Colossians 1:21

Our offense to God is real. Paul addresses this to the Christians in Colossae, telling them that they were once alienated and hostile in mind to God. It is easy for us to start thinking we have done something to aid, help, or cause our salvation. However, there is nothing farther from the truth. We are helpless. We were actively opposing God in our mind and by evil deeds. We need Jesus. He had to take our place and open our minds and draw us back to Himself. There is a real problem if you do not understand what Paul is talking about in verses 19-23. At the heart of this section is our salvation and that it comes directly from, and only from, knowing Jesus Christ and the works He did for you.

Colossians 1:16

Many people have a wrong idea that the Father created the World and Jesus saved the world. However, both creation and salvation are actually the work of our triune God. In the creation of the world, Jesus had an active part. Paul writes that all things were created through Him and for Him. John echoes this idea in John 1:3 “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made”. This clarifies the idea that Christ has power in this world by virtue of being God, the redeemer and creator of the world. This is your Jesus! This is your help whom you can trust, and who gave Himself to redeem you by His life and work on the cross and in the empty grave. Do you see this Jesus?

Colossians 1:15

What a powerful verse! Christ is the image of the invisible God. The Children’s catechism teaches us that “God is a spirit and does not have a body like man”, yet God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. He took on flesh to be our Savior. He is also the firstborn over all creation. Jesus is eternal God, yet in order or status of creation, He is the highest of all because He is the God Man. The firstborn was the one who inherited the Father’s possessions. All of Creation is Christ’s by virtue of who He is as God’s beloved Son. We praise God because of His love for us that paid the price of our sin. He pursued us even when we were in our sin so that we, by His grace,  might be His now. Praise God for His great love for you!

Colossians 1:11-14

There is a reason we should be producing Gospel fruit. We have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of Christ. In Jesus we have strength which leads to endurance and patience and joy. We can then thank God who has done this work in us. The Gospel does not weaken us. It is seen as such in the world’s eyes because they cannot understand or see the power of the Gospel. The Gospel gives us all we need in this world. Do you see Gospel fruit in your life? Do you know that you have been transformed from the domain of darkness and sin to the Kingdom of Christ, His redemption, and forgiveness?

Colossians 1:6-10

It is important to understand that the Gospel bears fruit in your life. This is how a true believer is shown to be different from a false believer. The Gospel real and life changing. Paul says that the whole world bears fruit and that those in Colossae are bearing it as well. It is his prayer for them that they will be filled with Godly knowledge (9) and walk in a worthy manner and bearing fruit in their lives (10). It is the prayer and desire of every Christian pastor to see individuals growing in their knowledge of God, living lives that show the fruit of knowing Jesus and the power of His Gospel. Where is your life bearing Gospel fruit? Where is it bearing rotten fruit?

Colossians 1:5

Hope is a key aspect to the Christian life. Our faith is a hope in the promises of Jesus Christ found in the Word of truth; the Gospel. The Christian faith is not just a philosophy or approach to living life. It is a hope of being transformed now and of eternal life in heaven with God. When you understand what your faith is in Jesus, and what is yours in Jesus by faith, then you have a hope that drives you in this life. Where is your hope?  Is it driven by your faith?

Colossians 1:4

Faith without works is dead says James. Paul, in reference to the church at Colossae, speaks of their faith which shows itself in the love they have for the saints. Faith is not a passive assent or trust. It works itself out in life. Faith is belief in Jesus Christ and His transformative salvation working in the life of the Christian. If you have faith then you will be like the Colossians and have love for God and His people.

  

Colossians 1:3

How is your prayer life? Do you jump straight into the things you need? Do you have a fully developed prayer life? It is important for us to see that our prayers are more than just requests. We need to praise God for who He is and we need to confess our sins before Him. Here Paul tells the Christians at Colossae that he has been giving thanks for them when he prays for them. Thanksgiving is an important part of your prayers too. Make sure that you are giving enough time and effort in your prayers for the things and people you are thankful for in your life.

