Paul wants the Colossians to embrace Jesus and His people through selfless love. He continues this idea by giving three specific examples of how Christians should serve Jesus and His people in marriage, family, and as slaves and masters. Although we are not in the same situation as these slaves and masters, we know what it feels like to be in a situation that’s less than ideal. We’ve all been in chaotic circumstances, difficult relationships, or tough jobs. And in all things, no matter the situation, we work for God and His glory. We know that following Jesus doesn’t guarantee us an easy life. Jesus promises the opposite. In all that we do and in every relationship, we can look to Jesus and rely on the His Spirit to help us step up in love

Paul wants the Colossians to embrace Jesus and His people through selfless love. He continues this idea by giving three specific examples of how Christians should serve Jesus and His people in marriage, family, and as slaves and masters. Although we are not in the same situation as these slaves and masters, we know what it feels like to be in a situation that’s less than ideal. We’ve all been in chaotic circumstances, difficult relationships, or tough jobs. And in all things, no matter the situation, we work for God and His glory. We know that following Jesus doesn’t guarantee us an easy life. Jesus promises the opposite. In all that we do, and in every relationship, we can look to Jesus and rely on the His Spirit to help us step up in love

Jesus secured our salvation through His death and resurrection. He defeated every spiritual authority and gives us new life when we choose to follow Him. We are no longer bound to the authorities and rules that once imprisoned us—we’ve died to them with Jesus. But we sometimes find ourselves submitting to the rules of the world, just as Paul cautioned the Colossians against. Instead of planting our foundation in the shaky things of this world, we must remain connected to the Head—Jesus Christ. In Him, we find freedom from sin, wisdom for daily life, and strength to pursue holiness. Paul urges the Colossian church to no longer follow the world’s empty laws and to put sin away. Have you been submitting to the flawed rules of this world rather than to Christ?

Jesus secured our salvation through His death and resurrection. He defeated every spiritual authority and gives us new life when we choose to follow Him. We are no longer bound to the authorities and rules that once imprisoned us—we’ve died to them with Jesus. But we sometimes find ourselves submitting to the rules of the world, just as Paul cautioned the Colossians against. Instead of planting our foundation in the shaky things of this world, we must remain connected to the Head—Jesus Christ. In Him, we find freedom from sin, wisdom for daily life, and strength to pursue holiness. Paul urges the Colossian church to no longer follow the world’s empty laws and to put sin away. Have you been submitting to the flawed rules of this world rather than to Christ?

Jesus reigns supreme over all creation. All things were created through Him and for Him. He rules over the seen and the unseen—the physical and the spiritual world. From the foundation of the world, He has authority over the created realm. By defeating death, Jesus rules over it and made a way for us to be reconciled to God. His sacrifice solidifies His supremacy. From your salvation to your work to your inner thoughts, Jesus has authority over it all. With these truths in mind, we can embrace the challenge Paul gives to the Colossians to pursue maturity. Take time to consider whether or not your life reflects the supremacy of Jesus. Are there any areas of your life that you need to submit in surrender to Jesus’ authority?

Jesus reigns supreme over all creation. All things were created through Him and for Him. He rules over the seen and the unseen—the physical and the spiritual world. From the foundation of the world, He has authority over the created realm. By defeating death, Jesus rules over it and made a way for us to be reconciled to God. His sacrifice solidifies His supremacy. From your salvation to your work to your inner thoughts, Jesus has authority over it all. With these truths in mind, we can embrace the challenge Paul gives to the Colossians to pursue maturity. Take time to consider whether or not your life reflects the supremacy of Jesus. Are there any areas of your life that you need to submit in surrender to Jesus’ authority?

Paul wrote Colossians from prison alongside Timothy. He penned the letter to correct wrong theology circulating in the church in Colossae by emphasizing the supremacy of Jesus. He begins by encouraging the church to continue to grow in faith, wisdom, knowledge and fruitfulness as they embrace the fullness of the gospel. To be a mature follower of Christ is to know God and His gospel so fully that it permeates every aspect of our lives; live life full of the Spirit, characterized by love, hope, and faith. Living this way begins with the simple truth that God has delivered us from sin and death by the work of His Son-- justification. We are now under His rule, free to follow Him wherever He leads-- sanctification. We are to pursue maturity.

Paul wrote Colossians from prison alongside Timothy. He penned the letter to correct wrong theology circulating in the church in Colossae by emphasizing the supremacy of Jesus. He begins by encouraging the church to continue to grow in faith, wisdom, knowledge and fruitfulness as they embrace the fullness of the gospel. To be a mature follower of Christ is to know God and His gospel so fully that it permeates every aspect of our lives; live life full of the Spirit, characterized by love, hope, and faith. Living this way begins with the simple truth that God has delivered us from sin and death by the work of His Son-- justification. We are now under His rule, free to follow Him wherever He leads-- sanctification. We are to pursue maturity.

Followers of Jesus are called to be lights in the darkness. To be a light means not caving to the culture, but being steadfast for Christ, pointing others to the Light. We live in a dark world, full of lies, hate and confusion. But God’s Word tells us to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” While others are chasing after physical pleasures and selfish gain, we are commanded to live a different way. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others,” but that was not the whole sentence. He went on to say why it is important to shine: “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our goal should never be recognition for ourselves, but to bring glory to God.

Followers of Jesus are called to be lights in the darkness. To be a light means not caving to the culture, but being steadfast for Christ, pointing others to the Light. We live in a dark world, full of lies, hate and confusion. But God’s Word tells us to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” While others are chasing after physical pleasures and selfish gain, we are commanded to live a different way. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others,” but that was not the whole sentence. He went on to say why it is important to shine: “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our goal should never be recognition for ourselves, but to bring glory to God.