Key Verse: 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
This passage in Colossians 2: 9-15 is a summary of what happened to us at salvation. It begins with who Christ is and then moves to what he did for us!
1-The Fulness of God Dwells in Christ:
9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
1-When we became Christians we received a spiritual circumcision: We Were Buried and Raised Wih Him
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.[c] 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
2-We who were Once Dead Are Now Made Alive in Christ!
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed[the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross
Key Verse: 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
Prayer: Father thank you that the fullness of God is found in Jesus, your only begotten son! Thank you for cutting away our sinful nature and raising us from the dead through your precious salvation. Thank you for the new life that I know have in Jesus Christ. Help me to share this precious faith with other people whom you have brought into my life. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Fred's Devo 13:10 "Are You a Prisoner of Christ or Something Else?
Key Verses: "...Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,continue to live in him...See to it that no one take you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy..." Colossians 2:6 and 8a NLT
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossiams 2:6-8 - NIV
The Apostle Paul is pleading with the Colossian saints to continue to live in the Christ they have received. He wants them to become strong in their faith by being "rooted and built up in Christ". Big Brother Paul warns the saints at Colossae not to be taken captive by deceptive human philosophies which are human or worldly in origin. Instead, he wants them to be taken captive by Christ! In fact Paul declares in a letter to another group of believers that he himself is a prisoner of Christ! (Philemon 3:1)
The only thing that should hold a Christian captive is his allegiance to Christ!
What is holding you captive today? Money? Fear? People? Worldly Philsophies? Human Traditions? Lusts? Religion devoid of the life of Christ? Other things? If you are being held captive by anything other than your total commitment to Jesus Christ, get yourself free. You can begin by praying this prayer below and taking the steps after the prayer?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this challenging word today! I renew my commitment to Jesus Christ today! Help me, by your grace to be strong in my faith, being rooted and built up in Jesus Christ alone! Show me the things which hold me in bondage. Forgive me for the times when I allow vain human philosophies, traditions, principles, people or things to take me captive. I admit that there are times when I fear what other people may think more than I fear you! By the power of Jesus Christ that lives in me, I renounce my allegiance to all of the things which hold me in bondage! ((name those things and let them go). In the name of Jesus I declare that Jesus Christ is my King of Kings and Lord of Lord!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Prayerful Reflection Questions: Lord, how should my actions and practices change as a result of my new commitment?
Where can I find Christian community and accountability that will help me to live out my new commitment?
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossiams 2:6-8 - NIV
The Apostle Paul is pleading with the Colossian saints to continue to live in the Christ they have received. He wants them to become strong in their faith by being "rooted and built up in Christ". Big Brother Paul warns the saints at Colossae not to be taken captive by deceptive human philosophies which are human or worldly in origin. Instead, he wants them to be taken captive by Christ! In fact Paul declares in a letter to another group of believers that he himself is a prisoner of Christ! (Philemon 3:1)
The only thing that should hold a Christian captive is his allegiance to Christ!
What is holding you captive today? Money? Fear? People? Worldly Philsophies? Human Traditions? Lusts? Religion devoid of the life of Christ? Other things? If you are being held captive by anything other than your total commitment to Jesus Christ, get yourself free. You can begin by praying this prayer below and taking the steps after the prayer?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this challenging word today! I renew my commitment to Jesus Christ today! Help me, by your grace to be strong in my faith, being rooted and built up in Jesus Christ alone! Show me the things which hold me in bondage. Forgive me for the times when I allow vain human philosophies, traditions, principles, people or things to take me captive. I admit that there are times when I fear what other people may think more than I fear you! By the power of Jesus Christ that lives in me, I renounce my allegiance to all of the things which hold me in bondage! ((name those things and let them go). In the name of Jesus I declare that Jesus Christ is my King of Kings and Lord of Lord!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Prayerful Reflection Questions: Lord, how should my actions and practices change as a result of my new commitment?