Colossians 1:2b

The need for grace and peace are clear in Paul’s opening greetings as he prays for them to have grace and peace from God. This only comes through Jesus Christ and what He has done. We are saved only by grace. Grace is God giving us all that we need when we did not deserve or earn it. Peace with God is crucial and necessary. This peace can only come when we deal with our sins, and the only way to deal with our sins is by faith in Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:2a

This letter is addressed to the Christians at Colossae. Why are Christians called saints? It is because we are saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. It is not because we have earned anything, but because God has made us saints by His grace. Note well that Christians are also called brothers, as we have a common adoption in our salvation. God is our Father and Christ is our brother. We, who are called and have believed in Him, are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

Colossians 1:1

In the Ancient Near East, it was the custom to sign a letter at the beginning, whereas today we sign at the end. This letter was written by Paul to the church at Colossae. In this opening verse, we learn that Paul is an Apostle. He is unique because unlike the other Apostles, Paul was called to be an Apostle after Christ’s death and resurrection. He was on his way to persecute the Christians in Damascus when Christ appeared to him and called him to be a Christian himself. This is why he says an Apostle by the will of God. God had called him in a way that was distinct from the other Apostles.

Ephesians 2:19-22

Paul uses a great illustration to show how all believers, Jew and Gentile, are connected in the church.  All Christians are part of a holy temple for the Lord.  The Bible is the foundation of the church.  It is the basis for everything we do. It is our guide to know God and how to live the Christian life. Christ is the cornerstone, without whom the temple will fall. It is upon Him that everything is built, and without Jesus, there is no church.  This is what the church looks like.  It is built on Christ and the Bible, and made up of fellow believers who work together to bring glory to God.  Is Christ your cornerstone? Is your life built upon Scripture? You can’t build a house with one brick, you need many.  Do you see the Christian life as something you do by yourself, or do you find joy in working with others who are building up the Lord?

Ephesians 2:17-18

The connection that all Christians share is the Holy Spirit. Whether one is far off or near, we are all connected to God through His Spirit by the work of Christ. No matter where we are, the Spirit is with us, giving us a direct line to God. What a wonderful thing to have unlimited access to our Lord and Savior. Where we were once cut off, now that connection is restored. Our prayers do not go unanswered for we have access to God. He hears and answers our prayers. He provides us strength and comfort in times of trouble. He provides us courage when we face temptation. He gives us hope when everything seems hopeless. All of this is made possible through the Holy Spirit working in us, reminding us that we have been given peace in Christ. Do you make use of the access you have with God? Do you find comfort and encouragement in knowing that the Spirit of God is alive in you?

Ephesians 2:14-16

In Israel, there was a division between Jews and Gentiles. This division caused animosity among the two groups. However, Paul explains that Jesus has brought peace between the two groups. He has taken both Jew and Gentile and joined them in one body, the church. The hostility has ceased, and they now work side by side, not as Jew or Gentile, but as Christians. The wonderful thing about the church is that Christians come in all different shapes and sizes. We all have different backgrounds and circumstances, but we all share faith in Christ. All divisions are put to the side when one is a part of the church. Both the man raised in the church and the man who has been to prison can be a part of the church with the same footing. Paul reminds us to not look at our differences, but to our common faith in Christ. Do you look at the outside of a person, or do you look at the heart which has professed faith in Christ?

Ephesians 2:13

Paul fast-forwards to the present in which the Ephesians are now in Christ. Jesus has taken them from a state outside the people of God and brought them in. This was not just an invitation handed out inviting them in. This change of status was bought for them through Jesus’ own blood. Because of Jesus, we too have now have been brought into the fold. We have been given membership into the people of God. We were cut off because of our sin, but we have been restored through the grace of Christ. We, who were without hope, now have assurance in Christ who has redeemed us by His blood. Have you trusted in Jesus, so that you have become a part of God’s people?

