“We always thank God,
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
because we have heard of your faith in Jesus
Christ and of the love
that is stored up for
you in heaven and that you have already heard
about in the word of
truth the gospel that has come to you.”
Colossians 1:3-5
(NIV)
“We always thank God.
. .” Paul writes to the Colossian believers that he and his ministry team
express their thanks to the Father of us all. He wrote them to combat the false
teaching that had infiltrated the church.
“. . . the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ . . .”He affirms the relationship of God and His Son,
Jesus.
“. . . when we pray for you . . .” The
apostle tells them that the ministry team prays for them. Can you imagine how
honored that made the people feel? I decided a long time ago that the nicest
thing a person could say to another was, “I’ll pray for you.” Or even, “May I
pray for you?”
“ . . we have heard
of your faith in Jesus Christ. . .” People heard of deeds the believers
performed because of their faith in Jesus. Do we exhibit our faith to others?
Can those around us see our faith as we work, minister, or in our leisure?
“. . . of the love
you have for all saints. . .” Word of their love for others traveled to
Rome, where Paul was in prison. People were impressed with the Colossian church
and the way they were received.
“. . . faith and love
that springs from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven. . .” Paul
recognizes that the motivation of the Colossian believers is faith and love. He
claims the basis of this love and faith is hope that is stored up for them in
heaven. Do all our actions grow out of our faith and love for Jesus and our
fellow humans? Does our hope in heaven keep us strong and able to meet our
trials head on?
“ . . already heard about in the word of truth the gospel that has come
to you.” The Colossian believers applied what they had heard from Paul through
the teachings of Epapharas, who had heard Paul’s preaching and was among those
converted by him. Do we apply what we learn through Bible studies and sermons
we hear to our hearts and carry out the messages we receive?
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both graphics from annebender.blogspot.com