Established and firm in the faith

“…if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved 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.” Colossian 1:23

Paul is worried whether the Colossians will remain faithful, as he later states that he is confident they have understood what it means to be reconciled they will remain faithful to the gospel that reconciled them (Col. 2:5). He writes this as an expression both of confidence and as a warning to avoid the religious fads of the false teachers. It is obvious that Paul is also concerned about the sin of neglect; we simply stop paying attention and being drawn not toward God looking at faith, but rather ourselves.

God grant us a steadfast heart; one that is focused solely on you and the wonderful provisions you have made for our reconciliation. Let nothing, including ourselves, be allowed to move us away from the center of your will.

Made right with God

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 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. Colossians 1:21-22


Before reconciliation everyone was and is at odds with God. All of us were alienated and separated from God. See Ephesians 2:11–12 for another perspective on our position before reconciliation.

We were enemies in our minds. Our thoughts and our attitudes were hostile to God. Before we trusted Christ, our entire way of thinking was contrary to God’s. For us, and for those who have yet to be reconciled, the problem was and is simple; we refused to accept God’s evaluation of us as being sinners. We would also not accept God’s remedy for the situation, which is total dependence on Christ.

We were also enemies in our behavior. It’s not just that we thought wrong; we also acted wrong. Despite our opposition to God, he reconciled us through the death of Jesus.

The outcome of this reconciliation is peace and a future of hope. Our slate of sin has been wiped clean, and we look forward to the day we will stand before God holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

Reconciliation

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 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. Colossians 1:19-20

Jesus was not just a good man or teacher; he is much more than that. Jesus is the full embodiment of God’s attributes and saving grace. It is only through Jesus that God is able to reconcile to himself to you and me. Reconciliation is the taking away of hostility and the reinstating friendly relations to parties who have been at war. God has reconciled us by making peace through Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross; therefore moving us toward restored harmony with him.

Christ is supreme

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. Colossians 1:18

Jesus is sovereign over creation; and he is sovereign over the church. Jesus began his church, and he is its source of life and strength. The church takes its direction from Jesus and is under his authority. Our allegiance, as members of his chrch, is to Jesus.

Firstborn here has nothing to do with time. Others preceded Jesus in rising from the dead; Lazarus is one example (John 11:38–44). Jesus is first in rank. Others were raised only to die again. Jesus was the first person to rise, never to die again. He conquered death! (Now that is good news!) We have hope because of his death and resurrection (Philippians 3:10). Because of his resurrection, we are assured of our own resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20–23).

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17

Jesus is eternal, which is an attribute that can only be true of God; scripture states “he is before all things.” Jesus is also the powerful sustainer of the universe. The work of creation includes continually sustaining what was created. His power guarantees that the universe is under control and not chaotic, regardless of what things appear.

God does not create something, and then abandon it. No, he sees things through until completion. That includes the world he created, but also his work in us. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians (vs. 6), “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” And, as the old Sunday School song says,

He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.

It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,

The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.

How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.

What a great God!

He is Lord!

“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

There is a simple reason why Jesus holds the highest rank in creation; because he is the Creator of all things. There is nothing in the created order that Jesus did not create (John 1:3). Because he is the Creator, Jesus has absolute supremacy over all creation, including anything that is worshipped by those who choose not to follow him. Since only God can be the Creator, this means that Jesus, the perfect “photograph” of God, is even more than that; Jesus is God!

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15

Most people think Jesus was a good person and teacher; they have no problem at all with Jesus until you say, “no one comes to the Father, except through him” (John 14:6). According to false teachers in Paul’s day, Jesus got equal billing with a vast number of spirits flowing out of God. They said Jesus could be prominent, but he certainly wasn’t preeminent. Paul boldly tells the truth about Jesus.

Jesus is the image of God. The word Paul used here for image is the closest in ancient Greek to our word for photograph. Jesus is the perfect representation of God. This verse and others (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 1:17) tell us that God is invisible. The Phillips translation states (vs. 15), “Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.”

Not only is Jesus the perfect picture of God, but he also holds the highest rank in the universe. Jesus is the firstborn over all creation. Firstborn is a term of rank more than it is a word of time (Ps. 89:27). The right of the firstborn was the right of privilege and priority. It was the honored position in the family. Jesus is the firstborn—the highest rank—in all of creation.

Redeemed and Forgiven

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

The good news of the Gospel is God Himself has rescued us from the dominion of darkness; therefore, delivering us from the ruling power of sin. The good news doesn’t end there; God has brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. God has transferred us; he has moved us from one place to another. He has taken us from Satan’s dark realm and placed us into the bright light of Jesus’ kingdom.

God’s work of salvation includes redemption and forgiveness. To redeem someone means “to buy them back and set them free.” Jesus’ death was the price paid to buy us back and set us free from sin. Because of Christ’s death, we are set free from both the penalty and the power of sin. He has forgiven us, which is the canceling of the debt of our sin; something we could never repay. Thanks to God we are redeemed and forgiven.

Inheritance of righteousness

“…who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:12b

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14. This alone is a strong statement, however, taken in view of Isaiah 64:6, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags,” it goes into the realm of impossible. Left to our own devices, we are truly lost.

The good news is God alone qualifies us for anything coming to us (inheritance). God has always taken the initiative in bringing believers into his righteous presence. Perhaps Paul was thinking of Leviticus 11:44, “Be holy, because I am holy” (also 1 Pet 1:15). No one can claim holiness, apart from God’s declaration. When God qualifies us for his kingdom, he supplies righteousness, a necessary requirement for salvation. Since he declares us to be righteous by his grace, he alone qualifies us for entrance into the kingdom. Is it any wonder why this verse begins by the words, “giving thanks to the Father?”

Thankfulness

“…giving thanks to the Father...” Colossians 1:12a

Those who walk in the will of God are to be joyful thankful. This thankfulness is a heartfelt, genuine thankfulness that grows out of the experience of our salvation. We must never forget what God has done for us, and we should allow that life-changing experience to bring daily joy. God is to be thanked because he qualified us for an inheritance (1:12); he rescued us from darkness (1:13a); and he brought us into the Son’s kingdom (1:13b). We need to be consciously aware of our salvation; and we need to continually thank God for it.

Divine power

"being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience..." Colossians 1:11

Power is shown in two ways, first it is the ability to power something, and second, it is the power to rule or control. Here the text reads, "being strengthened with all power." Paul stresses that power is available to all believers. We need power to endure circumstances of life and to positively relate to other people. Endurance is the capacity to bear up under difficult circumstances.  All of us face events in life that must be endured; that power is available from Christ.

Patience is being emotionally calm in the face of provocation or misfortune without complaining or irritation. If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that aggravation usually comes from other people. However, Christ provides us with the power to endure the struggles that come our way, and to do so with patience. Neither circumstances nor people are to upset the believer who is centered in the will of God.  The good news is that this power is available to all who know Christ.

Pleasing God

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10

A characteristic of those in God’s will is continued spiritual growth. There are two elements of spiritual growth that come together in this verse: valuable service (fruit) and growth in knowledge of God. “Bearing fruit in every good work” refers to the reproductive aspect of the Christian’s calling. A natural product of our Christian life must be the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives. Second, there will be an increase in the knowledge of God. We, as believers, should be ever increasing in our knowledge of God, both mentally and spiritually. This should be a primary goal or motivation of our life. Paul, in his testimony to the Philippians (3:10), stating emphatically, “I want to know Christ…” Paul’s prayer is that we may live a life worthy of, and pleasing to, the Lord; to do that we are to bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.

Knowing Him

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9

Paul prayed specifically for knowledge of the will of God, to fill the believers with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Paul stressed a true knowledge of God and his will. Such knowledge must come from God since he alone clearly reveals his own mind. God takes the initiative to reveal himself (and his will) to those who seek Him. Most truths may be learned; divine truth must be revealed “through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Our response is to trust him to do His will.