Ephesians 2:11-12

Here, Paul talks about the Ephesian’s previous state. They were uncircumcised Gentiles, which meant they were not a part of the people of God. They did not know the promise of God’s covenants, and they were without hope. They were separated from God, and this reminds us that we were once just like the Ephesians. Because of our sin, we are cut off from God, and we have no hope. We need Jesus, and reflecting on where we were before Christ makes us love Him even more. Do you understand how helpless you are without Christ? Do you hold fast to Him as your only hope?

Ephesians 2:10

The ability of a Christian to live a Christ-like life does not come from himself. Paul explains that it is in Christ that we have been made able to do good works. It is not us, but Christ in us that enables us to live a righteous life. We have to understand that we are not good people.  Yes, we may do good deeds, but we also sin and break God’s law. We need to be changed by Christ, and once we are changed, we must walk in Christ’s ways. We aren't perfect and never will be on this side of Heaven, but the Holy Spirit continues to work in us each day to help us put off our sin and live for Jesus. Have you been changed by Jesus? Are you relying on Him to change your heart and walk with Him?

Ephesians 2:8-9

Paul reminds us why we have been saved. Many think that being a good person will get them into Heaven. However, Paul explains that salvation is not a result of good works. Salvation is a gift that has been freely offered. Remember that God did not have to save us, but He is full of grace and mercy. He sent Jesus to save us, and those that call upon the name of Christ will be saved. This reminds us that although we may do good things, we are still sinners in need of a Savior. All the good things that we do don't earn our way to Heaven. The only way to be saved is through faith in Christ. We cannot boast in our good works, for we have all still sinned. However, we can boast in our Lord, that He is the one who saved us. Have you thought that you could earn your way into Heaven? Seeing that you cannot, have you put your faith in Christ, who purchased your salvation by His blood?

Ephesians 2:6-7

We have been given a new spiritual life through Jesus. Paul points to the future when we will experience the riches of His grace. We often look forward to Heaven, where there will be no more weeping or sadness, only the joy of being with our Lord for all eternity. Being raised in Christ, this life will last for an eternity. This assurance of things to come gives us hope when we face struggles in our lives. Whatever we may be going through, we have the hope that we have been saved and will be with Jesus forever, experiencing the immeasurable riches of God’s grace. Do you feel hopeless right now? Does it seem like the world is bearing down on you? Remember that this life will not last forever, but the next life will be one of gladness and joy that will never end.

Ephesians 2:5

Lazarus was not the only person Jesus brought back to life. When one trusts in Jesus as his Savior, Christ brings him out of the spiritual death he once walked in to newness of life. Being dead in our sin, we could not make the choice to trust in Christ, for we would be unable to choose Him. The Holy Spirit works in us to show the evil of our sin and bears us along to faith in Christ. We now are enabled to live for Jesus because He has restored us. We no longer walk as the world does, but we walk with the one who has given us life. We have been united with Jesus through His death and resurrection, having been brought from death to life ourselves. We have been made into a new creation through Jesus, no longer dead to our sin, but alive in Christ.

Ephesians 2:4

Paul uses the word “but” here with huge emphasis. We were dead in our trespasses and sins. We deserved wrath, BUT God, who is rich in mercy, loved us so much that He did something about our fallen state. This shows us a large part of God’s character. We deserved to be punished for our sins, but God chose to save us. He was not obligated to do this, but He did so because He loved us that much. We do not deserve salvation. God doesn't owe us anything, but in spite of all the evil we have done, God cared for us and sent Jesus to save us. Have you come to know the great love God has for you? Have you embraced that love by believing in Jesus?

Ephesians 2:1-3

Paul explains the dire situation the Ephesians were once in. They were dead in their trespasses and sins, without realizing they were dead. Dr. Mark Ross refers to this as being a “spiritual zombie.” They were still walking around, but were spiritually dead on the inside. They lived for the world and its pleasures, and deserved punishment because of this. We have all broken God’s Law, and face His wrath. Things may seem to be going great in your life, but without Jesus you are in a lot of trouble. We need a Savior to rescue us from our sins. Do you see the problem with sin in your life? Have you trusted in Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you looked to Him as the only one who can save you from your sins?

