Day #349

Sermon - Audio
Colossians & Philemon - Reading
Colossians & Philemon - Audio

Daily Insights - Please Comment

The book of Colossians in the master story of the Bible:

At its widest angle, Colossians takes in the whole story of Jesus Christ from his being before the beginning of creation to his destiny as the glorious goal of all things that exist. Here the Bible makes its most explicit statements about the work of Christ as Creator. If it is true that in Jesus “all things hold together” (1:17), then this must include the Bible itself, which is his story. But Colossians also shows how the story of Jesus becomes our own story by faith: we have been crucified, buried, raised, and exalted with Christ, and now his life in us is the hope of our own eventual glory. -ESVLB-

Chapter 1

In verses 15-20 we see Paul give a summary of the person and work of Christ. Except, to truly come to a knowledge of these facts and of our King, requires a relationship with this very King. In verses 21-29 Paul lays out some aspects of this relationship to the work of Christ. Look at the passage and find the things that God has called us, as a body of believers gathered by the Spirit (church), to do/be while on mission for Him within this world.

Chapter 2

If Paul is correct in saying that "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" are found within Christ, what does that mean about the importance of seeking Christ? Does our life say that we actually believe this statement by Paul?

Chapter 3

While Paul asks us to "set our minds on things above, and not on earthly things," but Paul is not saying that we disengage from the world. What he is saying is that we are a new creation, and this new creation lives completely differently as they have life in the Spirit. In verse 12 and beyond we see this life interacting and responding differently within relationship to one another. At your job...how does the way in which you respond and interact with others look differently than those around you? Does it?

Chapter 4

In verse 10-11 we see "Mark" - This is the same person as “John Mark,” who accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey and suddenly departed (Acts 13:13) and over whom Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement (Acts 15:39). Mark is now being used in the mission of God and is being effective even though he once wasn't...at least according to Paul. We are not certain but it is very possible that Baranbas' mentoring of Mark was vital in his growth. Are we looking for people that God is leading us to who are passionate for Him, but don't exactly have it "all figured out?" Will they be the ones that God uses to change the world? Who do you know around you that needs some guidance and direction?

The book of Philemon in the master story of the Bible:

The theme of Philemon is the power of the gospel to transform lives (“formerly he was useless” but “now he is indeed useful,” v. 11) and to impact human relationships (receive him “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother,” v. 16).

The Chapter

Paul is Onesimus' advocate. Paul asks Philemon to cancel the debt that Onesimus owes to Philemon, and not only cancel the debt, but to accept him as a brother. This is a beautiful picture of love for someone who is "undeserving" by most standards. While Paul could have just told Philemon what to do, instead he shares his heart and love for Onesimus. Paul identifies himself as a prisoner of Christ right from the beginning. Why does he do this in his letter to Philemon? How would this alter/change the attitude of Philemon?