COLOSSIANS

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:5    . . . because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel.

    To think of "hope," usually I think of something that I do and pray that the Lord will grant. Here it seems to indicate that the angels and residents in heaven are hoping for our welfare and success - which is opposite what we are doing. It's nice to know that we are being thought of on the "other side." (DRM 7/26/09)

1:6    (faith and love) which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understand the grace of God in truth;

    This is the beginning of the book to the Colossae church. Paul knew these people and knew the good works they were doing in the name of Jesus. This is an encouragement verse like 'keep on keeping on' and helps me to know the priorities of God and Christ. (DRM 10/8/2000)

1:7    just as you learned it [the gospel truth] from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,

    Paul and Timothy were brothers in the Lord (v.1), and were what we call "iterant preachers." In this verse the name of Epaphras is added. God has called each of us to do a specific job for Him. These three people heard His call - and acted on it! (DRM 8/6/06)

1:9    For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

    This refers to intercessory prayer. Paul didn't pray just for his own well being, but also for the needs of others. We all have different needs and sharing those needs to close Christian friends helps them to pray for your specific needs to the Father God and Son; Jesus.
    It's always good to have others pray for you. (DRM 10/5/11)

    [Re: 1:9b]    As I continue to read the Bible, I always ask for understanding of what I am reading. By continuing my readings, I pray that I will be a better witness to His glory and be able to share His word with others. (DRM 12/3/86)    

    Paul's prayer on behalf of the Colossians (1:9-14) is a rich model of intercessory prayer. It is a consistent, ongoing petition on their behalf for the wisdom, grace, knowledge, strength, and maturity to live for Christ effectively in a broken world. (Bill Crowder, Our Daily Bread)

1:10    . . . so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

    This is part of a four verse sentence concerning the knowledge of the will of God. Paul is stating/praying that the believers in the "church" will continue to grow in faith and share their faith by good works. The other verses in this sentence list other things that the believers should be doing. (DRM 7/27/09)

1:13,14    For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved son, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

    What happened that January day in 1986? Jesus changed my heart and also did all of the things in these two verses. I can never stop thanking Him for the greatest gift of all! (DRM 10/9/2000)

    What did we (I) do to cause God to deliver us from Satan's kingdom to His own? Nothing! It's hard for people today to accept the free gift. They want to buy it with good works or money. The big mystery to me is how He chose me - but I'll be eternally thankful that He did. (DRM 8/7/06)

1:15    He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

    What does God look like? We don't know - but here Paul states that Jesus looked just like Him - or that Jesus was a physical manifestation of God. Still, since there was no photography at that time, we don't know FOR SURE what Jesus looked like either. Even though I've never seen Jesus or God, I have faith that They exist based on events and answered prayers. (DRM 7/28/09)

1:16    For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created by Him and for Him.

    This description of Jesus Christ seems so clear to me - He's God! But really He's 1/3 of the Trinity which is harder to explain to non-believers. No matter how you say it . . . Jesus Christ is God. (DRM 10/10/2000)

1:18    He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything.

    This is part of a description of Jesus. There seems to be no limit to His power or authority. Jesus is God. Knowing that, it's amazing that He loves me, and that I'll meet Him someday in Heaven. (DRM 8/8/06)

1:20    and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 

    The word atonement comes to my mind here. This is a reminder that Jesus came to be a substitution for our sins, but only at great cost - His death. Praise God for His gift of His Son Jesus Christ! (DRM 10/11/2000)

1:22    yet He [Jesus] has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him [God] holy and blameless and beyond reproach - 

    This is another reminder of what Christ did for us by dying on the cross. His substitutionary death for us is the ONLY way to Heaven. (DRM 10/12/2000)

    This is probably the most important part of the gospel message. If Jesus died and wasn't resurrected, our faith would be dead. But He came back and still is alive - which shows His acceptance by God to be a substitute for our sins. Only Jesus can do this. (DRM 8/10/06)

1:23    . . . if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

    The previous verse (22) reminds us how Jesus saved us through His death to be our substitution. This verse seems to indicate that we (I) must continue in the faith continuously from the moment of conversion.
    While that seems hard for a younger person, I think if the conversion is genuine, the Holy Spirit will come in and we will always desire to please Him - for the rest of our lives. (DRM 7/29/09)

1:25    Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God. 

