Monday's Message: Reconciled

Colossians 1 // “Reconciled”

Paul is writing to the Church at Colosse after his conversation with the founder of this church,  Epaphras. (1:7) Paul had never met these folks, but as the Apostle to the Gentiles, he was very concerned about their understanding and growth as believers. Paul was now limited by his imprisonment, but still desiring to proclaim truth, and give instruction to the churches. After Paul’s introduction and tone setting segment of this Epistle, He makes several repeated Old Testament references to build the doctrinal foundation of this message. We see references to Genesis, Exodus, Psalms and Proverbs (1:15-20).

Paul shares a little bit about his own suffering and why it brings him joy, rather than misery. He is suffering for Christ’s sake and because it allows him to know God in a greater way. He informs them that circumstances do not determine the outlook of those who know God “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27) He goes on to describe the Christian’s transformation in Christ: It is no longer about culture; It is about “things above” (3:2) not this world. The understanding of the family structure, marriage dynamic, and lifestyle is formed around God and His Word.

1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

-     All of you who are part of the church were at some point in time lost

·       Alienated – estranged; non-participant

·       Enemies – hateful adversary

·       By wicked works – carnal deeds that satisfy and please the flesh

·       Reconciled – Brought into friendship from a state of disagreement or enmity; made consistent; adjusted.

1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

NOTE: Grammar rule // Colon Use a colon after an independent clause when the following clause offers an explanation of the initial statement.

1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

-     “If” also translated “be” G1489

·       This is an explanation and exhortation NOT A CONDITION!

·       One word specifically chosen and placed by God

·       Causing us to examine these verses much more closely than me might have were it worded differently!

-     REALIZE THIS: the refinement and the transformation that God brings into our lives is optional! That is what we call “free will”.

·       If we don’t stay close to Him through prayer, Scripture, and church – we will not grow!

·       If we place our faith in ourselves or in anything besides HIM – We will force God to waste His time proving Himself to us again and again.

·       This time that could be spent on maturing as a believer will instead be consumed in a vicious cycle of us saying, “God you lead… not that way… not that fast… let me do it… God help me… God you lead… (repeat)!”

-     This verse is teaching us:

·       If we will stay as dependent on God throughout our Christian lives as we are in the context and moment of Salvation then we will place no limits on His ability to mature our faith and refine our lives and transform who we are!

·       We will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, reach our potential for GOD!!

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: