May 22, 2014
RESCUED! THANK YOU, JESUS!
Colossians 1:1-14
David Newcombe
Central Truth
When you were formerly in darkness and no Light was in your life, the Light sought you out and rescued YOU! You were given a new heart, a new Spirit, and a new life! You're now one of the Lord's chosen people, and heirs according to promise, CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT! HALLELUJAH!
Key Verse | Colossians 1:13
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. (Colossians 1:13)
Colossians 1:1-14
Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brothers 1 1:2 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters in Christ at Colossae:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. 2 1:7 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word sundoulos, see Preface He is a faithful minister of Christ on your 3 1:7 Some manuscripts our behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks 4 1:12 Or patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you 5 1:12 Some manuscripts us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Footnotes
[1] 1:2 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters[2] 1:7 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word sundoulos, see Preface
[3] 1:7 Some manuscripts our
[4] 1:12 Or patience, with joy giving thanks
[5] 1:12 Some manuscripts us
Dive Deeper | Colossians 1:1-14
In my life before Christ, I wondered why life was so full of disappointment and dissatisfaction. I was always striving, never achieving, and never really happy because I didn't understand true happiness. I didn't love God, honor Him, or serve Him! I was not a loving husband or father. I was demanding and did not listen. I was impatient and held grudges. I even hated! I did not know real love. I didn't understand myself! Yes, there were glimpses of "happiness"; however, they also were fleeting! Maybe I should just work harder, read more books, and surround myself with "successful" people, I thought. Then maybe my circumstances would change and that change would rub off and change me! (John 15:5)
What I didn't realize, because of my spiritual blindness, was that I wasn't living and instead was being held captive in darkness. And what was that darkness? It was immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, fornication, idolatry, and adultery! After some 47 years of blindness, the Lord graciously opened the eyes of my heart to hear the Word of truth, the gospel! My life was radically transformed. In other words, He made me a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)! THANK YOU, JESUS!
He granted me an understanding of who Jesus is and that He was crucified for me (1 Corinthians 2:2)! I learned about the grace of God in truth, which compelled me to grasp my life verse of Galatians 2:20! I rejoiced in my qualifying to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light (Colossians 1:12). HALLELUJAH! This created joyfulness and regular thanksgiving to God for redemption and the forgiveness of my sins (Colossians 1:14). He promised He would give me a new heart and put His Spirit in me (Ezekiel 36:26-27). I am free to LOVE the Lord; LIVE for Him; SERVE, WORSHIP, and HONOR Him -- daily reading and meditating on Jesus' Word, having Faith alone in Christ alone (Matthew 4:4)! New life in Christ is absolutely out of this world! Believe me -- it is true! As I live, my prayer for you is Colossians 1:9-13!
Discussion Questions
1. What sin(s) are you practicing that are holding you captive and preventing you from living out Colossians 1:10?
2. How does your daily walk reflect "IT" and the joyfulness for the saving power and mercy of God and His rescuing you?
3. If you do not have IT, how do you get IT? If you want IT, read Isaiah 55:6-7! And then, ask for IT!
4. Since the day you heard of IT, how often have you prayed for loved ones, church leadership, and those who are spiritually dead who need IT? If not often, why not?