Good morning,
When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.
Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.
We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions.
The Word of God (Colossians 3:16-17)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
1) Paul knew the Word of God, Jesus. He knew that His teachings were the foundation for living the Christian life.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
2) Paul also knew that the Word of God was truthful.
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
3) Paul knew that the Word of God was quick, powerful, and sharp.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12)
4) Paul knew that the Word of God would stand forever.
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
It is important to know the Word of God.
Paul goes a step further. He challenges the Colossians’ to teach the Word of God through psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. He wants them to do everything in the name of Jesus, while giving thanks to God the Father.
That is the challenge for us today.
Do we know God’s Word? Do we know it well enough to teach it? Would someone who did not know us, see Jesus in us? And are we giving thanks to God?
The letter to the Colossians was not written solely to the leadership. It was written to individual church members. God has given us the responsibility to carry out His work.
Are we willing to accept God’s challenge of service?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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