Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!
<< Bible Pathway

Bible Pathways 12/06/2001


December 06

Read Colossians 1 -- 4

Our Lord has provided strength . . . according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11) to overcome the works of the flesh for all who have a heart to please the Lord.

As we read all of God's Word with a desire to please Him in all things, the Holy Spirit guides us into a deeper revelation of His will and His ways. There is no limit to the understanding, strength, and endurance that are made available to every Christian. Christ alone, through His Word, can reveal and meet all of our spiritual needs. To help us grasp the importance of this, Paul wrote: For this cause we . . . pray for you, and desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That you might walk worthy of the Lord . . . being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks to the Father (1:9-12). Notice how often the word all is used all wisdom . . . all might . . . all patience.

What follows is the practical expression of the new life in Christ.

The Christian is buried with Him (Christ) in baptism, wherein you were also raised with Him through faith in the operation of God, who has raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh (sensual, sinful carnal nature) . . . having forgiven you all your trespasses (2:12-13). And, as evidence of this new life as Christians, Paul emphasized that we must put to death the evil desires of our earthly nature: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (indecent lust such as homosexuality and lesbianism), unholy desires and covetousness, which is idolatry. For which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience (3:5-6).

As a Christian, our life is hid with Christ in God (3:3). Because of this, it is possible for every believer to be filled with His Spirit and empowered by Christ's own supernatural Life. Because of this, every Christian has become part of the Body of Christ. Christ is the Head of the Church . . . and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word; That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church . . . Holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:23). Christ our Head is in Heaven; therefore, eternal values have caught our heart's interest. The Christian's strength in fulfilling God's will is the result of letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom (to the Lord and) whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:16-17).

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Rep. Cass Ballenger (NC), Rep. Benjamin Gilman (NY), Rep. Ray LaHood (IL), Rep. Patsy Mink (HI), Sen. Don Nickles (OK), and Rep. William Thomas (CA) · BPM Staff: Rick Hash · Pray for Bible Pathway Faith Promise Supporters · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mt. Olivet Christian Church · Country: Jamaica (3 million) in the West Indies · Major languages: English and Creole · Religious freedom · 78% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 7% Afro-American spiritist · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you discernment and an understanding heart (1 Kings 3:9).

Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:21



More Bible Pathway Articles