Bible Pathways 12/06/2003
December 6
Read Colossians 1 -- 4
In Today's Reading:
The supremacy of Christ; reconciliation in Christ; warning against false teaching; the new life in Christ; Christian virtues
As we continue reading God's Word with a desire to please Him in all of our decisions, 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: We . . . do not cease to pray for you, and to 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 to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks to the Father, Who has made us meet (qualified) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints (believers) (Colossians 1:9-12). Notice how often the word all is used — all wisdom . . . all pleasing . . . all might. . . all patience.
What follows is the practical expression of the new life in Christ for all believers. Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, Who has raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has He quickened (made alive) together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses (2:12-13). As evidence of this new life as Christians, Paul encouraged the new believers to mortify (treat as dead) therefore your members (physical nature) which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness (sexual immorality), inordinate affection (lust), evil concupiscence (desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience (3:5-6).
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. . . . And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him (Colossians 3:16-17).
Word Studies:
1:12 made us meet to = qualified us to; 1:13 translated = transferred; 1:23 settled = steadfast; 2:4 beguile = deceive; 2:23 will worship = self-imposed efforts at worship; 3:5 mortify = put to death; concupiscence = evil desire; lust; 3:22 singleness = sincerity; 4:1 just and equal = right and fair.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Universal Printing, printers of Bible Pathway in the U.S. · Government Officials: Rep. Cass Ballenger (NC), Rep. Benjamin Gilman (NY), Rep. Ray LaHood (IL), Sen. Don Nickles (OK), and Rep. William Thomas (CA) · Country: Estonia (2 million) northeastern Europe · Major languages: Estonian and Russian · Religious freedom · 38% Protestant; 20% Estonian Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord; He will never forsake you (Psalm 9:10).
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:5