Spiritual understanding includes wisdom: the acquisition of knowledge and the appropriate application of that knowledge. It gives the believer the ability to “act and think spiritually.” We must place ourselves in spiritual environments with hope and expectation that God will reveal his will regarding specific situations and matters. Paul’s point was not the difficulty of knowing God; it was the attitude required by the seeker of knowledge. God desires us to know Him; and that knowledge is readily available through Christ.

Faithfulness

You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:7-8

The gospel message advances through the world by men and women who are called by Christ, and faithfully,communicate Gospel message of grace. Paul spoke of Epaphras, and his faithfulness. This is all we know about him, yet, there is no higher attribute than faithfulness. What is the one thing that you and I will be noted for?

Gospel of Christ

“…that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” Colossians 1:6

The Gospel will always bear fruit and grow! The growth is both reproductive (“bearing fruit”) and maturing (“increasing”); together the gospel accomplishes the work God intends. Paul uses the same term in verse 10 in his prayer for the Colossian Christians for their growth in the knowledge of God’s will; that they would please God by, “bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

The Gospel must be solely focused on the person and work of Christ; there must be no other message preached. The advance of the gospel is the advance of the work of God in changing the lives of those who hear and believe the message.

Hope

“…the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel.” Colossians 1:5

Hope, subjectively, is an attitude or feeling that things will turn out okay. However, Paul used “hope” here in an objective sense; “that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel.” Hope inspires us and gives assurance and peace, even in life’s most difficult situations. Hope produces spiritual fruit (love and faith).

The Gospel of Christ gives us hope. The literal translation reads, “the truth, which is the gospel which came to you.” We have no need to seek some new teaching; the gospel is the word of truth.

Practicing faith

“…because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints.” Colossians 1:4

Paul had never visited the church at Colosse, however, he knew of its faithfulness. The wording, “faith in Christ Jesus,” suggests a 'practicing of faith,' rather than simply a statement of faith. Faith is the basis of our relationship with Christ. Paul refers to the writing of Habakkuk in Romans (1:17), “just as it is written, ‘the righteous will live by faith.” In fact, without faith (Hebrews 11:6), "it is impossible to please God."

The second evidence of the Colossian Christians’ growth was the presence of love. Love within the Christian community is indiscriminate, “love you have for all the saints.” Jesus said that love is the basis for unity in the Christian community (John 17:20–26). Such love fulfills two divine objectives: It represents Jesus to the world and it perfects the body of Christ.

Thank God for others

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. Colossians 1:3

Throughout his writings, we see the importance of prayer for Paul. He could pray in times of difficulty, and he could pray in times of joy. Here he demonstrates his thanksgiving in prayer. Paul wanted the people to know that he actually remembered them in prayer, although he had never met them. He was, as we read on, thankful for their faith and growth.

Paul believed in the supremacy of Christ; all things begin with, and are held together by Christ. Therefore, it should be no surprise that Paul begins his demonstration of gratitude with prayers of thanksgiving to God. When we pray for others in brings God into the equation. When we tell others that we thank God for them in our prayers, it makes the thankfulness more powerful.

Perfect love

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

We have confidence that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Jesus. Paul’s list of ten terms moves from physical danger through the hierarchy of superhuman powers, those that now exist or ever will, powers from on high or from below, and concludes in the inclusive phrase “anything else in God’s whole world.” There is absolutely nothing that can ever separate the child of God from the love of his or her Heavenly Father. It is true that life contains its full share of hardships. But, our God is greater than any circumstance, and is at work in all things to conform His children into the likeness of his Son. Although we may be involve with some serious pruning from time to time (John 15:2), we may be sure that love is at work on our behalf. We are forever united with the one who is perfect love.

Victorious

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Psalm 44:22 says, “Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered,” which Paul found so appropriate to his situation. The troubles that we face as Christian are nothing new; but have always been the experience of God’s people. Nevertheless in all difficult situations we are winning an overwhelming victory through the One, who has proven his love for us over and over again. It is the love of Christ that supports and enables the believer to face adversity and to conquer it. God does not want us to “grin and bear it; no, we are to be victorious through our faith in Christ, who is ever present in our trials. We are to cling to His promise to never leave nor forsake us. It is Christ's love and presence in our lives that will empower us to overcome all the obstacles of life.