Session 1
From NewSpring at Home: A Study on Colossians
Paul writes to the church at Colossae to encourage them to remain steadfast in their walk with Jesus. In this short letter, Paul addresses believers as “saints” who have been rescued from darkness and brought into the kingdom of Christ.
The letter declares Jesus to be central and supreme. Jesus is the fundamental of faith; the key unlocking every mystery. Later, Paul will describe the religious and worldly mindsets of the day, but first, he lays a foundation of who Jesus is and why He is first and best in all things.
Paul recounts with joy what He has suffered for God. He is persecuted and in jail for the same message He once attempted to extinguish. Paul takes satisfaction in hoping that his suffering matches the suffering of Christ. Paul is ready to suffer for the Church as he brings the message of Christ to the world.
There is so much for us in this letter. Just like the Colossian church, we see the Gospel growing, not only in the world but also in us — from the moment we received it to now. The Gospel never stops working in us, the Church.
Paul’s heart for the Colossians expresses God’s heart for us. Can we stand firm in our faith? Yes, we can. For the same Jesus who rescued us from darkness is filling us with the knowledge of His will, strengthening us for what’s next, and making us thankful in all things.
Pray
Father, thank you for the Gospel that grows in us. Fill us with the knowledge of your will. Strengthen us with your power. Thank you for bringing us into your kingdom. Thank you for sending Jesus to rescue us. You are first and best in all things.