Archive for July 2023
Colossians 3:1-14: How to Be Holy
1 Chronicles 12-14, Psalm 129, Luke 8:26-39, Colossians 3:1-14 Colossians 3:1-14: So having made it clear in the previous chapter why it is that trying to become holy by religious ceremonies and rules does not work, Paul now shows them how instead they are to become holy. Throughout these verses he has a simple metaphor. He says that we…
Read MoreColossians 2:16-23: How Not to Grow as a Christian
1 Chronicles 10-11, Psalm 128, Luke 8:16-25, Colossians 2:16-23 Colossians 2:16-23: Down through the years, many different theories have been suggested for “how to become more holy.” The Colossian Christians were dealing with a false teaching that was telling them that the way to get holy was through religious ceremonies and religious rules. Not so, says Paul! Holiness…
Read MoreColossians 2:8-15: The Fullness of God
1 Chronicles 7-9, Psalm 127, Luke 8:1-15, Colossians 2:8-15 Colossians 2:8-15: Then – as now – there are many “philosophies” that purport to show us how to live a successful life. What is the best way to master your bad habits and put your life on a pattern towards success? How do you achieve health and wealth? What…
Read MoreColossians 2:1-7: Five Ways to Encourage Strong Faith
1 Chronicles 5-6, Psalm 126, Luke 7:36-50, Colossians 2:1-7 Colossians 2:1-7: Paul is concerned that the Colossian Christians stay committed to Christ and do not wander off into false teaching. How to do that? How to ensure that we stay believing the right things and doing the right things? How to show them that what they have already…
Read MoreColossians 1:15-29: Theology and Practice
1 Chronicles 3-4, Psalm 125, Luke 7:18-35, Colossians 1:15-29 Colossians 1:15-29: Some people find the word “theology” to indicate something that should only be done by the professionals, the clerics, the experts, or the academics. But rightly understood, theology is something that all Christians need – and are to become biblically grounded experts in. We want to know…
Read MoreColossians 1:1-14: Thanksgiving and Prayer
1 Chronicles 1-2, Psalm 123-124, Luke 7:11-17, Colossians 1:1-14 Colossians 1:1-14: What do you thank God for and what do you pray for? Learn from the apostle Paul regarding that for which he is grateful and for which he prays. Paul thanks God for the Colossians’ faith. That is the first thing that comes to mind to be grateful for. Not their health. Not…
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