The third and fourth Beatitudes encourage us to keep seeking after Jesus and the Kingdom of God.  It speaks to an ongoing feeding on Jesus which keeps his person central in our daily activities and faith journey.

The first two Beatitudes focus on the central value of the’ poor in spirit’.  Such an attitude addresses the need for dependence upon God as we follow him in obedience.

Paul ends his letter to the Colossians with a double exhortation: be devoted to prayer; walk wisely before the world.  He calls us to trust in God’s strength as we live out our kingdom values for the glory of God.

As Paul encouraged us to take off the old self, he now encourages us to put on the new self of Christ. It is a life which reflects the values and actions of Jesus which are manifested in peace, love and a spirit of thanksgiving.

Paul encourages the believer to take off the old self of immorality and greed and to put on the new self of love and compassion for others.  As we do so we will experience the abundant life of the Spirit now and forevermore.

Paul encourages the Colossian church that nothing needs to be added to the work of Chrsit for our salvation - Christ is completely sufficient to meet our every need.

Paul invites the Colossian church (and us) to keep exploring the riches of Christ.  The key is to keep going deeper into Jesus and not be side-tracked by secondary issues.

Paul explains ‘the mystery of the ages’ – that God is creating a new people comprised of Jew and Gentile – a new humanity drawn from every nation and people group.  The key is the infilling of ‘Christ in us the hope of glory’, whereby we all share in the person of Jesus as our source and guide for life.