October 28-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:15-17, The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Observe what it is saying.
In this passage, Paul gives us one of the richest descriptions of the Son’s divinity. Jesus wasn’t only human but fully God. If we ever wanted to see God, we can look at Jesus. He was God in flesh. What is true of Jesus is true of God. “Firstborn” means that He is of highest position over creation. The Son of God is eternal. He had no beginning and had no end. He was present with the Father and Spirit at creation. It was through, in, and for Him that all things in heaven and earth were created. Things seen and unseen. All powers and authorities. He was before all things, and through Him all things are held together in a dynamic way. To diminish the Son of God in any way diminishes the glorious nature of God.
Relate it to your life.
The glory of God is fully revealed in the life and ministry of the Son.
Do something.
“Father, may all praise and glory be given to You and Your Son who reveals all Your beauty. Amen.”
October 29-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:18-20, And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Observe what it is saying.
Pauls’ beautiful description of the Son of God continues as he uses imagery of Christ as the head of the body. He’s our source of life, wisdom, and coordination. The church functions as a cohesive unit because we are led by the Son who holds all things together. He’s the first of all who will rise from the dead. We have the hope of resurrection because He first overcame the hellish powers of death and empowers us to have the same victory as he reigns supreme over every power. Because God’s fullness dwelt fully in Him and through Him, God’s purpose was that all things of earth and heaven would be reconciled to Him. Jesus’ shedding of blood brings the spiritual peace that we all need with God, others, and ourselves.
Relate it to your life.
Know Jesus. Know peace. No Jesus. No peace.
Do something.
“Father, thank You for the reconciling work of Your Son to give me peace with You and others. Amen.”
October 30-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:21-23, Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul highlights the severity of the human condition before encountering Christ. We were alienated and enemies in our minds because of our behavior that opposed God. We were as separated and opposed to God as one could ever imagine. It was God who first acted to reconcile us back to Him at the terrific cost of Christ’s body sacrificed upon the cross. When we believe and receive this incredible gift, we are presented as holy, without any blemish or accusation to God. What a blessing! However, there is a caveat. For this standing to hold, we must continue in our faith, maintain strong belief, and refuse to give up on the hope the gospel offers. Since this gospel is proclaimed all over the world, it’s for all people, not just a limited few. This was why Paul was so passionate to preach everywhere he could.
Relate it to your life.
The glorious gospel changes our standing with God far more than we can ever imagine.
Do something.
“Father, thank you for reversing my eternal status from being an enemy to being Your child! Amen.”
October 31-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:24, Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul has an amazing attitude toward all the suffering he has faced in his travels as he has proclaimed the gospel. He rejoices and sees his suffering as a continuation of Christ’s suffering. The work of Christ was completed on the cross for our salvation, but the witness of salvation must continue in people like Paul, you, and me. We should always see the larger picture when we face opposition and persecution for the faith. It’s for the benefit of the church. That’s why Paul said he was suffering for the Colossians, even though he wasn’t actually with them. Being a follower of Jesus is the most unselfish venture we will ever undertake as we joyfully give our lives away for the sake of building up the church.
Relate it to your life.
God uses faith-filled suffering for the promotion of the gospel and the advancement of the church.
Do something.
“Father, give me strength and a larger vision to understand the greater purpose of suffering. Amen.”
November 1-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:25-27, I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul confirms that he became the servant of the church by God’s commissioning. God calls His servants into His work. It’s not an occupation to choose but a calling to serve Him and His church. In one way or another, we are all called to serve the gospel according to our spiritual gifts. There’s not a believer who is left out of this commission. If you don’t know what your specific calling is, Jesus revealed in the Great Commission that we all have the calling to be a disciple-maker. Like Paul, we have the answer to the mystery that was hidden for so long. We should be eager to share this incredible news because the living Christ is us. He alone is our hope for eternal glory and for all who trust in Him.
Relate it to your life.
I have been commissioned to present the best news anyone has ever had to share.
Do something.
“Father, deeply convict and empower me with the urgent calling you have placed upon my life. Amen.”
November 2-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:28-29, He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul reminds us that Jesus is the only one we proclaim. We are not called to promote ourselves or anything else. The message is Jesus crucified and risen from the dead. We are willing to teach and challenge one another so that they will stand before Christ on Judgment Day mature in their faith. The goal for Christ’ followers isn’t an easy life but to offer ourselves in wholehearted surrender where we fully submit to Christ’s will. Paul, also, gives us the image of a passionate disciple-maker who engages with all of Christ’s strength as a powerful witness for the sake of others’ spiritual growth. It seems Paul is implying that we cannot become fully grown in our own faith unless we welcome the work of the Holy Spirit to use us to bring the faith to maturity in the lives of others.
Relate it to your life.
My commission to be a disciple-maker is Christ’s plan to fully mature me as I help others along the way.
Do something.
“Father, give me Paul’s Holy Spirit passion to bring others along the path of a blossoming faith. Amen.”