    Paul knew his "mission" as he stated here. As I read the Bible over and over, I believe that all Christians should have the same mission as Paul had, but they ignore it. God willing, I will do better than average. (DRM 10/13/2000)

1:27    to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

    This sentence begins in verse 25. Paul is referring to himself as a minister to the body of Christ. Like Paul, God has shown us more and more of His plans (this mystery) as time has progressed. This is a reason for hope - as we can see the final conclusion - apparently coming very soon. (DRM 8/11/06)

1:28    We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

    As I just printed the verse above, I noticed that the term "every man" is in this verse three times. It seems that the Lord, through Paul, wants to remind us that He wants every man (humankind) to hear the gospel.
    What am I doing to tell and teach everyone about Jesus, the Christ? (DRM 7/30/09)

    Paul and his associates had a mission that Jesus gave them - to teach and preach to "every man" - which also includes women, I'm sure.
    They (Paul and others) were given wisdom through the Holy Spirit and the word of God (Old Testament) and from association with the other disciples/apostles that were still alive and sharing their experiences with him (Paul).
    Like Paul, leaders (pastors, ministers, priests) of the church today should be teachers of the Bible - to make it clear to all what the contents mean and to develop mature believers in Jesus Christ. (DRM 12/4/11)

1:29    For this purpose also I [Paul] labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

    This purpose, to proclaim Him (v. 28), was Paul's purpose in life after conversion. The Holy Spirit filled him and worked within him to grow in knowledge and directed him on what to say, where to go, and what he should do next.
    While my (our) conversion wasn't as dramatic as Paul's, shouldn't we be striving to do the same? We are to be led by the Spirit and proclaiming His word in whatever way He gives us. (DRM 12/22/11)

2:2    . . . that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself.

    While Paul was writing to the church in Colosse, in verse 1 he refers to the church in Laodicea which appears to be a nearby city on the map. No matter what church he is writing to, even ours, the thought should be the same - to have Christian love for each other and to continue to grow in the faith - thus becoming more like Christ Himself. (DRM 7/31/09)

2:2b,3    . . . that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

    After salvation, the Holy Spirit gives us a clear understanding of what has taken place. With the help of the Bible, we learn more about Christ and what He did for us. As I pray for wisdom - He gives me more knowledge. (DRM 10/14/2000)

2:5    For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

    All believers can't be together until we are with Christ in Heaven. Until that day, we are in various cities and parts of the world, trying to serve Christ. So, we must pray for each other and be thankful for the work that others are doing to proclaim His Kingdom - as they are called. (DRM 8/11/06)

2:6,7    As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk with Him, ⁷having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. 

    There are 4 major directives here: 1. Receive Christ. 2. Walk in Him. 3. Be firmly rooted/established in your faith and 4. overflowing with gratitude. Thank God I have no problem with 1,2 & 4, the need is in #3. God will have to keep teaching me His word and plan all of my life. (DRM 10/15/2000)

2:8    See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

    There were/are many diversions in the world to keep us from honoring and serving Jesus. There are false teachers everywhere and people who have their "own views" that don't necessarily agree with the Bible. How can we (I) avoid being deceived?
    The answer is to stay in the Word of God - the Bible - the true source - instead of man's writings. (DRM 8/1/09)

2:9,10    For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, ¹⁰and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;

    The only way that I can do anything for the Lord is by accepting His rule and authority in my life. He is the Person who made me and must direct my life. (DRM 10/16/2000) 

    [re: 2:9]    Non-Christians have a hard time comprehending who Jesus is/was. This verse is very clear - Jesus is God. Once I understood this - and trusted in Him alone, then most of the rest of the Bible became much clearer. I pray that others will know Him in the same way also. (DRM 8/12/06)

2:16    Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day - 

    Freedom in Christ. He has definite plans for my life, but I am also free to do many things within His will. I can choose what to eat or drink or where to go and where to worship, so long as I honor Him. (DRM 10/17/2000)

2:18    Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind. 

