Seeds for 1/2/2023 - Colossians 1:1-2
To begin the year, let’s work through Colossians, a small letter of Paul’s, written from prison, either in the early to mid-50’s or early 60’s AD.
Scripture: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.”
Observation: The most important and impactful thing about the people here—Paul, Timothy, the Christians of the Colossian church—is what God has done to make them who they are. Who they are in themselves and who they are in relationship to one another. Paul is “an apostle,” meaning someone sent by another, on their behalf or to carry their message. It is “by the will of God” that Paul is “a sent one” and knows this to be his calling. Timothy is “our brother”—a term indicating the affection of family.
The Colossian Christians are “God’s holy people,” meaning “set apart for a special purpose.” Another word for that is “saints.” Sainthood is not simply a status reserved for those whose behavior earns commendation. “Saints” can be people who are set apart for a special purpose “by the will of God.” Their purpose is to grow in faithfulness to Christ and thereby to represent Him to family, friends, and neighbors.
Application: If we are believers in Jesus, how well do we know the person and the purpose for whom and which we are set apart? To what degree am I pursuing faithfulness to Him above all else?
Prayer: Lord, make me true to what you have made me in Christ—holy and set apart for you. Give me opportunities to represent you, and help me do so faithfully. May I live in your grace and peace daily. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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