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:15-17, The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Observe what it is saying.
In this passage, Paul gives us one of the richest descriptions of the Son’s divinity. Jesus wasn’t only human but fully God. If we ever wanted to see God, we can look at Jesus. He was God in flesh. What is true of Jesus is true of God. “Firstborn” means that He is of highest position over creation. The Son of God is eternal. He had no beginning and had no end. He was present with the Father and Spirit at creation. It was through, in, and for Him that all things in heaven and earth were created. Things seen and unseen. All powers and authorities. He was before all things, and through Him all things are held together in a dynamic way. To diminish the Son of God in any way diminishes the glorious nature of God.
Relate it to your life.
The glory of God is fully revealed in the life and ministry of the Son.
Do something.
“Father, may all praise and glory be given to You and Your Son who reveals all Your beauty. Amen.”
October 29-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:18-20, And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Observe what it is saying.
Pauls’ beautiful description of the Son of God continues as he uses imagery of Christ as the head of the body. He’s our source of life, wisdom, and coordination. The church functions as a cohesive unit because we are led by the Son who holds all things together. He’s the first of all who will rise from the dead. We have the hope of resurrection because He first overcame the hellish powers of death and empowers us to have the same victory as he reigns supreme over every power. Because God’s fullness dwelt fully in Him and through Him, God’s purpose was that all things of earth and heaven would be reconciled to Him. Jesus’ shedding of blood brings the spiritual peace that we all need with God, others, and ourselves.
Relate it to your life.
Know Jesus. Know peace. No Jesus. No peace.
Do something.
“Father, thank You for the reconciling work of Your Son to give me peace with You and others. Amen.”
October 30-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:21-23, Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul highlights the severity of the human condition before encountering Christ. We were alienated and enemies in our minds because of our behavior that opposed God. We were as separated and opposed to God as one could ever imagine. It was God who first acted to reconcile us back to Him at the terrific cost of Christ’s body sacrificed upon the cross. When we believe and receive this incredible gift, we are presented as holy, without any blemish or accusation to God. What a blessing! However, there is a caveat. For this standing to hold, we must continue in our faith, maintain strong belief, and refuse to give up on the hope the gospel offers. Since this gospel is proclaimed all over the world, it’s for all people, not just a limited few. This was why Paul was so passionate to preach everywhere he could.
Relate it to your life.
The glorious gospel changes our standing with God far more than we can ever imagine.
Do something.
“Father, thank you for reversing my eternal status from being an enemy to being Your child! Amen.”
October 31-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:24, Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul has an amazing attitude toward all the suffering he has faced in his travels as he has proclaimed the gospel. He rejoices and sees his suffering as a continuation of Christ’s suffering. The work of Christ was completed on the cross for our salvation, but the witness of salvation must continue in people like Paul, you, and me. We should always see the larger picture when we face opposition and persecution for the faith. It’s for the benefit of the church. That’s why Paul said he was suffering for the Colossians, even though he wasn’t actually with them. Being a follower of Jesus is the most unselfish venture we will ever undertake as we joyfully give our lives away for the sake of building up the church.
Relate it to your life.
God uses faith-filled suffering for the promotion of the gospel and the advancement of the church.
Do something.
“Father, give me strength and a larger vision to understand the greater purpose of suffering. Amen.”
November 1-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:25-27, I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul confirms that he became the servant of the church by God’s commissioning. God calls His servants into His work. It’s not an occupation to choose but a calling to serve Him and His church. In one way or another, we are all called to serve the gospel according to our spiritual gifts. There’s not a believer who is left out of this commission. If you don’t know what your specific calling is, Jesus revealed in the Great Commission that we all have the calling to be a disciple-maker. Like Paul, we have the answer to the mystery that was hidden for so long. We should be eager to share this incredible news because the living Christ is us. He alone is our hope for eternal glory and for all who trust in Him.
Relate it to your life.
I have been commissioned to present the best news anyone has ever had to share.
Do something.
“Father, deeply convict and empower me with the urgent calling you have placed upon my life. Amen.”
November 2-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
Colossians 1:28-29, He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul reminds us that Jesus is the only one we proclaim. We are not called to promote ourselves or anything else. The message is Jesus crucified and risen from the dead. We are willing to teach and challenge one another so that they will stand before Christ on Judgment Day mature in their faith. The goal for Christ’ followers isn’t an easy life but to offer ourselves in wholehearted surrender where we fully submit to Christ’s will. Paul, also, gives us the image of a passionate disciple-maker who engages with all of Christ’s strength as a powerful witness for the sake of others’ spiritual growth. It seems Paul is implying that we cannot become fully grown in our own faith unless we welcome the work of the Holy Spirit to use us to bring the faith to maturity in the lives of others.
Relate it to your life.
My commission to be a disciple-maker is Christ’s plan to fully mature me as I help others along the way.
Do something.
“Father, give me Paul’s Holy Spirit passion to bring others along the path of a blossoming faith. Amen.”
Posted in Daily Devotionals