    Yes, I am guilty of "self-abasement." Sometimes I do it to humble myself and say I'm not "that" good, or "that" bad. Yes, I know people who worship angels - but why not go to the Source? Let me not make up my beliefs, but totally depend on the Lord God through Jesus. (DRM 10/18/2000)

    There's a lot that could be written about this verse, but in the middle angels are mentioned. . . A few years ago, angels were the "craze" and I think some even worshipped them. Clearly, God wants us to know about angels' existence, but to worship Him alone. (DRM 8/13/06)

2:20-21    If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21"Do not handle, do not taste, don not touch!" . . .

    This seems to be in conflict with the story in Genesis about Adam and Eve, but I think the point is that we are no longer restricted in what we can eat or handle or touch, because we are already believers in Christ.
    Adam and Eve were restricted by God Himself - where Paul states the restrictions were put on us by the world, like legalism. (DRM 8/2/09)

3:1-2    Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

    The first goal in life should be to please the Father and to share His love with everyone I (we) come in contact with. While I have to work to earn a living, I also must not dwell only on earthly things/gain, but also give time to promote the kingdom of Heaven - as that truly will be my home. (DRM 8/3/09)

3:2-3    Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. ³For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 

    I should have one thing on my mind - serving God. Dying to self means not to be self-serving, but God-serving. This is easier said than done. I would think it nearly impossible to do with a wife and children. God, help me to serve You more! (DRM 10/19/2000)

    [re: 3:2]    I fail at this a lot. I still have hopes and plans on all the things I'd like to do before I leave earth - as Heaven is still too wonderful to imagine. I think that God wants my earthly goals to be ones that serve His Kingdom - like sharing my faith with others. (DRM 8/14/06)

3:5    Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

    Another list. True Christians shouldn't be doing any of these things. I will admit that temptation exists to try to cause me to do them, though! I think the hardest one today is greed - desire for more. (DRM 10/20/2000)

3:10    and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him. 

    New life! God gives us new life in different ways. He created our bodies before we were born, He gave me spiritual renewal in 1986, He is constantly opening my eyes to more of His knowledge and truth, and, He will give me a new body when I get to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Praise the Lord! (DRM 10/21/2000)

3:12    And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 

    Some items in this list are natural to me and others I need work on. It depends on the circumstance. I can see my compassion growing, but patience needs work and humility may be work in the future. I have to lean on my Lord Jesus Christ for all. (DRM 10/22/2000)

    Here's another list for Christians - but I think there's a difference - before I was a Christian I may not have had all of these qualities - but they seem to have been given to me by the Holy Spirit afterwards. It's like His Spirit took over my body - which indeed happened. (DRM 8/15/06)

3:13    . . . bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

    This is directed to believers in Christ. (v. 12)
    We are all part of one spiritual family, but also sinners saved by grace. There are times when one believer will not agree with another (especially on worship style!), but we are to bear with others and forgive them if they have done any sin against us.
    As time progresses, the sin that another Christian has done to me (you) fades and God has a better plan for the future. (DRM 12/14/11)

3:13b,14    . . . forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

    When I get angry with someone, I usually don't forgive or apologize very quickly. When this happens in the future, I should remember how Jesus Christ forgave us for ALL our sins, and if He could do that, then we should be loving and forgive others for our petty differences with each other. (DRM 12/1/86)

3:15    Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

    I can't deal with confrontation - it causes adrenalin in my body to flow and it take a while to recover. As stated here, God=Jesus wants us to live peacefully with others - not only believers, but also ALL people. Each day is a gift from God, and we (I) am thankful for another opportunity to show His love to others. (DRM 8/4/09)

3:17    And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

    Ever since the person who spoke to me about the Lord suggested that I was "transparent," I never wanted to lose it. I want people to see my faith and don't want to hide it. The hard part is speaking my faith for fear of ridicule. God will have to give me that ability as I can't do it alone. (DRM 10/23/2000)

3:20    Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.

