updated him on how well the Colossians were doing overall. However, Epaphras had also mentioned some of the cultural pressures from those who practiced syncretism, the amalgamation of multiple religious practices. The people there were creating their own gods and practices that best fit them, similar to the consumerism we are facing today. Paul wrote this letter to encourage the Colossians, address the issues Epaphras had raised, and challenge them to follow only Jesus Christ, the only Son of God.
This week, we are going to read chapter one, verses 3-14. The gospel is empowering us to live a life worthy of the LORD and please Him in every way (v10) in any circumstances and under the cultural pressure. The Gospel reorients our lives and transforms our lives in every way. Let us reflect on how we see the Gospel of Jesus Christ this week.
Pastor Julian Wong
PRAY
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and sending your only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die for us on the Cross and who was raised up in three days by the power of God. May God grant us a thanksgiving spirit in every circumstance we are facing as we know that Your Spirit is with us and transforming us in Your own image for Your glory. Grant us the power to endure and be patience in everything. Thank God for the Good News given to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
The Gospel is not just the propositional statements for us to believe nor just the transaction for us to benefit. The Gospel is transformational for us to blossom and grow. With the Gospel and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we will grow in His likeness.
When you first accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, how did you see the Gospel?
What does it mean to you by believing in Jesus Christ?
In which areas of your life do you need to be transformed by the Holy Spirit?