We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth (Colossians 1:3-6)
Paul’s epistle to the church in Colosse is filled with great insight. First he specifically addresses those who have been separated from sin and set apart to God —the believers in Colosse. Giving thanks for other believers in Christ is a great way to intercede in prayer to the Lord, Paul also brings the designation that Jesus was one in nature with God, it was an affirmation of Christ’s deity. Hope laid up for you — The believer’s hope is inseparable from his faith, because the believer’s hope is a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3) which Pauls points out is awaiting in heaven. These Christian saints have already heard the gospel, which is the good news of Christ’s victory over Satan, sin, and death. The gospel was never intended for an exclusive group of people; it is rather good news intended to reach the whole world by transceding all ethnic, geographic, cultural, and political bounderies. Paul also notes that their growth in maturity as a Christian, is marked by their fruit-bearing life.
Beloved friend, if you were visited by a long ago friend, would they see conditions of a changed or transformed life in you? Do you have a reputation of being a faithful believer in Christ? Does your hope go beyond this life, and is set in eternal life with Him? These are just a few questions we can ask ourselves about our Christian life, and the fruit bearing effect of our maturity in Christ. Remain steadfast in your faith and trust in His grace to help in all areas of life.
May the Lord bless your walk today!
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