    Certainly as a child, I need more work on relating to my father. I try to do as he asks, but still have minor differences. God, give me patience and obedience. (DRM 10/24/2000)

3:22    Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

    In the USA we no longer have slavery, but we have the employer/employee relationship that this applies to. This verse says not to just do our work, but to do our work to the best of our ability - thinking of it as a service to the Lord. The attitude we should have is that we are trying to please Christ, then the employer will be happy as a by-product. (DRM 8/5/09)

3:23,24    Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; ²⁴knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

    Wherever I am - when I do my work, I look around and find distractions. With my new NYS job, the distraction of conversation surrounds me. I don't feel very productive. I still try to "keep focused" on my work and hope that the Lord accepts that. (DRM 10/25/2000)

    When I am at work - and doing non-Christian duties, it's hard to realize that my deeds are for the Lord Jesus. He is my true Supervisor and knows my heart's attitude in ALL that I do. I must remember that He is always watching. (DRM 8/16/06)

4:2    Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;

    Quite often my longest prayer of the day is before going to bed. Several times I have fallen asleep in praying. In this verse, Paul emphasizes we should KEEP ALERT in our prayers in addition to the attitude of giving thanks to God for His provisions. Perhaps my long daily prayer should be at a different time? (DRM 8/17/06)

4:3, 4    . . . praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ for which I have also been imprisoned; ⁴that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

    Here Paul seems to be saying, 'please pray that I will be a bold witness for Jesus in the way I speak.'
    I think all Christians should feel the way that Paul felt, even though we don't want to be imprisoned for it!
    Every person is given a different gift and some of us have to share the gospel to others more boldly than others. Jesus wants ALL of us to share in some way. (DRM 10/1/11)

4:5    Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

    This is clearly about evangelism - sharing Christ with others. When I (we) talk to others, what do we talk about? The weather? Whatever the conversation, the Lord wants it to lead others to follow Him. Certainly I need wisdom on how to bring the conversation to a discussion on faith. (DRM 8/6/09)

4:6    Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.

    I still wonder what I will be saying when I tell unbelievers of Christ's love. I am depending on the Lord for the words, but hope that by using my past experiences in talking will be a seasoning and not as salt on a wound. (DRM 10/26/2000)

4:7    As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.

    While our modes of communication are different today (e-mail and cell phones, etc.), Paul still wanted the new believers to be informed about his travels and to instruct/encourage them in their new faith. I should do the same to my Christian and other friends - more than I do. (DRM 8/18/06)

4:8    For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

    This small section refers to friends of Paul that were sent to encourage the believers. The way this verse is written, the friends were to tell them about how Paul was doing [maybe he was in jail?], but mainly to encourage others — not put them down. (DRM 10/27/2000)

4:9    . . . and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here.

    Onesimus was the slave that Paul wrote to Philemon about. To be "one of your number" probably indicates that he was from Colosse. Rather than writing any longer, Paul was sending these people with the letter to explain his current status and to encourage them in their faith walk.
    Paul needed encouragement (v. 11) in his faith walk; he was sending others to encourage the Colossians, so we (I) also need people to encourage us in our growth and walk in the faith. (DRM 8/7/09)

4:12    Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

    Today's term for Epaphras would be "prayer warrior." While all of us are not called to be prayer warriors, we are told to "pray without ceasing" — which I think is to share our day's activities with the Lord in prayer.
    God=Jesus wants to be consulted on all that we do and is willing to give direction - if we keep still enough to hear the Holy Spirit within us. (DRM 8/8/09)

4:16    And when this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

    Paul intended for the letters to be public, as they are addressed to churches. The interesting part of this verse is the letter sent to Laodicea. Where did it go? What did it contain? Only God knows. (DRM 8/19/06)

4:17    And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."

    Apparently Archippus was called by the Lord to do some ministry for the church. In Paul's final statements, he wanted to encourage Archippus to do this ministry. I should take this quote as an encouragement for the ministry that I feel that the Lord wants me to do for His church. (DRM 10/28/2000)