Christ in Colossians預覽

Introduction to the Book of Colossians:

The book of Colossians is a letter that Paul and Timothy wrote to the Christians in Colossae around 62AD. At the time of writing, Paul was most likely a prisoner in Rome and this letter was delivered to the church in person by Tychicus and Onesimus. (see 4.7-9)

As a spiritual father to the Colossian believers, Paul was deeply concerned about their faith being corrupted or distracted by worldly ideas. So he writes to address some issues that are still very relevant today. He wants them to be really clear on the identity of Jesus and how His life should shape every believer. He also speaks into their understanding of what it means to be truly spiritual, addressing the danger of becoming too legalistic or mystical (or both). And of course, these things will always have a significant impact on the quality of their relationships.

So with those things in mind, let’s take a look at the first few verses.

What a way to start!!! (1.3-8)

Paul’s opening thought is profound. He doesn’t just tell the Colossians that he cares about them and thinks about them often. Rather he wants them to know that they are in his prayers constantly – and that they are an encouragement to him from God.

"We always thank God… when we pray for you, because…”

He sees their faith and love as evidence of God’s work. They are the living reality of the Kingdom – God moving in the real world, today.

Imagine if this was written to you. How would it feel for someone to say these kinds of things about your faith? There’s such a warmth and comfort in these words.

It’s a beautiful picture of spiritual leadership. Paul, speaking life and encouragement into a community that he can’t be with personally. He’s not reserved in his praise, he wants them to feel that their faith is authentic and inspiring to others. This is the starting point of all effective discipleship. It’s a foundation that makes the rest of the letter a safe space to address the areas they need to grow in.

Keeping Prayer as the Priority (1.9-14)

This next section is quite challenging. Because Paul understood that prayer was the starting point and the essential ‘discipline’ of all faithful discipleship. It makes sense for us to focus our prayers on the things that Paul focused on.

(1.9) He prays continually for a deeper understanding of what God’s plan is for us and our lives.

(1.10-11) He prays for the capacity to remain steadfast in trusting God, no matter what we’re going through.

(1.12-14) He prays that we would grow in thankfulness, being confident that God’s promises are reliable because we know we have a permanent place in His eternal Kingdom.

RESPOND

These are great things to pray into. Confidence in God’s purpose, confidence in God’s timing, and confidence in the future He has for us. It’s not something we have to summon up within ourselves, it’s a gift from God that we should be praying for daily. It’s a good thing to pray for today.