Where can I find Christian community and accountability that will help me to live out my new commitment?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
12:10 "Be Encouraged in Heart and United in Love"
Today's scripture:
"1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. Colossians 2: 1-5 -NLT
Key Verse: My purpose is they may be encouraged in heart and united in love." Colossians 2:2 NIV
Comment:The apostle Paul continues to reveal his heart for the Colossian converts to Christianity. He wants them to be encouraged in their hearts and united in love. He knows the importance of being encouraged because the scriptures tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:9) He also knows how important it is for Christians to be united in love: 1- We are strengthened by our fellowship with one another. 2-It is a powerful witness to those who do not yet know Christ.
As you go about your day, I want to exhort you to be encouraged in the Lord and in the knowledge of his great love for you. I also want to challenge you to stay connected to the Body of Christ, the fellowship of believers for there we find edification, accountability and strength.
Prayer: Father help me to apply your word today by receiving the encouragement that comes from my relationship with you and help me to stay connected to the body of Christ in love and unity.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
"1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. Colossians 2: 1-5 -NLT
Key Verse: My purpose is they may be encouraged in heart and united in love." Colossians 2:2 NIV
Comment:The apostle Paul continues to reveal his heart for the Colossian converts to Christianity. He wants them to be encouraged in their hearts and united in love. He knows the importance of being encouraged because the scriptures tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:9) He also knows how important it is for Christians to be united in love: 1- We are strengthened by our fellowship with one another. 2-It is a powerful witness to those who do not yet know Christ.
As you go about your day, I want to exhort you to be encouraged in the Lord and in the knowledge of his great love for you. I also want to challenge you to stay connected to the Body of Christ, the fellowship of believers for there we find edification, accountability and strength.
Prayer: Father help me to apply your word today by receiving the encouragement that comes from my relationship with you and help me to stay connected to the body of Christ in love and unity.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Monday, February 1, 2010
11:10 Paul's suffering and labor so we could get the Gospel!
To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:29
As Gentile beleivers, it is easy to forget that the Gospel we now cherish and even sometimes take for granted came to us from the Jewish converts who suffered much persecution to get the Gospel to the Gentiles. The chief among the preachers of the Gospel to the Gentiles was the Apostle Paul! In this passage, we see his heart and passion to share the Gospel with us!
1-Paul Rejoices, even in his suffering for the Church!
24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
2-Paul sees himself as a servant, sent by God to preach the Gospel.
25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—
3-This Gospel was once hidden but is now revealed to Gentiles!
26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
4-Paul preaches and teaches the Gospel so we will grow!
28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
5-Paul labor is powered by Christ!
29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I labor in my own strength or shrink back from sacrifice or suffering. Help me by your power to have the attitude of a servant and labor in the power and energy of Christ. In Jesus Name! Amen!
As Gentile beleivers, it is easy to forget that the Gospel we now cherish and even sometimes take for granted came to us from the Jewish converts who suffered much persecution to get the Gospel to the Gentiles. The chief among the preachers of the Gospel to the Gentiles was the Apostle Paul! In this passage, we see his heart and passion to share the Gospel with us!
1-Paul Rejoices, even in his suffering for the Church!
24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
2-Paul sees himself as a servant, sent by God to preach the Gospel.
25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—
3-This Gospel was once hidden but is now revealed to Gentiles!
26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
4-Paul preaches and teaches the Gospel so we will grow!
28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
5-Paul labor is powered by Christ!
29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I labor in my own strength or shrink back from sacrifice or suffering. Help me by your power to have the attitude of a servant and labor in the power and energy of Christ. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Volume 10:10 "Once Alienated from God: Now Reconciled"
Key Verse: "Once you were alienated from God...now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body." Col 1: 21 a and 22 b NIV
Through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, which we discussed on yesterday, we who were once seperated and alienated from God, are now reconciled to him! As we look today at Colossians 1:21-23: we see that:
1-We were once alienated from God; Now reconciled by Christ
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[f] your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death
2-This reconciliation presented us holy!
22b to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
3-Stay Firm in your Faith because of the Gospel.
23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Prayer: Father, I thank you that though I was seperated and alienated from you because of sin, you reconiled be to you through Jesus Christ. Help me to contimue in my faith, motivated by the good news of the Gospel.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, which we discussed on yesterday, we who were once seperated and alienated from God, are now reconciled to him! As we look today at Colossians 1:21-23: we see that:
1-We were once alienated from God; Now reconciled by Christ
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[f] your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death
2-This reconciliation presented us holy!