Ephesians 1:21-23

Paul show us that Christ has been exalted as the head of all things. He rules over the world, all the creatures, and believers and unbelievers alike. There is nothing is outside of Christ’s control. Because of this, the name of Jesus Christ is above all names. It is above the nations, above the president, and above every person of power in this world. All must answer to the Lord Jesus Christ, both those that trust in Him and those that don’t. Paul shows that those who do trust in Him for their salvation and recognize Him as Lord will share in His rule. Where He is the head, the Christians are the body. We have been enabled to share because we have a gracious Lord who is willing to share in His reign with us. Have you recognized Christ as your Lord? Have you acknowledged Him as greater than the sins in your life?

Ephesians 1:19b-20

Paul reminds the Ephesians of God’s might in the work of Jesus. Through His power, Jesus defeated sin and death, and this is signified by His resurrection and ascension. This is the mighty God that we serve. He has power over sin and death. He has the power to save us. It is through the work of Jesus Christ that all these blessings mentioned are attained. He is our assurance and hope. He is our inheritance. He is the one who has the power to take us from our chains of bondage and set us free. This is why we need to trust in Christ. It is only He that is capable of doing these things. Remembering the might of God helps us find comfort and strength no matter what we are facing. It is like a beacon on a dark night guiding us as we walk through this earthly life. Do you believe that God is mighty enough to save you? Do you trust in Him in your daily life to help you overcome your struggles?

Ephesians 1:19a

The final blessing that Paul mentions is God’s power toward those who believe. The Ephesians were worried about supernatural forces through magic and the occult, but Paul reminds them that God is greater than these things. If God is for us, then who can be against us? God is omnipotent, or all-powerful, and He is constantly protecting us from Satan. This should be an encouragement for us. No matter what Satan tries, nothing can snatch us out of God’s hands. Yes, we are all still tempted by the devil, but we can overcome Him through reliance on the Lord. The power of the living God in Christ trumps all that would see us come to ruin.

Ephesians 1:18b

The second of the blessings that Paul mentions is that we have the inheritance of God. This is not our own inheritance, but it is God’s inheritance that is shared with us because of Christ. We may spend our lives gaining wealth here on earth, and getting that wealth may drive us. Even if we don't have the big house on the hill or the fancy car, Paul reminds us that we have been given the riches of God that surpass anything this world can offer us. This helps us to understand that the things of God are better than the things of man, and it encourages us to know that we have been given that inheritance because we are God’s sons and daughters, who were adopted through the work of Jesus. Your bank account might not be filled with money, but Christ has made you more wealthy than you realize. 

Ephesians 1:18a

Paul begins to list the blessings that are given through faith in Christ that we can know because our hearts have been enlightened. The first of these is hope. We have hope and assurance in our salvation. Where we were once doomed to face the punishment for our sin, Jesus has snatched us from the fire and saved us. We have the assurance of being in Heaven with Him for all eternity. It is this hope that helps us through our daily struggles. We still live in a fallen world filled with hardship, coldness, and strife. However, we have this hope that reminds us that, no matter what we are going through, we can rest in the promise of our Savior. How can your hope in Jesus help you through what you may be facing?

Ephesians 1:17

Sometimes when we get a good grasp on the Bible we may think that we know it all. We stop studying Scripture or paying attention in church because we think we already know this stuff. Paul acknowledges that God gives us wisdom and knowledge of Him through His Spirit. It is by the Spirit that we come to know Jesus, and it is through the Spirit that we continue to grow. We have an infinite glass to fill when it comes to spiritual growth. Just because we know a Bible story, this does not mean that we don't need to read it again. The Spirit shows us new things every time we read it, thus meaning that you do not know it all. The Christian life is one of constant growth in our knowledge and relationship with Christ, and we will never know it all. If this is your attitude, pick up your Bible, and I guarantee the Spirit will show you something you had not thought of before.