22b to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
3-Stay Firm in your Faith because of the Gospel.
23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Prayer: Father, I thank you that though I was seperated and alienated from you because of sin, you reconiled be to you through Jesus Christ. Help me to contimue in my faith, motivated by the good news of the Gospel.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Volume 9:10 Jesus our Creator, Ruler and Reconciler
Key Verse: Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth." Colossians 1:15-16 NLT
This passage gives a terrific statement on the diety of Chirst( that He is God) and his role in creation of heaven and earth.
As we continue to read through the passage we discover some wonderful things about the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord!
1-He created Everything:
16 for through him God created everything incuding the seen and unseen:
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
2-He was here before Creation and he holds things together:
17 He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
3-He is Over the Church and the Body of Christ:
18 Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.[f]
So he is first in everything.
4-The Fulness of God is in Christ.
19 For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
5-Through Christ, everything was reconciled to God
20 and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. Colossians 1:16-20
Prayer: Father, thank you that you are the Creator of the Universe! Lord I submit to you as my King and Ruler. Thank you for reconciling me to God through your precious blood.
Help me now to live a life of obedience to you. In Jesus Name! Amen.
This passage gives a terrific statement on the diety of Chirst( that He is God) and his role in creation of heaven and earth.
As we continue to read through the passage we discover some wonderful things about the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord!
1-He created Everything:
16 for through him God created everything incuding the seen and unseen:
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
2-He was here before Creation and he holds things together:
17 He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
3-He is Over the Church and the Body of Christ:
18 Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.[f]
So he is first in everything.
4-The Fulness of God is in Christ.
19 For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
5-Through Christ, everything was reconciled to God
20 and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. Colossians 1:16-20
Prayer: Father, thank you that you are the Creator of the Universe! Lord I submit to you as my King and Ruler. Thank you for reconciling me to God through your precious blood.
Help me now to live a life of obedience to you. In Jesus Name! Amen.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
8:10 Pauls Prayer for the Colossians:My Prayer for You and Me
Key Verse: "So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you." Colossians 1:9a
It must have been encouraging for the Church at Colossae to read these words from Apostle Paul!
In verses 9 through 11, we see Paul's prayer for the Colossian believers. It is a wonderful insight into Paul's care for these believers and their growth in the Lord. It is a good model of prayer that we can pray for ourselves and other believers that we care about.
Notice Paul's heart and prayer for the Colossian saints in 1:9-11:
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,[c] 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom[d] and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:9-11 (NLT)
Paul Prays the following for the believers at Colossae:
1-That God would give them complete knowledge of His will.
2-To give them spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Result: They will honor God and produce good fruit and grow as they get to know God better
3-He prayed that they be strengthened with all his glorious power.
Why: So they would have endurance and patience
4-He prayed that they would be filled with joy-always thanking the Father
What the Father has done: (This is what I have to thank the Father for)
1-He has enabled us to share in the inheritance
2-He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear son
3-He purchase our freedom and forgave our sins
Lord, I pray that the above would be true for me and all the believers in my life. In Jesus Name Amen!
It must have been encouraging for the Church at Colossae to read these words from Apostle Paul!
In verses 9 through 11, we see Paul's prayer for the Colossian believers. It is a wonderful insight into Paul's care for these believers and their growth in the Lord. It is a good model of prayer that we can pray for ourselves and other believers that we care about.
Notice Paul's heart and prayer for the Colossian saints in 1:9-11:
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,[c] 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom[d] and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:9-11 (NLT)
Paul Prays the following for the believers at Colossae:
1-That God would give them complete knowledge of His will.
2-To give them spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Result: They will honor God and produce good fruit and grow as they get to know God better
3-He prayed that they be strengthened with all his glorious power.
Why: So they would have endurance and patience
4-He prayed that they would be filled with joy-always thanking the Father
What the Father has done: (This is what I have to thank the Father for)
1-He has enabled us to share in the inheritance
2-He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear son
3-He purchase our freedom and forgave our sins
Lord, I pray that the above would be true for me and all the believers in my life. In Jesus Name Amen!
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